Back in 2014, India did the unthinkable as it overtook every single nation on the planet becoming the largest whisky-drinking nation with a whopping 1.5 billion litre of whisky consumed! A testimony on our love for whiskies is the wide variety of brands producing some of the finest malts and spirits to cater to the needs of India’s whisky loving populace.
Divided into a number of segments from deluxe and premium to ultra-premium and luxury whisky brands, India is home to some truly exquisite concoctions of malted and grain spirits.
We list some of the most iconic and best whisky brands under Rs 3000 that are delivering a truly magnificent blend of whiskies at a reasonable price, making sure that the availability of fine whisky is never hindered by a price tag.
These brands are the ones producing the best whisky under Rs 3000 in India;
1. 100 Pipers Deluxe Whisky
A marvelous blend of more than 25 to 30 scotch whiskies that carry smoky tasting notes derived from one of the chief contributors of its source whiskies in Speyside, Scotland. 100 Pipers is bottled in Scotland before it makes its way to the Indian market. It is one of the best whiskies in India. 100 Pipers Scotch price under Rs. 3000.
2. Blenders Pride Reserve Collection
The Blenders Pride Reserve Collection is a fine and masterful blend of Indian grain spirits and Scotch malt whiskies sourced from abroad. Reserve Collection also held the elite distinction of being the most expensive whisky produced in India back in 2011 when it was first introduced. Its smooth aftertaste and smoky tasting notes make it one of the best whiskies under Rs 3000.
3. Antiquity Blue
This blended Indian whisky is a mixture of domestic and Scotch malts with domestic grain spirits, producing a smooth final product that holds the joint record of being the highest selling Indian Made Foreign Liquor in the country. Antiquity Blue contains a fairly higher share of neutral spirits but nevertheless is a smooth option of whisky under Rs. 3000.
4. Black & White
One of the more premium yet affordable brands available in the Indian market, this delightful spirit originated in Scotland like many other historic whisky brands yet carries an affordable price tag and an impeccable taste. Instantly recognizable through its distinct logo featuring a black Scottish Terrier and a white West Highland Terrier, this is a beautiful whisky available under Rs 3000.
5. Royal Stag Barrel Select
A bestselling brand in the premium deluxe whisky segment of the Indian market, Royal Stag Barrel Select is a unique blend of Scotch malts and Indian grain spirits to achieve a revolutionary and refined taste. The Royal Stag brand, made up of two variants, the Royal Stag Deluxe Whisky and Royal Stag Barrel Select have helped conquer the number three place among the bestselling whiskies in India since 2011. Smooth, potent and affordable are the characteristics that make Royal Stag Barrel Select one of the best whiskies in India under Rs 3000.
6. VAT 69 Finest Scotch Whisky
First developed in 1882, this iconic Scotch whisky brand has a rich history and attached to it. Created by blending together over 40 malt and grain whiskies, VAT 69 is a wonderful choice in the mid-premium segment of the Indian whisky market. For a price of approx. 2000 INR, VAT 69 is a terrific choice of whisky under the Rs 3000 bracket.
7. Imperial Blue
The most widely known Indian made whisky brand, Imperial Blue is popular for its smooth flavor and economical pricing that has helped the brand achieve astonishing sales figures of 17 million cases per year. It is a sublime blend of imported Scotch malts with fine Indian grain spirits. Imperial Blue whisky price in India is under Rs 3000 and one of the Best whiskies in India.
8. Royal Challenge
A popular brand across the country, Royal Challenge has been an enduring brand since the 1980s and continues to retain its popularity. Categorized as Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), its affordable price tag and smooth finish have contributed to Royal Challenge being one of the most recognizable brands in the country. It’s one of the more decent options of whiskies under Rs 3000 price bracket being priced at approx. Rs 850 in Mumbai.
9. Peter Scot
One of the oldest Indian whisky brands, Peter Scot is the flagship brand of Khoday India Limited and is produced in Bangalore. It is a brand that commands a strong loyalty among its drinkers and its smooth, rich taste makes it one of the best whiskies under Rs 3000, placing it in direct competition with other premium whisky brands in India. A bottle of Peter Scot will cost you approx. 1100 INR in Mumbai.
10. Teacher’s Highland Cream
The Teacher’s Highland Cream is one of the oldest scotch whisky brands, boasting an exceptionally high peated malt content, making it one of the best blended Scotch whisky types. For those seeking an ideal summer drink, this is a highly preferred choice
11. Johnnie Walker Red Label
Every whisky enthusiast in the country knows the name Johnnie Walker® Red Label, the best-selling Scotch Whisky in the world. Known for its bold and distinctive flavor, the red label is by far the best quality scotch whisky one can find at a reasonable price.
Final Words
So, what are the best whisky brands in India? The list can go endless and can be subjective based on personal preferences. However, we have listed down some of the most popular Indian whiskies that you can try if you’re looking to buy a bottle under 3k INR. Indian whiskies have gained immense popularity all around the world, and we can’t blame them. The wide variety of flavors and smooth taste make our country’s whiskies a favourite among many. If you’re looking for an affordable whisky under 3000 INR, you can look into the brands mentioned above.