Indians are increasingly favoring single malt whisky over other spirits, drawn by its rich, complex flavors and premium quality. Rising disposable incomes and a growing appreciation for fine spirits have boosted its popularity. They are rapidly gaining international acclaim for their distinctive flavours and high quality. In the past, brands like Amrut, Paul John, and Rampur have led this surge, winning numerous awards at global spirits competitions. Their unique maturation processes, often influenced by India’s diverse climate, result in rich, complex whiskies that are increasingly being recognized and appreciated by whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
While not an Indian brand, but the recent addition to these award-winning whiskies is D’YAVOL Scotch whisky, which is co-owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and his son Aryan Khan. Recently, its pure malt Scotch whisky D’YAVOL INCEPTION has won a gold medal at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge 2024. This competition is known for its rigorous standards, receiving thousands of entries from over 70 countries to identify and promote outstanding spirits worldwide.
D’YAVOL INCEPTION is renowned for its unique blend of eight distinct single malts sourced from across Scotland. The whisky offers a complex balance of peat and sweet notes, matured in rare Madeira and first-fill Tawny Port casks, resulting in a rich and layered complexity. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 47.1% ABV, this bold whisky retains its authentic flavor profile, culminating in a long, lingering finish.
Commenting on this win, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is one of the co-founders of D’YAVOL, expressed his excitement over the accolade, stating, “I’m thrilled to see the D’YAVOL Luxury Collective receiving accolades from our patrons. This gold medal is the result of all the hard work and passion of the whole team, and I’m sure it’s the first of many to come.” While Bunty Singh who is the other co-founder said, “I am proud that D’YAVOL’s liquid credentials are being validated by securing medals in prestigious competitions. It is particularly gratifying that these are awarded to our core expressions, which are readily available for consumers to try, and not for limited edition products and exclusive bottlings.”
The brand’s portfolio extends beyond INCEPTION, and includes the single estate vodka made in Poland and VORTEX, a blended Scotch whisky. These products have also received recognition, winning medals at both the International Spirits Challenge and the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2024 awards.
What is a single malt?
A single malt is a type of whisky that is produced at a single distillery using malted barley as the sole grain ingredient. Unlike blended whiskies, which mix products from multiple distilleries, single malts showcase the unique characteristics and flavors of one specific distillery. The whisky must be distilled in pot stills and aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. Single malts are often celebrated for their distinct aromas and complex taste profiles, influenced by the region, water source, and production techniques of the distillery.
Right tips to store Scotch whiskey
Storing Scotch whiskey properly is essential to maintain its quality and flavor over time. Firstly, ensure that the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent oxidation, which can degrade the whiskey’s taste. Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations, such as in a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing it near heat sources like radiators or ovens, as excessive heat can alter the whiskey’s characteristics. Moreover, consider investing in a whiskey-specific decanter if you plan to transfer the whiskey from its original bottle, as it can help preserve the flavor and prevent evaporation.
In addition to the growing popularity of single malt whiskies in India, the country’s whisky enthusiasts are also increasingly exploring different types of spirits and expanding their palates. This trend has led to a rise in the consumption of premium and imported spirits, as consumers seek unique and high-quality drinking experiences. As a result, Indian consumers are becoming more discerning and knowledgeable about various spirits, including Scotch whisky. This shift in consumer preferences has created opportunities for brands like D’YAVOL to introduce innovative and premium products to the market, catering to the evolving tastes of Indian consumers. By winning awards at international spirits competitions, these brands are not only gaining recognition on a global scale but also contributing to the growing reputation of Indian spirits in the international spirits industry.
Overall, the success of D’YAVOL Scotch whisky at the International Spirits Challenge 2024 highlights the quality and craftsmanship of Indian-owned brands in the competitive world of spirits. With their commitment to excellence and innovation, these brands are setting new standards for Indian spirits and showcasing the country’s potential to produce world-class products that can compete on a global stage. As Indian consumers continue to embrace premium spirits and explore different flavor profiles, the future looks promising for brands like D’YAVOL and the Indian spirits industry as a whole.