When it comes to the liquor market, India is one of the largest markets in the world and has seen a consistent rise in demand, with whiskey reigning as the top choice. Accounting for over 60 per cent of the country’s alcohol consumption, whiskey has garnered widespread appeal across demographics. Indian whiskies, alongside premium international brands, are favoured due to their rich flavours and affordability.
The evolving preferences of the urban middle class and rising disposable incomes have driven the market’s growth. Additionally, the emergence of homegrown whiskey brands and the increasing desire for premium blends have contributed to the nation's deep-rooted whiskey cravings. From the quality of ingredients used to prepare the whiskey to the production cost and ageing process, several factors determine the price of Indian whiskies.
Premium whiskies often use high-quality grains, undergo longer ageing periods, and involve traditional distillation methods. Also, the taxes, excise duties, and packaging play a significant role in price variations, making some Indian whiskies more expensive than others. In the Indian market, several liquor brands have forayed and made their reputation, but one brand has been ruling the hearts of Indian enthusiasts for decades.
Not just that, but the liquor brand has been winning awards in international spirits competitions. This whiskey is liked not only in the country but also abroad. It is even exported in large quantities.
It is none other than McDowell's whiskey which also has a very ‘low’ price. This pricing is the main reason, why many people love this whisky. While, in Delhi, this whiskey is priced at INR 400 for 750 ml, the price in Mumbai is only INR 640 and due to this, it is preferred at parties.
The best-selling whiskey As per a news report, McDowell's is the best-selling whiskey in India and abroad. Due to this record selling in the last year 2023, it also won the award for India's favourite whiskey. This wonderful whiskey sold 31.
4 million cases. Whereas in 2022 its sales were 2.1 percent.
Launched in 1968, McDowell's No. 1 Luxury Premium Whiskey has remained on top for many years. One of the several reasons for this ‘cheap’ pricing is that the brand uses a blend of multiple Indian grains and malts along with imported Scotch whiskies.
But, its not the only liquor brand that’s moderately priced, there are some others as well. Some of the popular whiskies that are priced in this category are Imperial Blue Superior Grain (INR 640 for 750 ml), Royal Stag Deluxe (INR 780 for 750 ml), Bagpiper Deluxe (INR 550 for 750 ml), etc..
