Top 15 Indian Spirits

Amrut Distilleries, founded in 1948 and based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a pioneering Indian spirits producer. Renowned for introducing India's first single malt whisky, Amrut Indian Single Malt, in 2004, the company has gained international acclaim for its innovation and quality.

Amrut sources indigenous six-row barley and employs traditional distilling methods to craft a diverse range of products, including single malts, rum, brandy, and blended whiskies, earning global recognition as a leader in the Indian spirits industry.Expand

Indri is an Indian single malt whisky produced by Piccadily Distilleries, known for its premium quality and crafted in Indri, Haryana. The distillery uses local six-row barley sourced from Rajasthan and traditional copper pot stills for distillation.

Their flagship product, Indri-Trini, is matured in three types of casks: ex-bourbon, ex-French wine, and ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.Expand

Camikara is a premium Indian rum produced by Piccadily Distilleries, crafted from pure sugarcane juice and aged in American oak barrels. The name "Camikara," meaning "liquid gold" in Sanskrit, reflects its rich heritage and quality.

The flagship 12-year-old expression offers a complex flavor profile with notes of honey, ginger, toffee, raisins, prunes, and leather on the nose, followed by honey, vanilla, bitter chocolate, ripe bananas, orange peel, dark chocolate, and charred wood on the palate. The finish leaves a lasting impression of fruitcake, inviting another sipExpand

Radico Khaitan Limited, formerly known as Rampur Distillery, is one of India's oldest and largest manufacturers of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Established in 1943, the company has evolved from being a major bulk spirits supplier to becoming a prominent name in the Indian spirits industry. The company's leadership includes Dr.

Lalit Khaitan, serving as Chairman and Managing Director, and Abhishek Khaitan as Managing Director. Under their guidance, Radico Khaitan has emphasized innovation, research and development, and a deep understanding of consumer preferences, contributing to its sustained growth and prominence in the industry.

Radico Khaitan is also committed to corporate social responsibility, focusing on sustainable programs that support social and economic development. Their initiatives encompass community development, women's empowerment, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, reflecting the company's dedication to being a responsible corporate citizen.Expand

This strong Indian spirit is made with second or third distillation of the cashew fruit. Although there are two types of feni—one distilled from cashew fruit and one from fermented toddy of the coconut palm—cashew variety is praised for its quality and has also been awarded Geographical Indication, which specifies that it can only be produced in Goa. Cashew feni is a potent, fruity spirit that has a distinctive, subtly sweet aroma with hints of citrus and tropical fruit. Although it is traditionally enjoyed as a shot, to get used to its acquired taste it is best to incorporate it into lemon-based long drinks.Expand

Arrack is a generic term used for a variety of distilled spirits that are often unrelated and can be made from different ingredients. They are found throughout East Indies—predominantly India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The two dominant varieties include Ceylon arrack that is distilled from fermented juice of the coconut palm and Batavian arrack that is made from molasses. The origin of arrack is vague, and though it cannot be precisely stated when and where it was exactly invented, some of the oldest references date back to the 15th century. The reports mention various distillates which were collectively known as arrack. This makes arrack one of the oldest distillates in the world, and certainly a predecessor to all new world spirits such as gin, whisky, or brandy. The etymology of the word is believed to stem from the Arabic arak (perspiration) or areca, a nut from which arrack was produced in India. Although it is not clear, it is presumed that arrack originated in India, which was a result of contact with Arabic or Chinese distillation techniques. Depending on the main ingredients from which it is distilled, arrack can significantly differ in character and style. However, it should not be confused with arak—the anise-flavored distillate usually found in the Middle East. Expand

Mahua is a traditional drink that is often dubbed as country liquor. It is produced from the flowers of Madhuca longifolia, which is better known as mahua. The drink originated among the Adivasi—different ethnic groups who are considered native to the Indian subcontinent. The drink is distilled from dried mahua flowers that are fermented together with sugar. Because of different ingredients and various preparation techniques, the resulting drink can vary in character, but it is typically clear and colorless, with an alcohol content ranging from 5 to quite potent 25% ABV. It usually has a floral aroma, slightly sweet flavor, and a subtle smoky character. Mahua is an indigenous Indian spirit that has been produced for centuries, but the production was often restricted due to colonial pressure during the British Raj (1858-1947). Various government restrictions were placed on the production and distribution, which kept the drink out of the mainstream. Along with scarcity, the restriction also caused a decline in quality. The spirit is still produced on a small scale but holds great importance for communities in Central India. It is an integral part of local festivities and celebrations. Expand