Tag Archives: Award Winning Whisky

Godawan Artisanal Indian Single Malt wins Double Gold at Monde Selection 2025

Godawan Artisanal Indian Single Malt Whisky has been awarded Gold Medals for both its expressions, Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded and Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice, at the 2025 Monde Selection Quality Awards. This dual recognition further cements Godawan’s position as India’s most awarded single malt in recent times, with over 90 national and international accolades to date.  

Unlike standard blind-tasting formats, Monde Selection adopts a comprehensive evaluation process, assessing each spirit not only for flavour and aroma, but also for authenticity, craftsmanship and purpose. This makes Godawan’s continuing wins at Monde Selection even more meaningful, affirming that Indian whiskies are not only on par with the world’s best, but also bring a unique identity to the global stage. 

 Crafted in the heart of Rajasthan, Godawan is India’s premium artisanal single malt whisky with a distinct story, one rooted in place and purpose. Named after the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, locally known as Godawan, the brand represents mindful luxury and a profound respect for craft and conservation. Distilled in the arid climate of Alwar, Rajasthan, Godawan undergoes a unique ageing process shaped by the desert’s intense heat, which accelerates maturation and yields a richer, more full-bodied spirit. Using locally sourced six-row barley and a selective cask finishing process infused with Indian botanicals, each expression delivers layered complexity and refined character, resonating with both seasoned connoisseurs and curious new consumers. More than just a premium whisky, Godawan is backed by a strong commitment to sustainability, contributing to water conservation and ecological restoration initiatives across Rajasthan through Diageo India’s broader CSR efforts.  

 “As India’s most awarded single malt whisky, receiving consistent recognition from platforms like Monde Selection is a tremendous honour. This growing global momentum reaffirms our belief that India is not only crafting world-class whisky, but doing so with a distinctive identity, rooted in provenance, craft, and purpose. Year after year, we remain committed to upholding quality and consistency that resonates across cultures & continents,” says Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer, Diageo India. 

Building on this momentum, the brand has recently launched its latest Travel Retail Edition, now available on select duty-free shelves in Bangalore and Dubai. 

DOAAB India Craft Whisky Crowned ‘India Whisky of the Year 2025’ On the Global Stage

DŌAAB India Craft Whisky awarded Gold with 95 points at the Berlin International Spirits Competition 2025, where it was also bestowed with the coveted title of “India Whisky of the Year 2025”.

This milestone triumph underscores DŌAAB’s commitment to redefining the Indian whisky narrative through a seamless blend of heritage, innovation, and uncompromising quality. The brand’s debut expression, 01 Six Blind Men and the Elephant, encapsulates the essence of creative exploration and craftsmanship. Aged exclusively in 100% ex-bourbon barrels, this limited-edition single malt offers an evocative journey of flavour, a sensorial celebration rooted in Indian tradition and elevated by modern expression.

On the nose, it bursts with tropical fruits, golden honey, and creamy vanilla, elegantly intertwined with notes of dried dates, toffee, and charred oak. The palate unfolds with layered richness, nutty barley malts, cinnamon, warm spices, and toasted almonds, finishing in a long, refined trail of vanilla, coconut, and mellow oak. With only 500 casks ever produced, DŌAAB stands as a bold and rare tribute to India’s evolving whisky identity.

Further solidifying its global credentials, DŌAAB also clinched Silver at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge 2025 in London a competition known for its rigorous standards and international acclaim. This is in addition to its earlier recognition at the London Spirits Competition 2025, where it was awarded Bronze with 89 points. DŌAAB India Craft Whisky has been also hailed as Indian Single Malt Whisky of the Year 2025 nationally.

Shekhar Swarup, Joint Managing Director, Globus Spirits Ltd., said, “To be named India Whisky of the Year and win at the world’s most respected spirits competitions is an extraordinary honour. DŌAAB is not just a whisky, it’s our bold statement to the world about what Indian craftsmanship can achieve. These international recognitions, from Berlin to London, reaffirm our commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new global benchmarks in quality, creativity, and authenticity.”

Amrut Bags Triple Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Amrut Distilleries from Bengaluru has walked away with several awards at the recently concluded 2025 edition of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). Amrut made history by becoming the only Indian distillery to take home three Double Golds and an additional Gold.

The Double Gold winners are Amrut Fusion Single Malt; Amrut Indian Single Malt; and the Amrut Kurinji Indian Single Malt, while Amrut Peated Indian Single Malt bagged a Gold.

It was in 2010 that Amrut Fusion really put Amrut on the world map when Jim Murray, author of the Whisky Bible declared Fusion as the third best whisky in the world. Since then, there has been no looking back for Amrut, with the Indian market also standing up and taking notice.

At the San Francisco competition, it was Amrut Fusion which captured the imagination of the judges. Amrut Fusion, the brand ambassador of Indian Single Malt, is sourced from barleys from two distinct regions – Himalayas and peated barley from Scotland. It is distilled and matured separately in both old and new American oak barrels at the Benguluru distillery.

Amrut Indian Single Malt is the backbone of the brand’s identity. Using locally sourced barley and traditional techniques, Amrut captures the essence of the Indian terroir. The Amrut Peated Indian Single Malt offers a layered drinking experience.

The relatively newer Amrut Kurinji has quickly made its mark by portraying a different side of Indian whisky – one that’s unorthodox, adventurous, and expressive. It’s part of a new generation of spirits that aren’t afraid to take risks, much like the independent bottlers that inspired it. Bottled at 46% ABV, Kurinji epitomises the essence of Indian craftsmanship and terroir. Named after the Kurinji flower which blooms every 12 years in the Nilgiri hills, the whisky pays homage to the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Rakshit N Jagdale, Managing Director of Amrut Distilleries, said, “We are extremely pleased to receive this award from such a prestigious forum. It reaffirms that we are crafting spirits of truly world-class repute, and strengthens our resolve in the continued pursuit of delivering exceptional quality to our consumers.”

Shah Rukh Khan’s D’YAVOL Inception Wins Gold at Berlin

D’YAVOL Inception, the flagship blended malt Scotch whisky from D’YAVOL Luxury Spirits, has been awarded Gold at the prestigious Berlin International Spirits Competition (BISC) 2025. The Berlin International Spirits Competition stands out as the only European spirits competition judged exclusively by trade buyers, including sommeliers, beverage directors, and retail experts from across the continent. Spirits, RTDs, and non-alcoholic spirits are evaluated based on category and actual price, ensuring a real-world assessment of quality and value.

Shah Rukh Khan, Co-Founder, D’YAVOL, says, “Consistent recognitions like these fuels our drive to keep pushing boundaries and setting new standards. It’s always rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged on a global stage.” 

Inception is a blend of eight rare single malts, selected from Scotland’s whisky regions — Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and the Islands. Aged up to 12 years, Inception undergoes an extended maturation in first-fill Tawny Port and rare Madeira casks, adding layers of depth and richness. 

Launched in 2023, this non-chill filtered whisky preserves its full depth of flavour, mouthfeel, and character. Its complex profile unfolds with rich notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and oak spice, complemented by subtle hints of smoked wood, ripe plums, spiced vanilla, and a gentle smokiness. 

Bunty Singh, Co-Founder, D’YAVOL, says, “Winning multiple international awards including ‘Best Overall Scotch’ at the New York World Spirits Competition and now a gold medal at the Berlin International Spirits Competition 2025 is an incredible honour. These back-to-back wins reaffirm our commitment to crafting spirits that stand out on the world stage.” 

Alongside Inception’s Gold medal at BISC 2025, the brand’s Single Estate Vodka was also awarded a Silver Medal.