Rampur Asava crowned ‘Best World Whisky’ at the 2023 John Barleycorn Awards, triumphing over global whiskey giants in a blind-tasting competition judged by esteemed members of the Barleycorn Society. Crafted in a distillery founded in 1943 in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur, this exceptional single malt undergoes a distinctive maturation process. Initially aged in American Bourbon barrels, it is meticulously finished in Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks, resulting in a uniquely balanced expression.
Competing against a diverse range of scotch, American, and Irish whiskies, Rampur Asava stood out with its tropical fruity notes, including apricot, blackberry, plum, and subtle hints of tobacco and spices. The palate offers a velvety experience with manuka honey sweetness, accentuated by spicy oak, vanilla, and a touch of dryness from Indian red wine. Priced at Rs 9,390 and available in Duty-Free, Rampur Asava’s finish leaves a lingering and generously long-lasting Indian trail.
The John Barleycorn Society’s blind-tasting competition, a renowned international spirits event held annually in the United States, acknowledged excellence in various categories such as taste, marketing, package design, public relations, journalism, social media, event production, filmmaking, and bar design.
The recognition of Rampur Asava and other Indian whiskies in international competitions signifies the growing prominence of Indian brands in the global spirits market. Notable brands like Amrut, Paul John, and Radico Khaitan’s Rampur and Indri are gaining international traction, contributing to an overall industry growth of approximately 23 percent in 2023. According to an early estimate by the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), Indian single malts are responsible for nearly 53 percent of total sales in 2023 and are poised to further dominate the USD 33 billion spirits market.
Rampur Asava’s success is part of a larger narrative
Beyond the individual accolades, Rampur Asava’s success is part of a larger narrative highlighting the growing prominence of Indian brands in the global spirits market. Joining the ranks of other distinguished Indian whiskies like Amrut, Paul John, and Radico Khaitan’s Rampur and Indri, Rampur Asava signifies a shift in the industry landscape. The collective recognition of these brands in international competitions reflects an overall growth of approximately 23 percent in 2023.
According to an early estimate by the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), Indian single malts, led by stellar performers like Rampur Asava, are making significant contributions, accounting for nearly 53 percent of total sales in 2023. This statistic not only underscores the appeal and acceptance of Indian whiskies globally but also positions them as formidable contenders in the USD 33 billion spirits market.
Rampur Asava’s journey to becoming the ‘Best World Whisky’ serves as a testament to the skill and dedication of the distillers at the Rampur distillery. Established nearly eight decades ago, the distillery has become a symbol of heritage and craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with innovative approaches to create spirits that stand out on the international stage.
As the global spirits landscape continues to evolve, Rampur Asava and its counterparts contribute to diversifying the narrative, showcasing the richness and complexity of Indian single malts. The recognition garnered at the John Barleycorn Awards is not just a triumph for Rampur Asava but also a celebration of the collective achievements of the Indian spirits industry. With each award and accolade, Indian whiskies are carving a niche for themselves, inviting enthusiasts to savor the unique and captivating stories that unfold within each bottle.
