India Launches Indian Malt Whisky Association to Champion Premium Local Spirits
India Launches Indian Malt Whisky Association to Champion Premium Local Spirits
India Launches Indian Malt Whisky Association to Champion Premium Local Spirits
Mar 30, 2025
Mar 30, 2025
Mar 30, 2025
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20 March 2025 | New Delhi, India — In a landmark move for India’s spirits industry, the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) was officially launched on 20 March 2025. The non-profit body, incorporated in July 2024, is committed to preserving, promoting, and protecting the authenticity of Indian malt whisky both domestically and internationally.
Sign up for our free whisky newsletter to get the latest news, insights, and industry updates delivered weekly.
20 March 2025 | New Delhi, India — In a landmark move for India’s spirits industry, the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) was officially launched on 20 March 2025. The non-profit body, incorporated in July 2024, is committed to preserving, promoting, and protecting the authenticity of Indian malt whisky both domestically and internationally.
Sign up for our free whisky newsletter to get the latest news, insights, and industry updates delivered weekly.
Key Takeaways
Launch Date: IMWA was officially launched on 20 March 2025.
Mission: To advocate for premium Indian malt whisky globally.
Leadership: Founding members include John Distilleries, Amrut, Radico Khaitan, and Piccadily.
Regulations: Strict definitions established for Indian single and pure malts.
Vision: Expand production and recognition of Indian malts worldwide.
Key Takeaways
Launch Date: IMWA was officially launched on 20 March 2025.
Mission: To advocate for premium Indian malt whisky globally.
Leadership: Founding members include John Distilleries, Amrut, Radico Khaitan, and Piccadily.
Regulations: Strict definitions established for Indian single and pure malts.
Vision: Expand production and recognition of Indian malts worldwide.
A New Voice for Indian Malt Whisky
The IMWA marks India’s formal entry into the global community of whisky regulatory bodies, positioning itself alongside the Scotch Whisky Association and the Irish Whiskey Association. With a focus on excellence and origin, the association aims to uplift Indian single malts through advocacy, innovation, and standardization.
“Our vision is to position India as a global leader in authentic, luxury malt whiskies,” said Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd), IMWA’s Founder and Director General.
A New Voice for Indian Malt Whisky
The IMWA marks India’s formal entry into the global community of whisky regulatory bodies, positioning itself alongside the Scotch Whisky Association and the Irish Whiskey Association. With a focus on excellence and origin, the association aims to uplift Indian single malts through advocacy, innovation, and standardization.
“Our vision is to position India as a global leader in authentic, luxury malt whiskies,” said Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd), IMWA’s Founder and Director General.
Who Are the Founding Members of the IMWA?
The association was founded by leaders from India’s most established single malt producers, each playing a key role in the rise of Indian whisky on the world stage:
Paul P. John, John Distilleries
Rakshit N. Jagdale, Amrut Distilleries
Abhishek Khaitan, Radico Khaitan
Akhil Dada, Piccadily Agro Industries
These figures bring decades of industry expertise and a shared commitment to global recognition for Indian malt whisky.
Who Are the Founding Members of the IMWA?
The association was founded by leaders from India’s most established single malt producers, each playing a key role in the rise of Indian whisky on the world stage:
Paul P. John, John Distilleries
Rakshit N. Jagdale, Amrut Distilleries
Abhishek Khaitan, Radico Khaitan
Akhil Dada, Piccadily Agro Industries
These figures bring decades of industry expertise and a shared commitment to global recognition for Indian malt whisky.
What Defines an Indian Single Malt Whisky Under IMWA Standards?
To meet the Indian Malt Whisky Association’s (IMWA) standards, a whisky must comply with the following criteria:
Made exclusively from 100% malted barley
Distilled in copper pot stills at a single distillery
Composed only of malted barley, water, and yeast
Aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels no larger than 700 liters
The IMWA also defines “pure malts” as blends of malt whiskies from multiple distilleries, provided they meet these stringent specifications. The association will work with regulators to enforce compliance and is prepared to take legal action to protect the integrity of Indian malt.
What Defines an Indian Single Malt Whisky Under IMWA Standards?
To meet the Indian Malt Whisky Association’s (IMWA) standards, a whisky must comply with the following criteria:
Made exclusively from 100% malted barley
Distilled in copper pot stills at a single distillery
Composed only of malted barley, water, and yeast
Aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels no larger than 700 liters
The IMWA also defines “pure malts” as blends of malt whiskies from multiple distilleries, provided they meet these stringent specifications. The association will work with regulators to enforce compliance and is prepared to take legal action to protect the integrity of Indian malt.
