This Indian whisky has been named World’s Best Single Malt

Indian whisky is on a winning streak, with a homegrown label bagging the award for ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the 2024 London Spirits Competition (LSC). The annual global event, which takes place in the UK, rates spirits on the basis of three main criteria: quality, value, and packaging. Going by its official website, this year, a panel of expert judges sifted through brands hailing from 80 countries, which included spirits from Australia, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and more, and declared this prized Indian single malt a clear winner.

This Indian whisky has been named ‘World’s Best Single Malt’; Here’s how much it costs

The Godawan 100 is a Collector’s-Edition artisanal single malt. It is also India’s first artisanal single malt whisky born out of Rajasthan. With only 100 bottles available, this amber liquid boasts tropical notes, a lighter palate, and a short finish.

Distilled in Rajasthan’s Alwar from locally sourced six-row barley, the whisky is matured at temperatures exceeding 37°C and then crafted in select casks that are infused with Indian botanicals. The Godawan 100 was created as a homage to the Great Indian Bustard — the Godawan — which is on the verge of extinction.

The Godawan 100 boasts a rich flavour profile, which carries dominant traces of caramel, charcoal, cinnamon, and anise. Additionally, it offers a long, dry finish.

Considering it’s a Collector’s Edition, the exact price of the Godawan 100 is undisclosed. However, its variants — the Godawan Single Malt Rich and Rounded Artisan Whisky and Godawan Single Malt Fruit and Spice Artisan Whisky are priced at Rs 4,100.

Godawan wasn't the only Indian brand to have won big at the LSC. Three Paul John whiskies bagged awards across three categories — the ‘Nirvana’ which won a gold medal, and ‘Roulette London Dry Gin’ and ‘Paul John XO Brandy’, which won silver — also created waves at the global event. These wins made John Distilleries Limited (JDL) the only Indian company to be awarded for its spirits in three different categories (whisky, gin, and brandy) at the LSC, The Week reports.