India Launches Indian Malt Whisky Association to Champion Premium Local Spirits
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.
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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.
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