Home-grown labels, once a thing to hide away, are now brands to boast about. Single-malt makers are capitalising on climate, indigenous barley, Indian origins.
Of the total sales of around 6,75,000 cases (of nine litres each) of single malts in India last year, around 3,45,000 cases were retailed by Indian-origin makers, while the remaining 3,30,000 were by Scottish and others.
Single malt whisky distilled in India is shaking up the country’s multibillion-dollar spirits market and gaining recognition abroad. Global producers Diageo and Pernod Ricard are playing catch-up.