Cheers to India! Two Whiskies Crowned at Global Whisky Awards
Cheers to India! Two Whiskies Crowned at Global Whisky Awards
GianChand Adambaraa and Manshaa single malts, crafted in the Himalayas, bagged top honours at whisky competitions in Germany and the US, earning international acclaim.
India’s homegrown whisky industry is raising a toast to global recognition. DeVANS Modern Breweries’ newly launched single malts — GianChand Adambaraa and GianChand Manshaa — have clinched top awards at two of the world’s most prestigious whisky competitions in 2025, putting Jammu’s Himalayan distilleries firmly on the international spirits map.
Double Wins in Germany and the US
At the International Whisky Competition (IWC) 2025 in Las Vegas, GianChand Adambaraa walked away with the titles of Best Single Malt Indian Whisky and Best Indian Whisky. Meanwhile, its sibling malt, Manshaa, captured the spotlight in Germany at Meininger’s International Spirits Award (ISW), winning International Whisky of the Year 2025 and a Grand Gold Medal.
These awards, judged under rigorous blind-tasting conditions, place GianChand whiskies in the company of global icons like Taiwan’s Kavalan Distillery, which won Whisky of the Year for its Solist Fino Sherry Cask.
Flavours from the Himalayas
Crafted in the serene valleys of Jammu, both single malts draw character from the region’s unique climate and water profile.
- GianChand Adambaraa carries a bold, smoky profile laced with citrus, green notes, and spice. Celebrated whisky critic Jim Murray described it as “charming smokiness, with peat in sparkling form.”
- GianChand Manshaa, matured in American ex-bourbon casks, reveals notes of dried apricots, honey, and caramel, glowing with a rich amber hue. Murray hailed it as “a malt lover’s dream” and “the closest to a high-class Scottish malt found anywhere in the world.”
A Rising Force in Global Whisky
The international recognition highlights India’s growing footprint in the premium whisky category, once dominated by Scotland and Japan. Experts believe that the country’s diverse ingredients and experimental cask maturations offer unique flavour profiles that are now commanding attention worldwide.
“This win proves that India’s single malts are no longer hidden gems — they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best whiskies globally,” said a senior industry expert.
More Global Glory for Indian Spirits
It’s not just whisky making waves. Earlier this month, Bandarful, an artisanal cold-brew coffee liqueur from Himmaleh Spirits, won a Gold Medal and was declared World’s Best Liqueur at the 2025 USA Spirits Ratings in San Francisco.
A Bold New Chapter
From Goa’s Paul John and Amrut whiskies to Jammu’s GianChand, Indian spirits are consistently earning accolades abroad. With Adambaraa and Manshaa’s recent triumphs, industry watchers say India is entering a “golden era” where its spirits are rewriting the global narrative, blending tradition with innovation.
