World Whisky Day 2025: Experts Decode Why Whisky Will Never Lose Its Charm In India

On World Whisky Day right this moment, we’re celebrating essentially the most liked alcoholic beverage in India. A glass of whisky is rather more than only a drink. It’s an emblem of standing, legacy, tradition, connection, and good instances. In reality, many Indians are launched to alcohol by way of whisky. I personally grew up watching my dad, uncle and grandfather sipping whisky with soda and water on Sundays, sharing jokes and snacks with a drink or two, and feeling completely delighted prefer it was the spotlight of their total week. The whisky bottle could be saved secure like a prized possession, handled with utmost care, and all the time promised an important night. I consider that is true for a lot of Indian households. 

But have you ever ever questioned why will we love whisky a lot? This World Whisky Day, NDTV caught up with specialists from the Indian beverage business to search out out why Indians are so loyal to whisky, and maybe will all the time be.

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How Whisky Came To India And Never Meant To Leave

“Scotch whisky still dominates the Indian market and it has to do with the fact that it was one of the first entrants as a spirit that came into India,” says Minakshi Singh, CEO, Co-Founder at Sidecar, Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy, Cafe Lungta, Bhumi Farms, The Brook, India Bartender Week.

Explaining whisky’s enormous reference to India, Minakshi provides, “The British introduced Scotch whisky to India, and it was one of the first International spirits to be brought here. It became a symbol of status, success, good taste, discernment, and since then, it has stood by those pillars. Even today, our shelf is dominated by 60-65 per cent of whisky and the remaining are other spirits and liquors and wine and beer.”

Also Read: Whisky 101: Everything You Need To Know About This Timeless Spirit

Tequila Fad Is Here, But People Are Not Leaving Their Single Malts

The No. 1 cocktail on this planet is old style, made with whisky, shares Navjot Singh, Beverage Director at Lair New Delhi and Lair Gurgaon. “I think even with the rise of other spirits, India will never lose that charm of drinking whisky. The loyalty to whisky is still there, and people are not leaving their single malts, even if many are now moving to other spirits like aged tequila.”

Explaining the deeply rooted love for whisky within the coronary heart of Indians, Navjot Singh says, “There is a lot of cultural legacy here as whisky has been associated with the status of celebration and tradition in India for decades. It is the go-to drink for a lot of people, especially the older generations.”

“I still remember people holding on to a whisky bottle which somebody had gifted, and they saved it for a special occasion in the future. I know a few clients and guests who say ‘I am going to drink this bottle with my son or great-grandson.’ Whisky is an emotion, which we cannot change.”

Also Read:A Beginner’s Guide To Whisky You Didn’t Know You Needed

The Taste, While Important, Is Still Secondary

Whisky has an inimitable allure. It would not have competitors nor wants validation, notes Magandeep Singh, Sommelier, Writer and Beverage knowledgeable. “For Indians, their love for whisky extends beyond just the stuff in the glass. It’s connected to freedom, Bollywood, family occasions, college times, vacations, important ceremonies and functions…it’s almost a rite of passage.“

Explaining the significance of whisky in Indian tradition and society,  Magandeep Singh concludes, “To this end, the taste, while important, is still secondary. What matters more is how one associates with a brand and feels connected to it, or rather, how one perceives that a particular brand represents them and their lifestyle choices. Which is why brand loyalty runs extremely deep with this brown spirit, thereby elevating it from being just an alcoholic drink to a symbol of many personally relevant elements.”

On World Whisky Day 2025, let’s increase a glass to rejoice the drink that’s undoubtedly essentially the most liked alcoholic drink in India. Cheers!