When the conversation turns to the world’s finest whisky, Scotch reigns supreme. It’s not just a drink; it’s a symbol of quality, craftsmanship, and tradition, captivating the hearts of whisky enthusiasts worldwide, including in India. Scotch whisky has a rich history in India, dating back over 150 years, and its popularity continues to flourish.
To guide you through the world of Scotch, we’ve compiled a list of top brands that consistently meet the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. These whiskies have earned their place among the best, embodying the essence of Scotch’s enduring legacy.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Johnnie Walker Blue Label, introduced in India by Diageo, is a premium blended Scotch whisky known for its exceptional smoothness and depth of flavor. It features a rich, smoky aroma with hints of dried fruits, honey, and spices. The blend includes some of the rarest casks from Johnnie Walker’s reserves, making it a luxurious and refined choice. Blue Label has won numerous awards, including the Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2023. It has an alcohol strength of 40% ABV and is available in 750-ml and 1-liter bottles. The brand offers a total of six variants, with Blue Label being the most famous.
Average Price for 750ml
₹21,000
Why It’s the Best Scotch Whisky in India
Johnnie Walker Blue Label stands out for its unparalleled craftsmanship and use of rare, aged whiskies, delivering a complex and exquisite drinking experience that justifies its premium price.
Johnnie Walker Double Black Label
Launched by Diageo, Johnnie Walker Double Black Label is a bolder, smokier version of the classic Black Label. Introduced to the Indian market in 2011, it is crafted with heavily peated malts and aged in deeply charred oak casks. The whisky offers intense flavors of smoke, vanilla, and dried fruits. Double Black Label has gained accolades, including a silver medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023. With an alcohol strength of 40% ABV, it is available in 750-ml and 1-liter bottles. The brand features six variants, with the Double Black Label being particularly popular.
Average Price for 750ml
₹4,500
Why It’s the Best Scotch Whisky in India
Double Black Label is celebrated for its robust and smoky flavor profile, providing a distinctive and intensified version of the beloved Black Label that appeals to peat enthusiasts.
Black and white
Black & White, an iconic brand by Diageo, has been a favorite in India since its introduction. Known for its smooth and light flavor, it features a blend of fine grain and malt whiskies. The taste profile includes notes of creamy vanilla, fresh herbs, and a hint of smoke. It recently won a silver medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2023. Black & White has an alcohol strength of 40% ABV and comes in 180 ml, 375 ml, and 750 ml bottles. The brand offers 2 variants, with the classic Black & White being the most popular.
Average Price for 750ml
₹1,500
Why It’s the Best Scotch Whisky in India
Black & White is valued for its approachable and smooth taste, making it an excellent choice for both new and seasoned whisky drinkers.
J&B Scotch Whisky
J&B Rare, introduced by Diageo in India, is a blended Scotch whisky known for its delicate balance of flavors. It features a blend of 42 malt and grain whiskies, offering a taste profile with notes of fruit, vanilla, and a touch of smoke. J&B Rare has won several awards, including a bronze medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2023. It has an alcohol strength of 40% ABV and is available in 750-ml and 1-liter bottles. The brand includes three variants, with J&B Rare being the most renowned.
Average Price for 750ml
₹2,200
Why It’s the Best Scotch Whisky in India
J&B Rare is appreciated for its balanced and versatile flavor, making it a perfect choice for cocktails and neat consumption alike.
Green Label Whisky
Johnnie Walker Green Label, reintroduced in India by Diageo, is a blended-malt Scotch whisky comprising single malts from four key regions: Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and Island. It offers a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of fresh fruits, grass, wood smoke, and pepper. Green Label has won multiple awards, including a gold medal at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards. With an alcohol strength of 43% ABV, it is available in 750-ml bottles. The brand offers six variants, with Green Label being highly favored.
Average Price for 750ml
₹5,000
Why It’s the Best Scotch Whisky in India
Green Label is celebrated for its unique blend of pure single malts, delivering a rich, layered taste that stands out in the blended malt category.
