The USA Spirits Ratings, known for evaluating the world’s finest spirits, has revealed its 2024 winners, with Indian single malt Indri taking center stage. This annual competition celebrates excellence in the spirits industry by recognizing outstanding products from across the globe. Indri Single Malt, known for its innovative approach and dedication to quality, was crowned Whisky of the Year, highlighting the growing influence of Indian whiskies on the global stage.

The USA Spirits Ratings is a prestigious competition that evaluates and awards the best spirits worldwide. In 2024, Indri Single Malt, an Indian whisky, claimed the top spot as Whisky of the Year. This remarkable achievement reflects the rapid ascent of Indian single malts in the global whisky industry, competing alongside long-established Scottish and Japanese brands.

The Vision Behind Indri Single Malt

According to Siddhartha Sharma, Promoter of Piccadily Agro Industries Limited, Indri's vision was to create an Indian single malt whisky that could compete on the global stage. “The inspiration behind Indri was to craft a single malt whisky that not only reflects the rich heritage and diverse terroir of India but also embodies a modern approach to whisky-making. We set out to produce a whisky that is not only distinct in character but also sets a new standard in the world of Indian spirits. We wanted to create something that resonates with both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and a new generation of spirits lovers.”

Image: Mr. Siddhartha Sharma, Founder of Piccadily Agro Industries Limited

Rooted in a vision that highlights the elegance, simplicity, and sophistication of India, this approach captures the beauty of minimalism that truly epitomizes the essence of the country. The minimalist and refined look of the label emphasizes the premium nature of Indri without being overly ornate, allowing the quality of the product to speak for itself. The usage of Devanagari script elements in the visual identity was thoughtfully crafted to highlight Indri as a proudly Indian, homegrown brand. “We wanted the bottle to stand out on shelves, catching the eye of discerning consumers. This design balances modern appeal with timeless elegance, making Indri's identity as a uniquely Indian single malt,” Sharma added.

Looking forward, Sharma emphasized Indri's mission: “We are no longer just participants in the global malt scene; we aim to carve out our own niche within the world of single malts, alongside Scottish and Japanese offerings. Our vision is for Indian single malts to be recognized globally, not just for their quality but also for their substantial contributions in volume.” Sharma further added, “India deserves its place in the spotlight, with its own recognized Indian single malt category separately. To achieve this, significant efforts are underway to establish a framework for maintaining minimum quality standards and certification, ensuring that Indian single malts are consistently held to the highest standards.”

What Sets Indri Apart

Indri's unique appeal lies in its innovative production techniques and dedication to sustainability. “Indri stands apart from other whiskies in the market because of its unique combination of exceptional craftsmanship, tropical aging, and innovative production techniques,” Sharma stated. Indri is crafted from indigenous non-GMO six-row barley sourced from Rajasthan and is double-distilled in Indian-made copper pot stills. The whisky is matured in carefully selected oak barrels in the foothills of the Himalayas, imparting a distinctive character to the spirit.

Master Distiller Surrinder Kumar explains the precision involved in the production process: “The quality products from Indri are not merely by accident but through deliberate & measurable efforts, experiences & more than a dash of art & self-belief... all in right proportions from grain to bottle with a differentiator!”

Indri’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout its production. The distillery focuses on sourcing local ingredients, conserving water, and utilizing renewable energy sources, ensuring that environmental responsibility remains a core priority. “We have achieved a zero-carbon footprint by exclusively utilizing renewable energy sources to power our manufacturing facility. We do not rely on any fossil fuels in our operations,” Sharma highlighted.

In India, Indri has also partnered with Warner Bros. to launch the Indri – Game of Thrones Exclusive Edition, which is sold only in the Indian market and Indian Duty-Free space. “Internationally, we are yet to forge any similar partnership, but this unique edition has been well-received in the domestic market,” Sharma said.

Expanding Global Reach

Indri Single Malt is not just making waves in India; it is expanding its reach internationally, exporting to over 25 countries, including the US, UK, and Australia. In the US, Indri is available in over 30 states, from California to New York. Retail chains such as Total Wine and More, Binny’s, and Costco stock the award-winning whisky, making it accessible to whisky lovers across the nation.

“Currently Indri is being distributed in over 30 states in the US. We would ideally expand our footprint into more states, have more retail accounts stocking Indri, and introduce our whisky to single malt lovers,” said Sharma.

Commitment to Sustainability

Indri’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just production techniques. The distillery has implemented systems for recycling and reusing water throughout the process, significantly reducing water wastage. Additionally, spent grains from the distillation process are repurposed as animal feed, reducing waste. Sharma stated, “We are committed to minimizing waste at every stage of production. Spent grains from the distillation process are repurposed as animal feed, and we continuously seek ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials.”

This eco-conscious approach is supported by their efforts to maintain a zero-carbon footprint, as the distillery is powered entirely by renewable energy sources. “Integrating sustainable practices into the production of Indri is a core focus,” added Sharma.

Image: 2024 USA Spirits Ratings Winner - Indri DRU Single Malt Indian Whisky, 95 Points, Whisky Of The Year.

Recognition and Awards

Indri’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. The whisky has garnered over 40 prestigious international awards, solidifying its position among the world’s best single malts. The recent accolade of Whisky of the Year at the USA Spirits Ratings 2024 only strengthens Indri’s reputation on the global stage. “Indri has garnered over 40 prestigious international awards and recognition for its exceptional quality, positioning it as a standout choice among premium single malts globally,” Sharma proudly noted.

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Indri Single Malt’s success at the USA Spirits Ratings 2024 is a reflection of the growing influence of Indian whiskies on the global stage. With a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, Indri is poised to continue its rise in the world of single malts. As the global whisky industry evolves, Indian single malts like Indri are not just participating; they are setting new standards and shaping the future of whisky.