This Indian whisky awarded best Single Malt whisky in the world

New Delhi: Diageo India’s single malt whisky brewed in India, the Godawan 100, won the prestigious ‘Single Malt Whisky of the Year’ title at the 2024 London Spirits Competition (LSC) with a score of 96, beating global whisky brands, in a major hat tip to India’s brewing prowess. All the products from the Godawan stable received gold medals, said Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, which organises the London Spirits Competition. Godawan won among brands from more than 80 countries. The event took place at London’s Marleybone from March 21, 2024 through March 22, 2024.

Why Godawan was ranked number 1 single malt whisky?

The tasters noted Godawan 100 for its “pronounced tropical notes, a lighter palate, and a short finish.” The London Spirits Competition also cited the whiskey’s “sweet palate” which shows hints of spices such as:

Caramel
Charcoal
Cinnamon
Anise

LSC noted that the whisky’s notes ended on a “long dry finish.”

The whisky was ranked on 3 major criteria, namely:

Quality
Value
Packaging

What is the meaning of Godawan?

The whisky derives its name from the Great Indian Bustard, colloquially called Godawan, also the official bird of Rajasthan state. The whisky is inspired by the desert state’s “ethos of cherishing beauty in scarcity” according to LSC.

Godawan’s origin in arid conditions lends it an elevated “angel’s share” phenomenon. The whisky was matured in carefully selected casks. The brewing process incorporated Indian botanicals, according to LSC.

Godawan 100 marks a bespoke collection of a limited batch of 100 bottles making it a collector’s edition. Apart from the Godawan 100, other gold medalists from Diageo’s stable included:

Godawan Rounded Artisan Whisky
Godawan Single Malt Fruit
Godawan Spice Artisan Whisky

What is the price of Godawan Whisky?

Godawan whisky is distilled in Rajasthan’s Alwar town. The whisky was matured using barley and water in ex-bourbon casks for at least 10 years. One bottle of Godawan is priced at Rs 5,400 per bottle for the Fruit and SPiece Whisky. The Whisky was launched in 2021.