India’s entrance into the global single malt arena has been nothing short of transformative. The launch of the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) in July 2024 marks a milestone in India’s bid to redefine its presence in the global whisky market.

This bold initiative signals India’s commitment to producing premium, world-class malt whiskies and can boldly take its place alongside associations such as the Scotch Whisky Association, Irish Whiskey Association, and Japanese Spirits & Liquor Whisky Association.

By forging an official platform dedicated to supporting the growth and recognition of Indian single malts, IMWA is cementing India’s status as a rising global force.

Incorporated as a professional body, the IMWA aims to protect, promote and preserve the integrity of India’s malt whiskey industry. The association’s mission is clear: to establish India as a leader in the luxury malt whiskey segment.

“By establishing these standards, which include defining guidelines, securing certifications, trademarks, geographical indications (GI) and intellectual property rights (IPR), we signal to the world that India produces malt whiskey of unparalleled quality and distinction,” said Major General (Dr) Rajesh Chopra (Retd), Founder and Director General of IMWA.

This commitment is central to the association’s efforts to protect India’s burgeoning malt whiskey heritage while ensuring that the products meet international standards of excellence.

Strict guidelines

The IMWA’s focus on authenticity is a driving force behind the initiative. The association has implemented strict guidelines that define what constitutes a genuine Indian single malt. These standards include key criteria such as:

• Produced from 100% malted barley
• Made in a single distillery using copper pot stills, not column stills
• Crafted with only malted barley, pure water and yeast.
• Matured for a minimum of 3 years in wooden oak barrels of less than 700 litres each
• Pure malts or 100% malt whiskey, a mixture of two or more different malts from different distilleries

This vigilance against sub-par products is crucial in safeguarding the reputation of Indian single malts, which have already started to gain traction on the international stage. The IMWA’s vigilance extends to holding violators accountable, ensuring that the industry's reputation for quality remains untarnished.

The association’s founding members – John Distilleries, Amrut Distilleries, Radico Khaitan and Piccadily Agro – represent the crème de la crème of Indian malt whiskey production.

Their collective effort underscores the potential of Indian malt whisky to not only compete globally but also shape industry standards. “IMWA marks the dawn of a new era for Indian single malts, where tradition meets innovation,” said Paul P. John, Chairman of John Distilleries and the IMWA.

His words reflect the association’s focus on blending the best of India’s whiskey heritage with cutting-edge innovation to capture the world’s attention.

Global recognition

The drive for quality and authenticity is reflected in the growing global recognition of Indian single malts. Amrut Distilleries, one of the first Indian companies to gain international acclaim, has played a pivotal role in this movement.

“The Indian provenance displayed through the single malt category has been garnering global recognition,” said Rakshit Jagdale of Amrut Distilleries. “As a founding member of the IMWA, Amrut is committed to furthering the message that Indian single malts are not just a curiosity but a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.”

Abhishek Khaitan of Radico Khaitan echoed this sentiment, noting, “Every sip of an Indian single malt whiskey mirrors an age-old tradition and grandeur with unparalleled passion.”

His statement highlights the cultural depth and craftsmanship that underpins every bottle, reflecting the rich heritage of India while appealing to the discerning global whiskey connoisseur.

The IMWA is now poised to build on this momentum, with its sights set on expanding India’s role in the global whiskey market. As new distilleries continue to open across the country, the association aims to foster collaboration and innovation that will further enhance the quality and reputation of Indian malt whisky.

“We hope to see many more malt distilleries emerge across India, expanding the category and reinforcing its reputation for quality,” said Gen Chopra.

Promising future

India’s whiskey scene is on the cusp of a revolution. As the IMWA’s vision unfolds, the country’s malt whiskey industry is not just an emerging player, but a rising powerhouse in the world of premium spirits. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and authenticity, the association aims to ensure that Indian malt whisky occupies its rightful place among the best in the world.

“The IMWA will not only strengthen India’s position in the world whisky market but also set new benchmarks of quality and authenticity,” said Siddhartha Sharma, Chairman of Picadilly Agro and Founding Member of IMWA.

This collective commitment to excellence will continue to raise India’s profile on the global stage, redefining Indian single malts as symbols of craftsmanship, tradition and excellence.

The association has its office at G-20, JMD Pacific Square, Sector-15, Part-11, Gurugram-122002. For more information, write to info@indianmaltwhisky.org, or call +91-7042775433.