India’s Malt Whisky Renaissance: How IMWA is Elevating Indian Single Malts to Global Luxury Status

A New Era for Indian Malt Whisky on the World Stage

In a landmark move for India’s alco-beverage industry, the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) was officially launched on March 20, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s premium whisky sector. Incorporated in July 2024, this historic launch sets unified standards for Indian single malt whiskies, positioning India alongside international whisky powerhouses like the Scotch Whisky Association, Irish Whiskey Association, and Japanese Spirits & Liquor Whisky Association.

Led by Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd) and backed by distilleries such as Paul John, Amrut, Radico Khaitan, and Piccadily Agro, IMWA is dedicated to preserving, promoting, protecting, and elevating Indian malt whisky to global recognition.

Crafting a Vision for Excellence

IMWA’s vision is clear and ambitious: to position India as a global leader in luxury malt whiskies, blending artistry, heritage, and innovation. This initiative aims to reshape industry portfolios, promote premiumization, and celebrate the unparalleled craftsmanship that defines Indian whisky.

"IMWA marks the dawn of a new era for Indian single malts, where tradition meets innovation," says Paul P. John, Chairman of IMWA and head of John Distilleries Pvt Ltd.

The association’s mission is to ensure India produces world-class malt whiskies that compete with international brands — all while promoting the "Made in India" ethos and safeguarding the industry’s authenticity and reputation.

Setting Unified Standards: Protecting Integrity and Quality

The IMWA’s launch wasn’t just symbolic — it established rigorous quality standards to ensure only authentic Indian single malts bear the name.

"Defining guidelines, securing certifications, trademarks, geographical indications (GI), and intellectual property rights (IPR) are essential steps to build trust in the authenticity and quality of Indian malt whiskies," explains Maj Gen Chopra.

IMWA’s standards now define what qualifies as Indian Single Malt:

• Made from 100% malted barley.
• Produced entirely at a single distillery using copper pot stills — no column stills allowed.
• Crafted with only malted barley, pure water, and yeast — no additives or enhancers.
• Aged for a minimum of three years in wooden oak barrels under 700 liters capacity.
• For pure malts (100% malt whisky blends), only malts from other recognized Indian distilleries are permitted — no ENA or IMFL-based spirits.

The IMWA remains vigilant against misleading products. "We’ve observed the launch of so-called Indian single malts by companies without proper malt distilleries," notes Maj Gen Chopra. "These practices undermine the category’s credibility. Protecting the integrity of Indian malt whisky is essential to securing its global acceptance and growth."

The IMWA Charter: A Blueprint for Success

IMWA’s charter of duties extends beyond production standards — it maps out a comprehensive strategy:

• Promotion and Advocacy: Lobby for favorable policies and trade regulations to support global expansion.
• Quality Assurance: Define and enforce production, aging, labeling, and ingredient standards to maintain world-class quality.
• Education and Awareness: Host workshops, seminars, and collaborative knowledge-sharing initiatives for distillers and enthusiasts.
• Sustainability Practices: Champion eco-friendly distillation, waste management, and sustainable sourcing.
• Industry Collaboration: Build a strong, interconnected community of Indian whisky producers to encourage innovation and growth.

The Future is "Made in India" and Aged to Perfection

With 80+ unique expressions, 200,000+ barrels, exports to 50+ countries, and 100+ international awards, IMWA’s founding members are already paving the way for India’s malt whisky revolution.

Thanks to the association’s efforts to protect authenticity, promote quality, and strengthen global ties, Indian malt whisky is no longer an emerging player — it’s a serious contender among the world’s finest spirits.