India’s Singhasan whisky sweeps three top titles at World Drinks Awards 2026

India’s growing presence in the global premium spirits space was underlined as Singhasan , a recently launched premium Indian blended whisky from Modi Illva, secured three top honours at the World Drinks Awards 2026 .

Headquartered in the UK, the World Drinks Awards are regarded as one of the most rigorous international platforms for spirits evaluation, with entries judged through blind tastings by independent panels of distillers and industry experts. Singhasan’s triple win places it among the leading performers in the blended whisky category at a time when Indian spirits are increasingly being assessed alongside established global brands.

Launched in February 2025 , Singhasan represents Modi Illva’s push into the premium whisky segment , targeting consumers seeking refined, Indian-made alternatives to imported labels. Crafted using selected Indian malts and grains and matured in oak casks in India, the brand has positioned itself around craftsmanship, smoothness and contemporary appeal.

India remains the world’s largest whisky market by volume , with industry estimates putting annual consumption at over 130 million nine-litre cases . The market has traditionally been dominated by high-volume brands such as Royal Stag , McDowell’s No.1 and Officer’s Choice , but recent years have seen faster growth in premium and prestige categories as consumer preferences evolve.

While overall per-capita spirits consumption in India is modest compared with Western markets, whisky accounts for the bulk of spirits consumed, particularly among adult males, who form the largest share of the drinking population. Rising disposable incomes, urbanisation and changing lifestyles are accelerating premiumisation across the category.

Industry observers note that international recognition at platforms such as the World Drinks Awards strengthens global visibility for Indian producers and signals a broader shift in how Indian whiskies are perceived worldwide. Singhasan’s success is being seen as part of this wider transformation of India’s whisky landscape.