As the world raises a glass to World Whisky Day, whisky is stepping beyond its winter stereotype to become a refined choice for summer sipping. From sundowners and rooftop evenings to intimate house gatherings, the spirit is increasingly being enjoyed in lighter, refreshing serves. India’s whisky landscape is also evolving, with a wave of new premium labels from globally sourced blends to finely crafted single malts bringing fresh innovation and storytelling to the category.These contemporary whiskies reflect a seamless blend of time-honoured craftsmanship and modern sophistication, making them the perfect choice for a summer toast.
D’YAVOL Vortex
Price: Rs 5300
D’YAVOL Vortex is a lifestyle brand co-founded by Aryan Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, focusing on premium spirits, apparel, and accessories. It is a premium blended Scotch whisky crafted from a selection of single malt and single grain whiskies sourced across Scotland’s renowned regions, including Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands, and Islay. It offers a rich, malt-forward profile with layers of sherried sweetness, orchard fruits, creamy vanilla, and a touch of soft peat smoke, delivering a smooth yet complex finish. Bottled at 43.5% ABV and non-chill filtered, it is designed to provide a full-bodied, refined drinking experience with depth and character.
The Glenwalk Blended Scotch Whisky
Price: Rs 1500
The Glenwalk Blended Scotch Whisky, co-owned by Sanjay Dutt is a blend of fine malt and grain Scotch whiskies, matured in a variety of traditional oak casks resulting in a smooth dram with hints of fruit and warming spices. It is made using the traditional production method, which involves using malted barley that is soaked in water and allowed to germinate until the sugars are released. This is then fermented to create the blend.
Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky–Madhuca: The Heritage Edition
Price: Rs 4000
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From South Seas Distilleries comes one of the most exciting innovations in Indian whisky- Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky: Madhuca -The Heritage Edition. Widely recognised as a category disruptor, this expression stands out for being the world’s first single malt finished in Mahura casks, an indigenous Indian wood rarely explored in whisky-making. Mahura, deeply rooted in Indian cultural and distillation traditions, lends the whisky a distinct earthy sweetness layered with floral undertones and a gentle spice. This unique finishing beautifully complements classic oak maturation, resulting in a profile that is both familiar and intriguingly new. Madhuca: The Heritage Edition reflects a seamless blend of heritage and innovation. Expect a rich, layered palate with notes of dried fruits, honeyed warmth, soft spices, and delicate woodiness. This whisky tells a distinctly Indian story in a global format making it a compelling choice for collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore beyond conventional single malts whisky.
MAHAVAT
Price: Rs 600
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Mahavat is positioned firmly in the budget segment by SOM Group of Companies, making it a practical option for everyday occasions. The whisky carries a slightly dry character with subtle spice and light grain notes that keep the profile simple and straightforward. It’s best enjoyed with ice or mixers, especially for those who prefer lighter flavours without too much sweetness. Mahavat works well for larger gatherings where affordability is a priority and you want a whisky that most people can sip without fuss. While it doesn’t aim for complexity, it delivers consistency and decent value for money.
Madhvan
Price: Rs 990
Madhvan Whisky is a premium blended Indian whisky launched in 2025 by Uppal Brewers & Distillers. Crafted by combining Indian grain spirits with fine Scotch malt, it offers a smooth yet bold profile designed for modern consumers. The whisky opens with fruity and floral notes, followed by layers of honey, toffee, and vanilla, and finishes with a gentle spice and subtle oak warmth. Positioned in the sub-₹1000 segment, Madhvan reflects a new wave of contemporary, value-driven premium blends in India.
Oaksmith Nagomi
Price: Rs 1500
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Oaksmith Nagomi blended whisky fuses aged scotch malts, American bourbons, and Japanese blending techniques to craft a full-bodied liquid that is sweet and fruity, and carries spicy notes with a distinct smoky hint and the experience is rounded off with a lingering woody undertone, imparted through careful oak cask aging, delivering a harmonious and refined finish.