Glenmorangie Whisky
Glenmorangie, a renowned single malt Scotch whisky, has been available in India for several decades, distributed by Moët Hennessy. Known for its smooth and floral character, Glenmorangie Original features notes of citrus, vanilla, and almonds. This whisky is crafted using the tallest stills in Scotland, which helps produce a delicate and pure spirit. It has received numerous accolades, including a double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023. With an alcohol strength of 40% ABV, it is available in 700-ml and 1-liter bottles. Glenmorangie offers five variants, with the original being the most famous.
Average Price for 750ml
₹6,500
Why It’s the Best Scotch Whisky in India
Glenmorangie is celebrated for its artisanal approach and unique distillation process, which results in a smooth, complex flavor profile that appeals to both connoisseurs and new whisky drinkers.
Johnnie Walker Red Label
Johnnie Walker Red Label, launched in India by Diageo, is one of the most widely recognized blended Scotch whiskies. Known for its bold and vibrant flavor, it features a robust mix of spicy and smoky notes, balanced with a hint of vanilla sweetness. Red Label is crafted from a blend of 30 malt and grain whiskies, making it versatile for mixing in cocktails or enjoying neat. It has won several awards, including a silver medal at the 2023 International Spirits Challenge. With an alcohol strength of 40% ABV, it is available in 180 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, and 1-liter bottles. The brand includes multiple variants, with Red Label being the most popular.
Average Price for 750ml
₹1,850
Why It’s the Best Scotch Whisky in India
Red Label is highly regarded for its consistent quality and bold flavor, making it a reliable choice for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.
Black Dog Whisky
Black Dog, a premium Scotch whisky brand, has been a favorite in India since its introduction by United Spirits Limited. Known for its smoothness and rich flavor profile, Black Dog Triple Gold Reserve features a blend of malt and grain whiskies matured in three types of oak casks. It offers notes of honey, vanilla, and dried fruits with a subtle smokiness. The whisky has received several awards, including a gold medal at the 2023 International Spirits Challenge. It has an alcohol strength of 42.8% ABV and is available in 180 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, and 1-liter bottles. Black Dog offers four variants, with Triple Gold Reserve being the most renowned.
Average Price for 750ml
₹2,200
Why It’s the Best Scotch Whisky in India
Black Dog is appreciated for its rich heritage and triple maturation process, delivering a complex and smooth drinking experience that stands out in the market.
Ballantine’s Whisky
Ballantine’s, a prestigious Scotch whisky brand, has been available in India for many years, brought by Pernod Ricard. Known for its smooth and balanced flavor, Ballantine’s Finest features a blend of over 40 malts and grains. The taste profile includes notes of milk chocolate, red apple, and vanilla. Ballantine’s has won multiple awards, including a gold medal at the 2023 International Wine & Spirit Competition. With an alcohol strength of 40% ABV, it is available in 200 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, and 1-liter bottles. The brand offers five variants, with Ballantine’s Finest being the most popular.
Average Price for 750ml
₹1,950
Why It’s the Best Scotch Whisky in India
Ballantine’s is renowned for its consistent quality and sophisticated blend, making it a favorite among whisky enthusiasts for its versatility and smoothness.
Teacher’s Whisky
Teacher’s, a well-known Scotch whisky brand, has been a staple in India for decades, distributed by Beam Suntory. Known for its rich and full-bodied flavor, Teacher’s Highland Cream features a high malt content with a blend of peated and non-peated whiskies. The taste includes notes of creamy malt, smokiness, and a hint of fruitiness. Teacher’s has received several awards, including a silver medal at the 2023 International Spirits Challenge. With an alcohol strength of 42.8% ABV, it is available in 180 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml, and 1-liter bottles. The brand offers three variants, with Highland Cream being the most popular.
Average Price for 750ml
₹1,500
