Four leading Indian whisky producers have announced the formation of the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA)—an industry body dedicated to protecting and promoting Indian malt whisky both domestically and internationally. The IMWA board includes Paul P. John (John Distilleries), Rakshit N. Jagdale (Amrut Distilleries), Abhishek Khaitan (Radico Khaitan), and Akhil Dada (Piccadily Agro Industries).
Similar to the Scotch Whisky Association, Irish Whiskey Association, and Japanese Spirits & Liquor Whisky Association, IMWA aims not only to increase global recognition of Indian malt whisky but also to establish clear production standards and legal regulations for the category.
IMWA’s CEO, Rajesh Chopra, emphasized the importance of technical and regulatory standards in building the reputation of Indian malt whisky:
“Defining guidelines, securing certifications, trademarks, geographical indications (GI), and intellectual property rights (IPR) are essential steps in establishing trust in the authenticity and quality of Indian malt whiskies. By setting these standards, we send a message to the world that India produces malt whisky of unparalleled quality and uniqueness.”
To ensure authenticity and a unified definition of Indian malt whisky, IMWA has established the following criteria for single malt and pure malt whisky:
- Must be produced, bottled, and labeled entirely in India.
- Can contain only three natural ingredients: water, yeast, and malted barley.
- Must be distilled in a single distillery using copper pot stills.
- Must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks no larger than 700 liters.
Beyond international promotion, IMWA’s mission includes enforcing these standards within India itself. One of the key challenges faced by Indian single malt producers is that some whisky made abroad is later marketed as Indian single malt, misleading consumers.
“We have observed so-called Indian single malts entering the market from companies that do not operate proper malt distilleries. Such practices undermine the credibility of the category. It is crucial to uphold the hard-earned reputation of Indian malt whisky on the global stage.” – Chopra added.
The establishment of the Indian Malt Whisky Association marks a significant step toward greater transparency and international recognition for Indian malt whisky, which has gained considerable popularity among whisky enthusiasts worldwide in recent years.
