By BrandsShouts Right here in India, whiskey is a particularly popular alcoholic drink, and for many different reasons. It is believed that whiskey was only introduced back in the 19th century, right here in India, but now, it is among the most consumed alcoholic drinks. First of all, it is completely different from rum because whiskey is mainly made from cereal grains, which is the base of it all. And then there are unique flavor profiles, and it gets even more interesting with the different brands’ offerings. That is primarily the reason why we’re here with this list of the Top 10 Popular Whisky Brands in India 2025. Here we go then.
1. McDowell’s No. 1
McDowell No. 1 remains a dominant whisky in the Indian market. The brand had around 31.4 million cases of sales worldwide in 2025, thus making it not only the favorite one across India but also one of the biggest worldwide. It is everywhere: from small towns to big cities to wedding ceremonies to just neighborhood parties. It is affordable, has an interesting history, and just feels like a great brand for most. For whiskies that would never go out of fashion from generation to generation, this would be an all-gen trusted pick.
2. Royal Stag
Holding the number two rank with 27.9 million cases sold in 2025, Royal Stag stood second in terms of volume. The smooth, gentle whiskey with a reasonable price makes it great with youngsters and working professionals. Along with that, it became highly visible through sponsorships of cricket matches and endorsements by big-time celebrities. Royal Stag provides a pleasant assault on the palate-combining Indian grain spirit with Highland Scotch malts in perfect harmony. And that’s why it crosses the hearts of people across India.
3. Officer’s Choice
With an estimated sale of 23.4 million cases since its inception, Officer’s Choice stands tall at the position of one of the most sought-after whiskies, being popular among older people and in rural areas, given the value of its low price and age-old goodwill it carries. The flavor is very basic, a little fruity, a little sweet, and straightforward. And for whom is this whiskey brand actually? Well, in our opinion, anybody can try it, especially those who want a great whiskey experience on a budget, that’s your bonus right there.
4. Imperial Blue
This isn’t way behind in terms of sales, with about 22.8 million cases sold last year. The brand is a favorite in smaller cities and towns because of its low cost. “Men Will Be Men” ads made the brand a super popular name. The light taste, slightly sweet with caramel notes, is good for casual drinking or mixing with soda. If economical and tasty is what you want, this is a good choice.
5. Paul John Single Malt
Now, moving on to something a bit fancier, the Paul John Single Malt, which is not for the masses but very much revered in urban circles of whiskey lovers. It is made in Goa, using Indian barley, and aged in a tropical atmosphere, hence bearing a rich, bold character. Interspersed into the worlds of top bars and duty-free outlets are the brands “Brilliance” and “Edited.” These have won innumerable international awards and will continue to be riding high in 2025. This is one to check out if you are into fine whiskies.
6. Amrut Fusion
The one that has to be there as well for the whisky lovers who care about quality is Amrut Fusion. It does not sell in crazy numbers like the big players out there, but it surely enjoys esteem among premium drinkers of India. That is the magic: it blends Indian barley with Scottish barley, yet-aged in India under warm conditions to develop those fruity, faintly smoky notes. No wonder international awards have included this single malt whisky in their kitty, the pride of India on the world map. If it is 2025, it is the choice for somebody looking for the very best.
7. Rampur Indian Single Malt
Rampur is an emerging name in much bigger cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. Single malt from Uttar Pradesh, Rampur, is made from Indian barley, aged in oak casks. The typical hot Indian climate accelerates the aging process. Hence, the whisky emerges smooth and richly flavored with hints of fruits and spices. It remains a popular choice among drinkers, lovers, and collectors in 2025, appearing both in exclusive bars and as high-end gifts.
8. Blenders Pride
Any Indian whisky drinker would know this well, Blenders Pride, selling almost 8 million cases per annum, has positioned itself among the top premium blends. The smooth taste, with a little touch of fruit, is achieved through a blending of Indian grain spirits with Scotch malts. This is one of the blends that are carried to parties, clubs, or family events, all thanks to its super cool fashion and lifestyle image.
9. Indri-Trini Single Malt
The Indri-Trini always attracts attention as the newcomer model in this niche market. Indian barley from Haryana aged in bourbon, red wine, and sherry casks brings a certain complexity to the taste, the woodiness of spice, fruit, and wine in one place. The last couple of years have seen a lot of awards and praise from experts granted to this one. While it has yet to be found everywhere, it is explosive among those wishing to taste something fresh and fine.
10. Crazy Cock
Perhaps Crazy Cock sounds a bit peculiar for the whisky lovers; however, it is beginning to carve itself a niche among the premium whiskies. Being one of the oldest distilleries of India, it is traditionally made with an aged process in bourbon and sherry casks that intensifies flavor, like chocolate, nuts, and just a little hint of smoke. It finds its way primarily into duty-free depots or special markets, which just adds to its exclusivity.
Conclusion
There you have it. These are by far the most popular and preferred whiskey brands in the country, and if you live right here in India and like to try different whiskey offerings, well, you must already be familiar with these names. Anyway, if you haven’t given any of these brands a try, well, go ahead and see which one you end up liking the most.