Lesser-Known Whisky Picks Worth Exploring on World Whisky Day

World Whisky Day provides an opportune moment to venture past the established names that typically command retail prominence and social media attention. While heritage brands maintain their market dominance, a rising collection of overlooked whiskies are cultivating dedicated audiences by showcasing exceptional artisanship, memorable character, and flavour complexity that distinguishes them from mass-market offerings.

Whistler Whisky

This barrel-aged blended malt represents contemporary Indian whisky craftsmanship. The expression combines aged malt and grain spirits matured in oak, achieving a profile marked by warm aromatics of dried apple, apricot, vanilla cream, and toasted oak. On the palate, it presents silky textures with notes of rich malt, toffee, pineapple, and understated spice, concluding with a medium finish of mellow sweetness. The whisky emphasises consistency and everyday accessibility without sacrificing complexity.

Pricing stands at INR 750-1500 per 750 ml bottle, with distribution across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand, Delhi, West Bengal, Daman and Uttar Pradesh.

Star Walker Whisky

Positioned as an approachable blended Scotch, Star Walker combines malt and grain whiskies aged in oak to develop a smooth, mellow character. The composition emphasises vanilla and caramel sweetness, making it suitable for regular consumption.

Available at approximately INR 800 per 750 ml, subject to regional variations.

Roulette Peated Premium Whisky

Produced on Goa's shores, Roulette represents an innovative approach to Indian whisky. The blend marries premium Indian grain spirit with peated Indian single malt—sourced peat originates from Scotland—and matures in imported American ex-bourbon charred casks. This combination yields bold smokiness paired with effortless smoothness. The peat influence during malting creates depth without overwhelming the palate, while maturation in ex-bourbon casks introduces subtle honey and crisp apple notes, finishing with a long, warm conclusion.

Priced at INR 1950 per 750 ml, the whisky is currently available in Maharashtra.

Passport

This blended Scotch emphasises smoothness and accessibility through a combination of malt and grain whiskies. The balanced profile incorporates honey, vanilla, oak, and restrained peat smoke elements.

Approximate pricing reaches INR 1000 per 750 ml in Haryana.

X&O Barrel Premium Whisky

The brand combines premium Scotch malts matured in American bourbon barrels with finest Indian grain spirits. The name references contemporary digital shorthand—X representing kisses and O symbolising hugs—reflecting its modern positioning. The expression delivers a uniquely balanced taste with a smooth finish.

Available at INR 700-800 per 750 ml in Gurugram.

Sterling Reserve B10

Produced by Allied Blenders & Distillers, Sterling Reserve B10 represents premium blended Indian whisky. The chill-filtered blend incorporates imported Scotch malts and Indian grain spirits, featuring ten distinct tasting notes including honey, oak, and vanilla.

The whisky retails at INR 1350 per 750 ml in Maharashtra.