As their standut performances in the face of stiff competition indicate, Indian single malt whiskies are giving the traditional whisky-producing countries plenty to think about. And the latest results from the 2026 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2026 offer another reason to pay attention. Four Indian whiskies picked up Gold Medals at this year's competition, with Indri and DeVANS GianChand each securing two wins. The results include everything from a three-cask-matured single malt whisky to an unpeated expression with honeyed fruit notes. Here are the 4 Indian single malt whiskies that won gold: Indri Trini, Indri Agneya, DeVANS GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky, and DeVANS GianChand Adambaraa whisky.
Indri Trini whisky, also known as The Three Wood, owes much of its character to the casks used in its maturation. This single malt whisky is matured in ex-bourbon, ex-French wine and PX sherry casks, bringing together three distinct influences. On the nose, expect caramelised pineapple, black tea, vanilla, honey and raisins, while the palate introduces gentle spice and woody notes. Bottled at 46% ABV, it finishes with a lingering sweetness and a touch of nuttiness. Its Gold Medal at Spirits Selection 2026 adds another international accolade to an already well-recognised Indian single malt whisky.
If you like a little smoke in your dram, Indri Agneya whisky is worth a closer look. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word for fire, and the whisky brings together ex-bourbon and Pedro Ximénez sherry cask maturation. Chocolate, vanilla, dried apple and apricot shape the nose, while mango, ripe banana, toffee and gentle peat smoke appear on the palate. At 46% ABV, it offers a combination of fruit sweetness, spice and a softly smoky finish. It also secured a Gold Medal at the 2026 competition.
Crafted in Jammu, in the foothills of the Himalayas, DeVANS GianChand whisky draws part of its character from its place of origin. This signature single malt whisky has a mildly peated, fruit-forward profile. The nose brings together dried apricots, prunes, honeycomb toffee, gingerbread and sweet spice, with a gentle hint of peat and oak. On the palate, expect creamy honey, dried fruit, ginger and a little pepper, followed by a dry finish with hints of bitter chocolate. Bottled at 42.8% ABV, it is a Gold Medal winner at Spirits Selection 2026.
Unlike the mildly peated GianChand expression, Adambaraa whisky takes the unpeated route. Matured in American bourbon casks, it is designed around a softer, more delicate flavour profile. Honeyed malt, orchard fruits, vanilla and floral aromas lead into a palate of caramel, toffee, juicy peaches and dried apricots. Gentle spice adds warmth to the finish without taking away from its fruity character. Bottled at 42.8% ABV, Adambaraa whisky also earned a Gold Medal at the competition.
Well, 4 gold medal winning Indian single malt whisky bottles at CMB 2026 may not sound like a dramatic takeover, but they make a compelling case for the range and ambition of Indian spirits makers. With Indri showcasing the influence of different cask finishes and GianChand offering both peated and unpeated styles, there is plenty of variety in this year's Indian winners. And yes, it also signals that good whisky does not only come from Scotland.