Tag Archives: Craft Whisky

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.”

Piccadily Targets 1 Million Cases of Whistler Barrel Whisky in 3 years

  • Relaunches Whistler Barrel Aged Blended Malt Whisky
  • Positioned in mid-premium segment

Piccadily Agro Industries Limited has relaunched Whistler Barrel Aged Blended Malt Whisky, featuring new packaging and premium blend.

Piccadily said that Whistler’s new avatar is a celebration of barrel ageing, maturation and the art of blending. The finest matured malt and grain spirits have been handpicked and aged in oak wood barrels, creating a whisky that’s smoother, more elegant and even more memorable than before, it said. Inspired by the Whistler Warbler, a vibrant songbird native to the region of Indri, the packaging reflects the whisky’s premium ethos with a modern and sophisticated design.


The relaunched Whistler expression offers a more layered and complex drinking experience—crafted for today’s evolving palate, yet grounded in traditional whisky-making excellence.

Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Warm and inviting, with dried apple and apricot at the forefront. Vanilla cream and caramelised malt add delicate sweetness, complemented by toasted oak, cinnamon, and floral hints.
  • Palate: Silky and well-rounded with a rich malt core. Notes of toffee, pineapple, and vanilla glide through the sip, underscored by gentle spice and warmth.
  • Finish: Medium to long, leaving a graceful trail of mellow sweetness and soft refinement.

Whistler Whisky (750 ml / 42.8% ABV) will be available across premium retail outlets and on-trade venues across India, with plans for export expansion in the coming months, the company said.

“Whistler’s new premium look is more than a brand refresh — it’s a strategic play to capture the next wave of premium whisky consumers,” said Praveen Malviya, CEO – IMFL, Piccadily Agro Industries Limited. “With its elevated blend and bold new identity, Whistler is poised to disrupt the mid-premium segment. Our goal is ambitious — 1 million cases in the next three years — and we’re confident Whistler will become a powerhouse brand that redefines what Indian blended malts can achieve.”