What’s Next for the Indian Malt Whisky Industry?
The IMWA envisions India becoming a globally respected producer of premium malt whiskies. Its strategy includes encouraging the establishment of new distilleries across the country, developing export markets, and strengthening the ‘Made in India’ label on the international stage.
With growing global interest in Indian single malts and rising domestic demand, the IMWA believes India is poised to become a defining force in world whisky.
Visit the official IMWA website for more information and regulatory details.
What’s Next for the Indian Malt Whisky Industry?
The IMWA envisions India becoming a globally respected producer of premium malt whiskies. Its strategy includes encouraging the establishment of new distilleries across the country, developing export markets, and strengthening the ‘Made in India’ label on the international stage.
With growing global interest in Indian single malts and rising domestic demand, the IMWA believes India is poised to become a defining force in world whisky.
Visit the official IMWA website for more information and regulatory details.
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20 March 2025 | New Delhi, India — In a landmark move for India’s spirits industry, the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) was officially launched on 20 March 2025. The non-profit body, incorporated in July 2024, is committed to preserving, promoting, and protecting the authenticity of Indian malt whisky both domestically and internationally.
Sign up for our free whisky newsletter to get the latest news, insights, and industry updates delivered weekly.
Key Takeaways
Launch Date: IMWA was officially launched on 20 March 2025.
Mission: To advocate for premium Indian malt whisky globally.
Leadership: Founding members include John Distilleries, Amrut, Radico Khaitan, and Piccadily.
Regulations: Strict definitions established for Indian single and pure malts.
Vision: Expand production and recognition of Indian malts worldwide.
A New Voice for Indian Malt Whisky
The IMWA marks India’s formal entry into the global community of whisky regulatory bodies, positioning itself alongside the Scotch Whisky Association and the Irish Whiskey Association. With a focus on excellence and origin, the association aims to uplift Indian single malts through advocacy, innovation, and standardization.
“Our vision is to position India as a global leader in authentic, luxury malt whiskies,” said Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd), IMWA’s Founder and Director General.
Who Are the Founding Members of the IMWA?
The association was founded by leaders from India’s most established single malt producers, each playing a key role in the rise of Indian whisky on the world stage:
Paul P. John, John Distilleries
Rakshit N. Jagdale, Amrut Distilleries
Abhishek Khaitan, Radico Khaitan
Akhil Dada, Piccadily Agro Industries
These figures bring decades of industry expertise and a shared commitment to global recognition for Indian malt whisky.
What Defines an Indian Single Malt Whisky Under IMWA Standards?
To meet the Indian Malt Whisky Association’s (IMWA) standards, a whisky must comply with the following criteria:
Made exclusively from 100% malted barley
Distilled in copper pot stills at a single distillery
Composed only of malted barley, water, and yeast
Aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels no larger than 700 liters
The IMWA also defines “pure malts” as blends of malt whiskies from multiple distilleries, provided they meet these stringent specifications. The association will work with regulators to enforce compliance and is prepared to take legal action to protect the integrity of Indian malt.
What’s Next for the Indian Malt Whisky Industry?
The IMWA envisions India becoming a globally respected producer of premium malt whiskies. Its strategy includes encouraging the establishment of new distilleries across the country, developing export markets, and strengthening the ‘Made in India’ label on the international stage.
With growing global interest in Indian single malts and rising domestic demand, the IMWA believes India is poised to become a defining force in world whisky.
Visit the official IMWA website for more information and regulatory details.
Share on social media
Leave a comment
Other Whisky Industry News
June 23, 2025
The Only Whisky Show 2025 Heads to Cape Town and Joburg This August
May 14, 2025
World Whisky Day 2025: Celebrate South African Whisky
May 7, 2025
India Slashes Scotch Whisky Tariff in Landmark Trade Deal with UK
April 24, 2025
Brother’s Bond Bourbon Highlights Earth Month Sustainability Impact
April 22, 2025
Whisky Distillers Turn Up the Heat on Carbon Reduction
April 22, 2025
How Scotch Whisky Leaders Are Redefining Water Stewardship
April 6, 2025
Brother’s Bond Bourbon Eyes Global Expansion With South Africa in Sight
April 3, 2025
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Created by Stuart Marsden & Romanos Boraine
Copyright © 2025 Craft Cask (Pty) Ltd
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Get your weekly update on all things whiskey - tasting experiences, news, industry insights, awards & much more!
Created by Stuart Marsden & Romanos Boraine
Copyright © 2025 Craft Cask (Pty) Ltd
