- Entertainment
- Style
- Lifestyle
- Food & Drinks
- Tech & Auto
- Culture
We may be putting it too simply, but a peated whisky does not have to be a mouthful of ash and iodine to win over a drinker who prefers Scotch. Some of the more interesting Indian whiskies use smoke as a seasoning, balancing it with ripe fruit, honey and sherried sweetness instead. So, if you enjoy the smoky side of Islay and want to see how India interprets it, here are 5 Indian peated whiskies, with prices in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, that are worth considering. These are: Paul John Bold, Woodburns Contemporary Indian Whisky, Indri Agneya, Crazy Cock Dhua and GianChand Manshaa whisky. From honeyed, maritime smoke and woodsmoke to sherried sweetness and medicinal peat, these Indian whiskies offer different interpretations of a Scotch-style pour.
Made in Goa, Paul John Bold is a natural starting point for anyone who enjoys a pronounced smoky character. Bottled at 46% ABV, this peated Indian single malt balances its smoke with Manuka honey, prickly spice and bourbon-like sweetness. The palate develops notes of oak, honey and dry molasses before moving towards peaty soot and smoked mocha. It has enough intensity to appeal to drinkers who enjoy a fuller-bodied Islay dram, without losing its distinctly Indian character.
Paul John Bold Whisky Price Delhi: Rs 5,000.
Paul John Bold Whisky Price Mumbai: Rs 6,200.
Paul John Bold Whisky Price Bengaluru: Rs 4,115.
A blended Indian malt rather than a single malt, Woodburns takes a more oak-driven approach to peat. Produced by Fullarton Distilleries in Goa, it combines Indian malts, including peated and unpeated expressions, and matures in charred oak casks. Expect woodsmoke, dry oak, burnt toast and a little tar, followed by honeyed barley, dark chocolate and sesame. It is a relatively accessible way to experience the smoky side of Indian whisky.
Woodburns Contemporary Indian Whisky Delhi: Rs 1,850.
Woodburns Contemporary Indian Whisky Mumbai: Rs 3,200.
Woodburns Contemporary Indian Whisky Bengaluru: Rs 2,500.
Piccadily Distilleries' Indri Agneya brings together peated Indian six-row barley and maturation in bourbon and sherry casks. The malt is kilned to 25 ppm using Scottish peat, while the whisky is bottled at 46% ABV. What makes it interesting is the interplay between its earthy smoke and sweeter notes of ripe fruit, banana, chocolate and toffee. Rather than overwhelming the palate with peat, Agneya allows its fruity character to remain part of the experience.
Indri Agneya Whisky Price Delhi: Rs 4,290.
Indri Agneya Whisky Price Mumbai: Rs 7,890.
Indri Agneya Whisky Price Bengaluru: Rs 5,175.
Dhua, which translates to smoke, is South Seas Distilleries' peated Indian single malt from Dahanu, Maharashtra. Made using North Indian six-row barley and matured in imported bourbon and sherry casks, it leans towards a sweeter interpretation of peat. Expect raisins, dark chocolate, cinnamon and mandarin alongside gentle smoke, followed by a warm, lingering finish. Its relatively restrained peat makes it an interesting alternative for those who enjoy sherried Scotch.
Crazy Cock Dhua Whisky Price Delhi: Rs 13,730 (Delhi Duty Free).
Crazy Cock Dhua Whisky Price Mumbai: Rs 12,500.
Crazy Cock Dhua Whisky Price Bengaluru: Rs 3,490.
Distilled by DeVANS Modern Breweries in Jammu, GianChand Manshaa is a peated single malt that brings a more earthy and medicinal dimension to the category. Its smoky character is accompanied by citrus, sandalwood, honey and spice, with mineral salinity adding another layer. The finish holds on to the peat without allowing it to dominate completely. Recognised at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2025, it is an interesting bottle for drinkers who prefer a more persistent smoky character.
GianChand Manshaa Whisky Price Delhi: Rs 10,560 (Delhi Duty Free).
GianChand Manshaa Whisky Price Mumbai: City-specific retail price not verified.
GianChand Manshaa Whisky Price Bengaluru: City-specific retail price not verified.
Note: Whisky prices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are indicative and based on available 750 ml listings. Delhi airport duty-free prices are separate from domestic retail prices. State excise duties, retailer pricing and availability can change the final cost.