Whiskies Of The World Awards: Indian Whisky Wins Big

A panel of the whisky world’s brightest names met recently to blind taste over 100 of the world’s finest expressions, from influencers to industry makers. This was for the famous Whiskies of the World Awards, which honour the best tipples each year. 

Which Indian whisky was called ‘the best in the world’ after winning at the Whiskies of the World Awards?

Indri Whisky, a smokey smooth single malt from India was just named Best in Show, Double Gold at the Whiskies of the World Awards, beating out a number of Scotches, Bourbons, and other top malts. Piccadilly Distilleries’ peated offering is matured in wine casks for a long period, and each sip sings with flavours of chocolate, fruit, and nuts. 

A unique moniker among the sea of American bourbons and Scottish single malts? Piccadilly Distilleries’ Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023 is an Indian whisky. The brand, whose production method screams excellence from cask to bottle, attests to the country’s growing desire for smoke and oak. Not to mention that it’s one of the most well-known local names in the industry.

Why is this win such a big deal? 

The Whiskies of the World Awards (WoWA) is an annual competition and awards event that focuses on recognizing and celebrating exceptional whiskies from around the world. It provides a platform for distilleries and whiskey producers to showcase their products and compete for prestigious awards. 

Indri is the first Indian whiskey to win this prestigious honour. 

How is this single malt made?

This single malt is painstakingly crafted in the Himalayan foothills with six-row barley chosen in Rajasthan, where it has been produced for centuries. It also takes water from the Yamuna River’s fresh glacier water. 

This is then distilled in traditional Indian copper-pot stills and matured for a lengthy time in Pedro Ximenez (PX) Sherry Casks. The latter gives the dram a dark amber hue and delicious, currant-like aromas.

Meanwhile, the region’s subtropical environment allows the malt to combine with the wood barrels in an unusual way. What is the payoff? A peated whisky that is as smokey as it gets. 

Toasted nuts, candied dry fruits, spices, oak, and bittersweet chocolate pervade each sip. This bottle, which represents refinement and exclusivity, has swiftly garnered a fantastic reputation in whisky circles. 

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