How India became one of the world's largest whisky producers
Did you know that whiskies from India comprise 48 per cent of all the whiskies in the world? Big brands, like Seagram’s and Imperial Blue, are top-listed and some are available in Hong Kong restaurants like Daarukhana and New Punjab Club
India consumes 48 per cent of the world’s whisky, making it the sixth largest importer of Scotch, so it is not surprising that the country also produces a lot of the spirit.
In fact, seven of the top 10 global whisky brands across the globe are Indian, says Sangram Sinha, general manager and head of international business at Pernod Ricard India, which owns Seagram’s whiskies.
The importance of the Indian whisky market to the global well-being of the whisky category cannot be overstated
Indian whisky exports have seen double-digit growth in the past few years, according to global database IWSR.
The most popular premium Indian whiskies worldwide include Imperial Blue, Paul John Brilliance Indian Single Malt Whisky, Peter Scot, Rampur Indian Single Malt, Black Dog Triple Gold Reserve Blended Scotch, Royal Stag, Blenders Pride and Officers Choice Blue, among others.
“The importance of the Indian whisky market to the global well-being of the whisky category cannot be overstated: Indian whiskies comprise 48 per cent of the total whiskies in the world, and seven of the top 10 global whisky brands across the world are Indian,” says Sinha.
Indian whiskies are appearing more in restaurants across Hong Kong, including Daarukhana, which serves modern Indian cuisine.
“We use Rampur and Amrut, and our most popular cocktail is called Bigde Nawab, which features Rampur Single Malt, mango purée, pineapple juice, fleur de thyme and egg white,” says Sanat Patel, CEO of Daarukhana.
Black Sheep Restaurants group, which owns more than 20 restaurants in Hong Kong and one in Shanghai, also stocks Indian whiskies in some of their restaurants, including the popular New Punjab Club.