Demand for Indian Single Malt Overtakes Scotch Whisky

The world’s largest consumers of Scotch whisky have got a thirst for local single malts, turning away from global single malt superstars.

The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) says in a world first, demand for Indian single malts has overtaken global brands like Glenlivet, Macallan, Lagavulin, and Talisker. India now buys more Scotch whisky than any other country. In February last year, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said that India has overtaken France to become the largest market for whisky sales by volume. 

According to the CIABC, Indian single malts accounted for approximately 53% of total sales in 2023. Out of the total sales of around 675,000 cases of single malts in India last year, Indian-origin makers sold around 345,000 cases, while Scottish and other international brands sold the remaining 330,000 cases.

Local Indian single malts such as Amrut, Paul John, Indri and Radico Khaitan's Rampur were named the top-selling brands in India last year.

Last year saw some significant wins for Indian whisky on the global stage, with The Indri Diwali Collector's Edition 2023 awarded best whisky in the world at the Whiskies of the World Awards.

In 2022, international drinks companies Diageo and Pernod Ricard, who primarily source their entered the Indian market with their own local brands.

Diageo introduced Godawan in 2022. And in 2023, while Pernod launched its first Indian single malt, Longitude 77.

Keep your eye on India’s single malt scene this year! How many Indian single malts have you tried? 

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