Tag Archives: Whisky of the Year

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

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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.

Godawan 100 adjudged ‘Single Malt Whisky of the Year’

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Godawan 100, a Collector’s-Edition artisanal single malt, from Diageo India, was adjudged the ‘Single Malt Whisky of the Year’ at the 2024 London Spirits Competition. With 96 points, Godawan 100 topped the score charts in the single malt whisky category from across the world.

Godawan 100 boasts pronounced tropical notes, a lighter palate and a short finish. Its sweet palate reveals notes of caramel, charcoal, cinnamon, and anise, leading to a long, dry finish. Filip Stribrny, Judge, London Spirits Competition, explained “Godawan 100 is a very complex whisky, with rich flavours of dried fruits, sultanas, and dark chocolate. It also has a very balanced flavour profile with a dark, dry finish of oak.” 

As India’s first artisanal single malt whisky from Rajasthan, Godawan is pushing boundaries in whisky craftsmanship and this can be witnessed in the other expressions from the brand portfolio, Godawan01 rich and rounded and Godawan 02 fruit and spice, being awarded gold medals at the London Spirits Competition 2024. 

“Judges loved the quality of producers from India in the 2024 edition of London Spirits Competition and among the brands, Godawan was the best-preferred brand where all the products from the brand got gold medals,” said Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, organiser of London Spirits Competition. 

These wins add to the Godawan’s record tally of 42 national and international accolades for its liquid innovation, packaging design, and marketing campaigns – establishing it as the most awarded Indian single malt in the recent times. In 2023, the whisky made India proud at the globally renowned Monde Selection Quality Awards in Brussels –securing a Grand Gold Medal for its 02 Fruit and Spice Expression and a Gold Medal for its01 Rich and Rounded expression. 

The whisky is slow-trickle distilled from locally sourced six-row barley, thereby extracting optimal sensory performance. Distilled in Alwar, Rajasthan, the liquid is matured at temperatures exceeding 100°F, resulting in a whisky with a rich and complex character. The arid climatic conditions observed in Godawan contribute to a heightened “Angel’s share” phenomenon, imparting an extraordinary flavour profile that enthralls the senses.  Godawan’s 01 rich and rounded expression offers notes of sultanas and dried fruits on the nose, and raisin, sultana, fig, and apricot on the palate. The finish ends with mature wood, caramel, and a butteriness like baklava. Godawan’s 02 Fruit and Spice expression has fruity aromas on the nose and a palate that boasts rich fruit and floral notes, along with vanilla, sweet ginger, and coconut. It leaves a lingering finish with a dash of spice and roasted coffee beans.