Source – The Rum Howler Blog
McDowell’s No. 1 is a brand of blended Indian whisky manufactured by United Spirits Limited. The brand is one of India’s largest selling economical whisky brands and has a strong presence in both the urban and rural markets in India.
McDowell’s is an umbrella spirits brand for Diageo LLC, the parent company that owns United Spirits Limited. Alongside whisky, rum and brandy are also sold under the McDowell’s No. 1 brand name.
History of McDowell’s No. 1
The McDowell’s whisky brand is a very popular one in India, with its roots dating back to the 1960s. First mentions of the brand go as far back as 1898, when Scottish distiller Angus McDowell created the McDowell & Company brand in India, an extension of the McDowell Company in Scotland.
Information regarding the company’s history is little-known until it was acquired by Vittal Mallya, whose company would go on to become United Spirits Limited. After the acquisition in 1951, the company dabbled in a number of other spirits such as Brandy and Rum.
The McDowell’s No. 1 whisky brand was launched in 1968, and has remained successful over the years. Initially sold only in India, the brand was later exported to a handful of Asian countries where it found some success due to the economical pricing. The brand is currently part of Diageo LLC’s portfolio of brands in India, and continues to be one of their bestselling variants.
Apart from the McDowell’s No.1 whisky, Rum and Brandy are also sold under the McDowell’s brand name. By 2012, McDowell’s whisky had sold over 19.5 million cases annually, improving immensely from their sales figures of 3.8 million cases annually over a decade ago. Currently, Diageo LLC claims that the McDowell’s whisky brand sells nearly 52 million cases annually.
Making Process
McDowell’s No. 1 whisky is a blended Indian whisky, created by combining imported Scotch malts and locally produced malt whiskies.
Alcohol Percentage
McDowell’s No. 1 whisky carries an alcohol strength of 42.8% ABV, the standard limit for whisky and other spirit based drinks in India.
Awards
McDowell’s No.1 whisky has not won any major awards or medals at whisky tasting competitions.