Indian single malts earn top honors at major whisky competitions

Indian single malts have achieved significant recognition in recent international whisky competitions. At the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2026, 34 Indian whiskies were awarded medals, while the World Whisky Masters 2026 saw Indian single malts secure one Master medal and 11 Gold medals.

One notable standout is Crazy Cock Madhuca III, produced by South Seas Distilleries in Dahanu, Maharashtra. It was the only Indian single malt to win Gold at the IWSC this year, earning 95 points. The whisky is matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in casks that previously held Mahura, making it the world’s first Mahura cask-finished whisky. It features tasting notes of vanilla, toffee, sweet orange, chocolate, and charred oak. While currently available in Indian cities such as Mumbai, Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Goa, it has limited availability in the UK and US.