The Indian alcohol industry has seen tremendous growth and innovation over the last decade. From locally produced liquors to imported spirits, the market today offers ample choice across price points for Indian consumers. The emergent brands and segments highlighted cater to the changing tastes and bring quality craft alcohols to India. With rising spending power, consumers seek premiumization and novel experiences. Here we look at some of the noteworthy alcohol brands that have defined the segment through their quality and popularity. Whether you are in search of a splendid liquor to indulge yourself or to gift your dear ones, we have carefully curated a list of the best liquor brands in India, encompassing both Indian and international brands. With a little bit of knowledge and some guidance, you can learn how to choose the best liquor that suits your taste preferences and occasion.
Top 10 Liquor Companies in India
United Spirits:
Part of the global alcohol giant Diageo, United Spirits Limited (USL) owns iconic brands like Johnnie Walker, Black & White, Vat 69, Antiquity, Signature, and McDowell’s. USL has a commanding market share across categories – whiskey, rum, brandy, vodka, and gin. With brands in every segment, USL has shaped India’s alcohol landscape since the 19th century. Its local manufacturing and sourcing capabilities also make these global liquor brands accessible.
Amber Distilleries:
Headquartered in Rajasthan, Amber Distilleries Ltd produces quality IMFL (Indian-made foreign liquor) like beer, whiskey, rum, and gin. Operational since 1985, Amber Distilleries has steadily expanded its production capacity and portfolio spanning economy to premium offerings. Under the stewardship of Satish Doshi, the company aims to extend its footprint pan-India and internationally through partnerships and tie-ups.
United Breweries:
Part of UB Group, United Breweries dates back to 1857 as a pioneer in India’s beer industry. Under the stewardship of Vijay Mallya currently, United Breweries offers iconic beer brands that have shaped consumer preferences like Kingfisher, Heineken, Amstel, and Tuborg. United Breweries has leveraged technical expertise and marketing brilliance to make beer an integral part of socializing for young, urban Indians.
Globus Spirits:
Incorporated in 1992, Globus Spirits is a leading manufacturer and marketer of Indian liquors namely IMIL (Indian-made Indian liquor), IMFL, and country liquor. It operates 15 manufacturing and bottling units across India endowed with advanced automation. Under the helmsmanship of founder-directors Gautam Khandelwal and Ajay Swarup, Globus Spirits have achieved rapid growth and strong brand equity in the Indian spirits market.
Radico Khaitan:
Radico Khaitan’s legacy in liquor manufacturing began in 1943 under the erstwhile Rampur Distillery. Currently headed by Dr. Lalit Khaitan, Radico Khaitan is globally renowned for its premium whiskey, vodka, rum, and gin portfolios. It owns labels like Rampur Whisky, Magic Moments Vodka, 8 PM Whisky, Contessa Rum, and Old Admiral Brandy. The company balances tradition with modernization to stay contemporary. . It is an Indian corporation that produces fertilisers, industrial alcohol, country liquor, and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Radico Khaitan produces gin, vodka, whisky, brandy, and rum. It is India’s fourth-largest liquor firm.
Wild Tiger Rum:
Made from sugarcane molasses and matured in oak casks, Wild Tiger Rum introduced discerning Indian drinkers to premium craft rum. With its distinctive packaging and promotion as “India’s first premium rum”, Wild Tiger has carved a niche in the white rum segment. Its smooth taste augmented with hints of vanilla and spices makes it perfect for cocktails or solo sipping.
Solan No. 1:
Solan No. 1 is a premium grain whisky crafted in the foothills of the Himalayas by the makers of Old Monk rum. It brings a slice of Scottish distilling heritage with the use of malt spirits matured in oak casks. Made with pristine mountain water, Solan No.1 offers a distinct flavor profile. This award-winning whisky evokes the heritage and craftsmanship of traditional distilling.
Paul John:
Paul John is an acclaimed single malt whisky crafted in India’s first micro-distillery in Goa. Named after its founder, Paul P. John, this whisky uses Indian 6-row barley and tropical climate maturation to create an award-winning single malt. Paul John whisky combines Scotland’s traditions with India’s terroir bringing global recognition to Indian whisky-making. Paul John did not really begin as an Indian brand as it was launched in London. After being distilled for the first time in London, it quickly spread to other areas of the globe. Now, the distillery is located in Goa and the headquarters are in Bangalore. The ingredients – barley, water, and charred oak barrels are what give it the name “The Great Indian Single Malt.”
DesmondJi:
DesmondJi is India’s first range of crafted agave spirits by expert distiller Desmond Nazareth. Made from 100% agave grown in the Deccan Plateau, DesmondJi offers agave varieties like the Agave Syah and Agave Gold finished in oak barrels. This artisanal brand has put India on the global craft spirits map much like Scotch whisky and Mexican tequila.
Amrut:
Launched in 2004, Amrut Distilleries broke new ground by creating India’s first indigenous single malt whisky. Made from Indian barley, Amrut single malts are crafted through a mix of Scottish techniques and Indian conditions giving them a distinct character. Amrut has earned glowing reviews internationally and continues to experiment with innovative expressions using local ingredients. Amrut is produced by the same distillers who created the well-known Old Monk that we so fervently adore. The drink is brewed in the foothills of the Himalayas. This brand uses the old Scottish techniques of malting, kneading, and distillation in vintage copper pot stills. The brew is then kept in seasoned wood barrels for ageing.