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Last Updated:May 19, 2025, 20:15 is

Raise a glass this World Whiskey Day with five bold whiskies that blend craft, culture, and character in every sip.

This World Whisk(e)y Day, step beyond the ordinary and explore a curated collection of whiskies that bring together tradition, innovation, and distinctive regional flair. From Indian craft expressions to global icons, here are five whiskies worth sipping on.

Toki Suntory Whisky

Toki, meaning ‘time’, is a concept deeply woven into the Japanese way of life. The House of Suntory’s fourth Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo was inspired to create a blend that is both groundbreaking and timeless, leading him to take a fresh approach with Toki. The unique pairing of Hakushu American White Oak Cask malt spirit with Chita heavy-type grain spirit overturns the traditional hierarchy between malt and grain. These seemingly dissimilar but deeply accordant spirits, together with select Yamazaki malts for additional depth and complexity give rise to the exquisite, silky taste, distinctive character and bold innovation of the blended Toki Suntory Whisky. In 2024, Toki Suntory Whisky was awarded Gold in the Tasting Awards – Japanese Whisky category at the International Spirits Challenge 2024.

SOORAHI Whisky

Region: Delhi & Punjab | Price: ₹1700 (Delhi), ₹1500 (Punjab)

Inspired by the spirit of adventure and discovery, SOORAHI blends craft and storytelling with finesse. Named from the Hindi words “soo” (good) and “rahi” (traveller), the whisky’s compass-inspired design hints at a journey through flavor and experience.

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Amber gold, like a sunset horizon

Nose: Vanilla and malt lead, joined by butterscotch, sherry, marmalade, oak, and a soft wisp of smoke

Palate: Smooth and vibrant with toffee, dried fruits, sherry, and smoky undertones

Finish: Long, dry, and layered with malt, vanilla, and oak

Infamous Northeast Rebel Double Barrel Whisky

Region: Assam | Price: ₹2500

Bold, edgy, and proudly rebellious, Infamous Northeast celebrates the untamed spirit of Northeast India with a double-barrel maturation process. It fuses rare Scottish malts with Indian single malts from Jammu and corn and rice whiskies from the hills of the Northeast—then finishes in Tennessee whisky casks.

Tasting Notes:

Colour & Body: Deep golden hue with medium oiliness

Nose: Fruity with berries, nuts, and dates

Palate: Sweet and full-bodied, with a burst of cranberries

Finish: Long, smooth, and memorable

Castle Hill Dark Knight Small Batch Whiskey

Region: Assam | Price: ₹1200 (2 years), ₹1550 (4 years)

Crafted under the guidance of industry legend John McDougall, this small-batch whiskey is rooted in American Bourbon traditions. Made from locally sourced maize and matured in charred American Oak, it’s an Indian whiskey with serious pedigree.

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Deep gold with rich oiliness

Nose: Fruity, with notes of blackberries and coffee

Palate: Sweet, complex, and slightly spicy with a long, satisfying finish

55°NORTH Whisky

Region: Delhi | Price: ₹800

Named after the 55th Parallel North—home to iconic whisky-producing regions—this blend of Fine Grain Spirit, Indian Malt, and three Scotch Malts is both robust and refined. It’s a salute to northern boldness and whisky craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Smoky peat, sweet malt, caramel, orchard fruits, and toasted oak

Palate: Honeyed and full-bodied, with oak spice, dark chocolate, figs, and citrus zest

Finish: Warm and lingering with malt, spice, and a mineral hint

Cutty Sark

Region: Available in 20 Indian states | Price: Varies by location

A globally recognized Scotch whisky known for its light, approachable style, Cutty Sark is crafted from a careful blend of single malts and grain whiskies. It’s perfect for those who prefer a vibrant, clean sip that doesn’t compromise on depth.

Tasting Notes:

Nose & Palate: Vanilla and citrus take the lead, offering a refreshing, well-balanced profile

Character: Light, lively, and easy to enjoy, whether neat or in cocktails

Cheers to Character

The Glenwalk

Crafted for the modern whisky enthusiast, The Glenwalk brings together tradition and innovation in every sip. Whether you prefer your whisky bold, smooth, or with a twist, we’ve got a serve for every mood. The Glenwalk is a blended Scotch whisky, produced and bottled in Scotland, and marketed as a premium offering by actor Sanjay Dutt, who is also the co-founder of the company. It is described as a blend of fine malt and grain Scotch whiskies, matured in traditional oak casks. Launched in June 2023, The Glenwalk has consistently delivered on its promise of premium Scotch at accessible prices, winning over whisky enthusiasts and industry experts alike.

Backed by a clear vision and a robust expansion strategy, The Glenwalk is now available in over 75 cities across 15 Indian states, including key markets such as Maharashtra, Goa, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Daman, Chennai, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka.

Teacher’s Whisky

Teacher’s whisky was started in 1830 by William Teacher, who embarked on a quest to create one of the finest scotch whiskies in the world. Teacher’s is a rich and full-bodied blended scotch whisky with a lot of character. Most of its flavour can be traced back to Ardmore Distillery where the malt & grains are carefully crafted using traditional distillation methods, including both large and small oak barrels.

With its smoky taste and high peated malt content, this richly flavoured whisky is enjoyed by whisky aficionados, a noteworthy tribute to World Whisky Day.

Oaksmith Gold

Oaksmith Gold – India’s first International Blended Whisky, brings the best of east and west in a bottle. A celebration of craftsmanship and global collaboration, it is a fine balance of smokiness, sweetness and smoothness all put-together with world class Japanese precision. Created by master blender Shinji Fukuyo, with his experience of more than 30 years of creating some of the world’s most awarded whiskies. The name – Oaksmith® is a tribute to this craftsmanship, and the fine oak casks the whisky’s were aged in.

Whether you’re raising a glass to tradition or exploring bold new expressions, these whiskies invite you to savor craftsmanship from India and beyond. Happy World Whisk(e)y Day!

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