Top 10 Whisky Brands In India
Whiskey is a very popular alcoholic drink in India. It is made from grains like barley, wheat, or corn and is known for its taste. In India whiskey is drank in all parts of the country although in some states they have prohibitions against alcohol sales.
In 2026 it is reported that India has become one of the largest whisky markets in the world. The Indian whisky market is valued at around $18-20 billion and is still growing yearly. We see success for both economic and premium whisky which is a result of consumers’ interest in trying out new options.
McDowell’s No.1 which came out in 1968 is a brand of United Spirits.
It’s known for its large choice of flavors at economic prices. In 2026 that is also to be the top selling whisky brand in India which is reporting sales of over 25 million cases a year and also very much a player in the mass market.
In the coming years we will see that they are still at the top in terms of brand and distribution value.
In 2026 the brand has a volume of almost 30 million cases which positions it as one of the largest whisky brands in the world. The brand is to keep its dominance in the low price segment in India.
Royal Stag which came out in 1995 is owned by Pernod Ricard.
It is a brand that puts forward the issue of no artificial flavors and which also does very well in the mix of grain whiskeys and imported malts.
In 2026 it is a leader in the Indian market having sold over 20 million cases.
As the market for mid range whisky grows the brand is to benefit.
Bagpiper which went live in 1976 is a product of United Spirits. It is a brand which has strong taste and which also has been present in the Indian market for long.
In 2026 Bagpiper reports to sell between 10 to 12 million cases of their product which will be mostly in medium sized cities and rural areas.
The brand is set to stay in the mass market which we see as a stable environment.
In states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh Old Tavern is a favorite. It’s known for its value and strong flavor.
In 2026 that is a sale of between 8 to 10 million cases per year also we see them present in export markets.
The brand will see continuous expansion in regional markets.
Original Choice is produced by John Distilleries. It is known that it has a balance of flavors and also is a great value.
In 2026 the company reports sales of 8 to 9 million cases which puts it in a strong position in the mid low segment.
The brand is to do well with improved distribution and branding.
Imperial Blue started in 1997 and is a brand of Pernod Ricard. It’s known for its smooth taste and also extensive advertising.
In 2026 that is a sale of about 18-20 million cases which also makes it the top selling whisky brand in India.
The brand is to do well in the mid range.
Haywards Fine is from United Spirits.
It is known to have a strong flavor and also is very affordable. In 2026 that is a sale of between 6 to 7 million cases per year which we see in certain markets and export fields.
The brand is going to sustain steady performance in its category.
In 1999 Radico Khaitan launched 8 PM.
It is a brand which has a smooth taste of it and also offers great value for money.
In 2026 the sale is of 9-10 million cases a year and we see strong growth in North India.
The brand will see growth as it enters more regions.
Director's Special is manufactured by United Spirits Ltd, which is a subsidiary of the United Breweries Group. The UB Group is owned by Vijay Mallya. This whisky brand initially was manufactured by Shaw Wallace before UCB acquired Shaw Wallace in 2005. This Indian brand entered the Indian market in 1988. Director's Special Black is a whisky which is distilled from fermented molasses. Shaw Wallace fought a legal battle against Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and in the end won the case to sell their product as Scotch whisky in a US court. In the year 2012 Director's Special registered a sales of 4.3 million cases. The product has received its share of recognition from International Wine and Spirit Competition (2007) by bagging the silver medal and ranking 44th in the world.
Last Updated on March 31, 2026
In 2026 it is reported that India has become one of the largest whisky markets in the world. The Indian whisky market is valued at around $18-20 billion and is still growing yearly. We see success for both economic and premium whisky which is a result of consumers’ interest in trying out new options.
List of Top Indian Whisky Brands
1. McDowell's No.1
McDowell’s No.1 which came out in 1968 is a brand of United Spirits.
It’s known for its large choice of flavors at economic prices. In 2026 that is also to be the top selling whisky brand in India which is reporting sales of over 25 million cases a year and also very much a player in the mass market.
In the coming years we will see that they are still at the top in terms of brand and distribution value.
2. Officer's Choice
Officer’s Choice was launched by Allied Blenders and Distillers. It is known to have low prices and a strong taste which in turn makes it a hit in the budget segment.In 2026 the brand has a volume of almost 30 million cases which positions it as one of the largest whisky brands in the world. The brand is to keep its dominance in the low price segment in India.
3. Royal Stag
Royal Stag which came out in 1995 is owned by Pernod Ricard.
It is a brand that puts forward the issue of no artificial flavors and which also does very well in the mix of grain whiskeys and imported malts.
In 2026 it is a leader in the Indian market having sold over 20 million cases.
As the market for mid range whisky grows the brand is to benefit.
4. Bagpiper
Bagpiper which went live in 1976 is a product of United Spirits. It is a brand which has strong taste and which also has been present in the Indian market for long.
In 2026 Bagpiper reports to sell between 10 to 12 million cases of their product which will be mostly in medium sized cities and rural areas.
The brand is set to stay in the mass market which we see as a stable environment.
5. Old Tavern
In states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh Old Tavern is a favorite. It’s known for its value and strong flavor.
In 2026 that is a sale of between 8 to 10 million cases per year also we see them present in export markets.
The brand will see continuous expansion in regional markets.
6. Original Choice
Original Choice is produced by John Distilleries. It is known that it has a balance of flavors and also is a great value.
In 2026 the company reports sales of 8 to 9 million cases which puts it in a strong position in the mid low segment.
The brand is to do well with improved distribution and branding.
7. Imperial Blue
Imperial Blue started in 1997 and is a brand of Pernod Ricard. It’s known for its smooth taste and also extensive advertising.
In 2026 that is a sale of about 18-20 million cases which also makes it the top selling whisky brand in India.
The brand is to do well in the mid range.
8. Haywards Fine
Haywards Fine is from United Spirits.
It is known to have a strong flavor and also is very affordable. In 2026 that is a sale of between 6 to 7 million cases per year which we see in certain markets and export fields.
The brand is going to sustain steady performance in its category.
9. 8 PM
In 1999 Radico Khaitan launched 8 PM.
It is a brand which has a smooth taste of it and also offers great value for money.
In 2026 the sale is of 9-10 million cases a year and we see strong growth in North India.
The brand will see growth as it enters more regions.
10. Director's Special
Director's Special is manufactured by United Spirits Ltd, which is a subsidiary of the United Breweries Group. The UB Group is owned by Vijay Mallya. This whisky brand initially was manufactured by Shaw Wallace before UCB acquired Shaw Wallace in 2005. This Indian brand entered the Indian market in 1988. Director's Special Black is a whisky which is distilled from fermented molasses. Shaw Wallace fought a legal battle against Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and in the end won the case to sell their product as Scotch whisky in a US court. In the year 2012 Director's Special registered a sales of 4.3 million cases. The product has received its share of recognition from International Wine and Spirit Competition (2007) by bagging the silver medal and ranking 44th in the world.
Last Updated on March 31, 2026
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