Archive · 1 Oct 2025
Indian Malt Whisky Association Aims to Protect Single Malts
Imagine a group of whisky makers in India who care a lot about making great single malt whisky.
They saw some companies trying to sell cheap whisky as the real thing.
To stop this, they started an association, the IMWA.
This group sets strict rules, like how the whisky is made and how long it has to age.
They're also trying to get a special label, like a GI tag, to show that their whisky is the real deal.
This helps protect the good whisky makers and makes sure people get what they pay for.
The Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) was formed to protect and promote Indian single malt.
IMWA is establishing strict standards for single malt production, including the use of 100% malted barley, copper pot stills, and minimum 3-year oak maturation.
The association is seeking a GI tag to protect the authenticity and quality of Indian single malt.
The IMWA aims to combat misleading practices by some producers.
The four top manufacturers are founding members: Radico, Amrut, Paul John, and Piccadilly.
- Who
- Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA)
- What
- Aims to protect Indian single malt whisky from low standards and "fly-by-night" operators.
- When
- Officially launched in March 2024
- Where
- India
- Why
- To protect the credibility and authenticity of Indian single malt whisky.
- Organization
- Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA)
- Director General
- Major General (Dr) Rajesh Chopra
- Launched
- March 2024
- Standards
- 100% malted barley, copper pot stills, minimum 3-year oak maturation
- Goal
- Protect and promote Indian single malt whisky