With a focus on creating world-class beverages on home soil, Indian distillers are combining modern techniques with the country’s deep-rooted heritage to produce premium spirits that compete globally. From 100% flower-based spirits like Mahura to exquisite single malts and craft beers, Indian brands are raising the bar for quality. This shift highlights India’s capability to meet domestic demand while making its mark on the international stage, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s ability to craft spirits that stand among the finest in the world.
Here are some Indian brands that showcase the best of what the country has to offer:
Six Brothers Mahura by South Seas Distilleries
Before international spirits became synonymous with sophistication, Mahura flower spirit was the favored nectar of India’s elite. In 1922, six brothers—ancestors of South Seas Distilleries’ founders—pioneered the commercial crafting of refined Mahura spirits in India. Nestled in Dahanu, Maharashtra, South Seas has refined distilling knowledge passed down for over a century, becoming a key part of India’s distilling heritage. With the country’s largest copper pot stills and an extraordinary collection of rare oak casks, South Seas revives Mahura in a luxury avatar with their latest release, Six Brothers.
Pistola (Maya Pistola Agavepura)
Maya Pistola Agavepura, or Pistola, is Asia’s first premium aged 100% agave spirit, made without additives for a clean, robust sipping experience. With five exquisite small-batch variants—Reposado, Joven, Rosa, Añejo, and Extra Añejo—Pistola offers an authentic sip of aged agave and has earned over 30 international awards.
Price: INR 2,700 – INR 9,999
Size: 700 ml or 750 ml
Availability: Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, West Bengal, and Assam
Godawan Artisanal Single Malt Whisky
Godawan, known as the ‘Spirit of the Desert,’ is an artisanal single malt whisky from Rajasthan, celebrating the region’s terroir and craftsmanship. With over 60 global awards, it’s a testament to Indian exceptionalism. Godawan comes in two main variants:
Godawan 01 Rich and Rounded (notes of caramel and butteriness)
Godawan 02 Fruit and Spice (sweeter, fruitier variant)
Exclusive to the Palaces of Taj is a limited-edition Godawan Single Malt (300 bottles) with rich vanilla and a sweet, spicy finish.
Price: INR 2,800 – INR 6,000
Availability: Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Dubai
Crazy Cock Single Malts by South Seas Distilleries
Crazy Cock is a luxury single malt crafted by South Seas Distilleries, leveraging the coastal microclimate of Dahanu. With tropical maturation imparting complex flavors, these whiskies are equivalent to 25-year-old whiskies from cooler regions. Two expressions stand out:
Crazy Cock “RARE”
A full-bodied, unpeated single malt with a rich, sherried profile.
Price: INR 6,000 – INR 8,900
ABV: 42.8%
Crazy Cock “DHUA”
A mildly peated whisky with sherried sweetness, showcasing a deep antique gold hue.
Price: INR 8,000 – INR 12,500
ABV: 42.8%
Availability: Goa, Maharashtra, Haryana
Six Brothers 1922 Resurrection
The world’s first ever matured Mahura spirit, aged for decades in rare oak casks.
Price: INR 1,02,000
ABV: 40%
Availability: Allocation only (102 exclusive bottles worldwide)
Six Brothers Small Batch (Original)
An accessible luxury Mahura spirit, double distilled and refined through platinum filtration for a crisp, smooth texture.
Price: INR 2,492
ABV: 40%
Availability: Leading retail outlets in Maharashtra (coming soon to Goa and Haryana)
McDowell’s & Co. Distillers Batch Indian Single Malt
Crafted in the Western Ghats, McDowell’s Distillers Batch is a rare, limited-edition spirit using a signature triple-cask distillation process. With notes of sweet wood and luscious fruit, it’s a fine addition to any whisky collection.
Size: 750 ml
ABV: 46%
Availability: Limited to 6,000 bottles in Haryana
Price: On request
Geist Crowlers by Geist Brewing Co.
Geist Brewing Co. redefines India’s craft beer experience with their 500ml Geist Crowlers. These freshly canned craft beers come in styles like Geist Kamacitra (IPA), Uncle Dunkel (Dark Wheat), James Blond (Strong Blond Ale), and Witty Wit (Witbier).
Price: INR 225~
Availability: Bangalore and Pondicherry
These homegrown brands are a testament to India’s growing influence in the global spirits market, offering premium, uniquely crafted beverages with rich heritage and innovation.
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