Scotch & Whisky
Of all the spirits that flow freely in India, whisky is the one with the most devoted fan base. Whatever the kind may be, any celebration in the country calls for the presence of whisky.It's a common fixture in parties, inside or outdoors, as well as the drink most reached for after a tiresome day.
It's the preferred potion to warm up the body with when confronted with biting winter cold, and the perfect addition to classic cocktails. And whether it's Indian whisky brands that are easy on the wallet or the pricier single malt Scotch whiskies in the market, India consumes the intoxicating liquid with equal ease and zest.
It's worth noting here that all scotches are whisky, but not all whiskies are scotch! Scotch is a pure and refined beverage which was originally made from malted barley while whisky was made from wheat and rye when it was first introduced in the late 18th century. Scotch whisky is a legalized term created to protect whisky made in Scotland. By law, scotch whisky has to be distilled and matured in oak casks for at least three years.
The number on the bottle denotes the minimum age of the drink. Scotch can only be purified to 94.8% ABV, which is higher than bourbon. But, like bourbon, it has to be bottled at minimum 40% ABV. Scotch could taste like anything because Scotch is produced among many distinct regions, with refining traditions and environmental conditions that strongly influence the final flavor of the Scotch.
The statistics show that India is a nation of whisky drinkers consuming more than half of what is sold globally. Let's look at the best Scotch brands in India & available with us - after which you might need at least one dram of it.
Royal Salute
- Founded in 1801 in Scotland, Royal Salute is a brand of Scotch whisky produced by Chivas Brothers.
- Named after the traditional 21-gun salute, Royal Salute whisky is aged for at least 21 years and is a luxurious, distinctive spirit.
- The first bottles were launched at the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II. It is loved for its oak, honey, and dark chocolate flavor notes.
The Glenlivet
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of The Glenlivet: 40% ABV
Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- The best-selling single malt whisky in the United States, and undoubtedly one of the most famous whisky brands in India, The Glenlivet 12-year-old boasts of a soft, smooth balance of sweet summer fruits and fresh floral notes.
- This is one of the most popular single malt whiskies across the world, and the Glenlivet distillery is famous for being the first officially licensed whisky distillery in Scotland, and thus in a way, starting it all.
- The charming flavours of oak, apple juice, vanilla and honey will engulf your senses as you take a sip from one of the best whisky brands in India as well as the globe.
Talisker 10
Alcohol By Volume Percentage of Talisker 10: 45.8% ABV
Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Brimming with subtle red fruit flavours after being aged in American oak casks that previously contained port, Talisker 10 boasts of a sweet and peat palate with hints of rocky flavours.
- It's a complex whisky that frequently gets pitted under the best whisky brands in India, owing to its intricate aromas and complex notes, as well as the warming, citrusy and peppery finish.
- It's one of those highly revered single malt whiskies you have to absolutely try as a whisky enthusiast!
Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of The Glenlivet: 40% ABV
Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- The best-selling single malt whisky in the United States, and undoubtedly one of the most famous whisky brands in India, The Glenlivet 12-year-old boasts of a soft, smooth balance of sweet summer fruits and fresh floral notes.
- This is one of the most popular single malt whiskies across the world, and the Glenlivet distillery is famous for being the first officially licensed whisky distillery in Scotland, and thus in a way, starting it all.
- The charming flavours of oak, apple juice, vanilla and honey will engulf your senses as you take a sip from one of the best whisky brands in India as well as the globe.
Indri-Trini Single Malt
The world of whisky is always looking for the next big thing, and for many that would be Indri-Trini Single Malt, a peated single malt matured in sherry casks. Overseen by former Amrut master blender and distiller Surrinder Kumar, the company has been making waves for a few years now, recently winning big at the 2023 Whiskies of the World Awards this October with their Indri Diwali Collector's Edition 2023, which claimed the prestigious Best in Show, Double Gold Award. That whisky isn't yet available in markets, but you can still find the acclaimed Indri-Trini Single Malt for a pretty decent price considering the critical accolades showered on it.
There's baking spice and oak on the nose, with pineapple and lychee peeking out in that first sip. Let it roll around in your mouth and you'll be rewarded with a touch of cinnamon and tropical fruit. Three casks are involved in the process of maturation, with bourbon, red wine, and sherry aiding and abetting in the final taste as our tastebuds will allow us.
Johnnie Walker
- Originated in the Scottish town of Kilmarnock, Johnnie Walker is a brand of Scotch whisky now owned by Diageo.
- The brand was first established by grocer John Walker. It is the most widely distributed brand of blended Scotch whisky in the world and is sold in almost every country.
- Who can argue with the idea of breaking each unique blend down according to colour? At the top of the line is Johnnie Walker Blue, which might very well be the smoothest whisky you can buy for the money. That said, we're more partial to the Black Label and Red Label given the price point.
- Best-known expression: Red, Black and Blue Label
- Johnnie Walker's true icon is indeed the Black Label. Its iconic square bottle makes it one of the world's most recognizable scotch whiskeys and is recognized as the benchmark for all other brands. It can be enjoyed in any form, be it on its own or as a mixer, but is recommended to have it with soda. It is created using only whiskeys aged for at least 12 years from the four corners of Scotland and is matured in heavily charred old oak casks. It has a smooth, deep, complex character with a sweet, fruity aroma.
Chivas Regal
- Chivas Regal is a world-famous scotch produced by Chivas Brothers and traces its roots back to 1801.
- The distillery is the oldest operating Highland distillery.
- This is a very refined blended whisky, with herbs, honey and fruit springing forth on the palate. F. Paul Pacult described Chivas Regal as "the blend for grown-ups", awarding it an impressive 9 out of 10 and the sales grew by 61% between 2002 and 2008.
Jack Daniel's Old No.7
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 : 40% ABV
Category: Tennessee Whisky
- Now, this is indisputably one of the best whisky brands available in the market, that doesn't really need an introduction, right? Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whisky is perhaps one of the most famous whiskies in both the world of alcohol as well as pop culture, and one sip of this sweet and smooth whisky later you will understand why.
- The iconic whisky brand has been awarded around 7 gold medals as an ode to its quality and distinct taste, packed with butterscotch notes and a long toasted oak finish.
Jameson
Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Jameson: 40% ABV
Category: Irish Whiskey
- This one of a kind whisky deserves a spot in every list of the best whisky brands in India, owing to its world-famous Irish blend alone. This crisp whisky comes with a beautiful golden honey hue, along with a smooth and quality taste, triple distilled to perfection.
- The popularity of Jameson Irish Whiskey has stood the test of time, and the exceptional balance of spicy, nutty and vanilla tones, topped off with a mellow finish that will greet you at every sip, more than proves why.
Ballantine's
- The Ballantine's flavour is dependent on fingerprint malts and is blended with fifty single malts and four single grains.
- The brand has won many accolades and awards for its products and is the world's second-highest selling Scotch whisky.
- This scotch whisky stands out for its smokey barley, creamy vanilla and sweet caramel flavours.