Whiskey connoisseurs and collectors in India and abroad have great news in store: Diageo India has announced the launch of ‘India Rare Spirits’, an exclusive cask programme that redefines luxury whiskey ownership through personalised craftsmanship!

Here comes India’s first opportunity to own a bespoke expression of rare, aged malts meticulously crafted to reflect individual tastes and stories. Set against India’s rich whiskey-making heritage, the ‘India Rare Spirits’ programme marks a significant milestone in the country’s evolving spirits landscape.

Diageo’s Ponda distillery (Goa) has been a cornerstone of India’s whiskey-making heritage since 1964. Known as the birthplace of India’s first single malt, it seamlessly blends its storied history with contemporary innovation.

The distillery is now also home to The Good Craft Co., Diageo India’s first sensorial Experience Home, which champions the intersection of craft, community and innovation in spirits.

The result, according to Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer at Diageo India, is a collection of rare, aged malts that create beautiful liquid propositions and form the foundation of the ‘India Rare Spirits’ programme, where each cask reflects decades of expertise and a commitment to excellence, stretching the bounds of innovation.

What’s On Offer

The journey will begin with an immersive consultation led by a team of whiskey experts who explore an individual’s unique taste preferences, desired flavour profiles, and special occasions to commemorate.

Based on this understanding, an exclusive tasting session is curated, allowing each connoisseur and/or collector to sample rare and distinctive liquids from a library of up to 40 aged malts, each matured for a minimum of 5 years.

These offerings include Indian peated single malts finished in Oloroso casks; creamy ex-Bourbon and Oloroso single malts; and dessert wine-finished single malts with candied orange and warm spices.

Other highlights include elegant Indian grape brandies aged in Sal wood vats, grassy single grain whiskies with a peppery rye finish, and Champagne-finished single grains with delicate apricot and milk chocolate notes.

Once the perfect cask is selected from options such as ex-bourbon, sherry, Indian Sal wood, and dessert wine finishes, it is bottled with personalised labels and commissioned artwork.

These bottles can be customised and tailored for special occasions, such as weddings, corporate celebrations, or milestone anniversaries, ensuring that every bottle is as meaningful as it is luxurious.

The India Story

The ’India Rare Spirits’ programme comes at a time when the world is taking notice of India’s unique contributions to the global whiskey industry. The programme not only underscores Diageo India’s leadership in crafting exceptional spirits but also elevates Indian whiskey to a global platform, blending local artistry with international standards of luxury.

Commenting on the programme’s significance, Vikram elaborates: “From the warm coastal breezes of Goa to the high-altitude chill of the Himalayas, our distilleries are blessed with climates that shape the character of our spirits in unique ways.

“This programme represents more than just bespoke luxury; it is a showcase of the depth and versatility of India’s whiskey-making potential on a global stage.”

Hina Nagarajan, Managing Director and CEO of Diageo India, says: “By combining bespoke craftsmanship with a distinctly Indian perspective, we are redefining whiskey ownership and introducing the world to the artistry and sophistication of Indian spirits.”

Diageo India is among India’s leading beverage alcohol companies with an outstanding portfolio of premium brands. With headquarters in Bengaluru, it manufactures, sells and distributes Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray and Captain Morgan.

Its Godawan is an award-winning artisanal single malt whiskey from India, bringing together global expertise and local pride to deliver innovative, world-class products and experiences to consumers.