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This Indian Whisky Wins the International Whisky of the Year Award

Indian single malt triumphs on the global stage, showcasing the rise of homegrown craftsmanship in the world of spirits.

Indian Hospitality Bureau

8/1/2025

DeVANS GianChand Manshaa, a peated single malt whisky from India, has clinched two of the highest honours at the Meininger’s International Spirits Award (ISW) 2025 in Germany: the Grand Gold Medal and the coveted title of International Whisky of the Year, defeating celebrated contenders from some of the world’s most renowned whisky-producing nations. Out of 450 global entries, only 11 spirits were honoured with the Grand Gold distinction. DeVANS GianChand Manshaa emerged as the only Indian whisky to achieve this, and went on to win the fiercely contested International Whisky of the Year Award, outranking submissions from Scotland, Ireland, the United States, and Germany. This latest expression from DeVANS marks the company’s first peated single malt. The international jury applauded its long medicinal peat smoke, delicately balanced by citrus and spice-forward notes. Renowned whisky critic and Whisky Bible author Jim Murray described it as having “charming smokiness, with peat in sparkling form.”

Distilled in the Himalayan region, GianChand Manshaa reflects India’s emerging terroir-driven whisky movement. The spirit benefits from a unique microclimate, high-altitude water purity, and a blend of traditional and contemporary distillation techniques helping it stand out globally. Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director of DeVANS, remarked, “This prestigious recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to quality and craft. It’s a proud moment not just for DeVANS, but for India’s growing position in the global single malt industry.” He added that this win comes close on the heels of another milestone GianChand Adambaraa, also by DeVANS, was recently named Best Indian Single Malt Whisky 2025 and Best Indian Whisky of the Year 2025 at the International Whisky Competition in Las Vegas, USA. While GianChand Manshaa stands out for its bold, peated profile, its sibling Adambaraa offers a refined and elegant expression together showcasing India’s evolving craftsmanship in premium spirits. “These recognitions reaffirm India’s rightful place among the world’s top producers of single malts,” Dewan concluded.

INDRI- Indian Whisky