Indian Single Malt Shines on the Global Stage: Amrut Expedition Ranked Third Best Whisky in the World
In a landmark moment for Indian whisky, Amrut Distilleries’ ultra-premium offering, Amrut Expedition – 15 Year Old Single Malt, has been named the third finest whisky in the world in the prestigious Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2025–26. This achievement underscores the rapid rise of Indian single malts on the international scene, challenging traditional powerhouses from Scotland, Japan, Ireland, and the United States.
The Bengaluru-based distillery, long recognized as a pioneer in crafting world-class single malts in India, has once again demonstrated that exceptional quality can emerge from unconventional origins. Priced at around ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000 USD, varying by market and availability), Amrut Expedition stands as one of India’s longest-aged and most exclusive whiskies. Its rarity and craftsmanship have earned it the moniker “liquid gold” among collectors and connoisseurs.
What makes this 15-year-old expression particularly remarkable is India’s unique maturation environment. The country’s hot and humid climate accelerates the aging process significantly compared to cooler regions like Scotland. As a result, a 15-year maturation in India delivers depth and complexity equivalent to far older whiskies from temperate climates. Amrut Expedition was matured for eight years in European sherry casks, followed by seven years in ex-bourbon casks, yielding a rich, layered profile featuring notes of tropical fruits, warm spices, vanilla, and a velvety texture that balances intensity with elegance.
This is not the first time an Amrut whisky has claimed such high honors in Jim Murray’s influential annual guide. Back in 2009/2010, Amrut’s groundbreaking Fusion single malt also secured the third spot worldwide, marking a pivotal moment that first put Indian single malts firmly on the global map and challenged long-held perceptions about whisky production outside Scotland.
Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, now in its 2025–26 edition, remains one of the most respected and independent resources in the whisky world. With tasting notes on thousands of expressions from dozens of countries, the guide’s rankings carry significant weight among enthusiasts, collectors, and the industry alike. For Amrut Expedition to rank third in such a competitive field highlights the exceptional skill of the distillery’s team and the potential of Indian barley, water, and climate in producing spirits of the highest caliber.
The recognition arrives at a time when Indian single malts are gaining increasing acclaim worldwide, with several expressions earning top awards in international competitions. Amrut’s success not only celebrates the brand’s heritage but also signals a broader shift: premium whisky is no longer the exclusive domain of traditional regions. Indian producers are proving they can deliver innovation, quality, and character that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best.
For whisky lovers, Amrut Expedition represents a bucket-list dram—rare, expensive, and profoundly rewarding. While bottles are extremely limited and highly sought after, this latest accolade cements its place as a milestone in the story of Indian spirits. As the global whisky landscape continues to evolve, Amrut Distilleries is helping write a new chapter, one exceptional pour at a time.
Cheers to India’s whisky renaissance! 🥃
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