The Indian single malt that topped its premium spirits rivals at the International Whisky Competition

DeVANS Modern Breweries’ newest single malt, GianChand Adambaraa, has been named both Best Indian Single Malt Whisky 2025 and Best Indian Whisky 2025 at the International Whisky Competition (IWC) in Las Vegas.

The dual wins mark a significant recognition for the Jammu-based distiller, which has been expanding its footprint in India’s growing premium spirits market.

“This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation,” said Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director of DeVANS. “GianChand Adambaraa represents decades of commitment reinterpreted for today's global palate.”


The IWC is widely regarded as one of the world’s most closely followed whisky-only competitions, notable for its blind-tasting format. Adambaraa, a non-peated single malt matured in American ex-bourbon casks, scored high marks for its complexity and balance. It features tasting notes of dried apricots, honey, toasted spice, and a caramel-laced finish.

Renowned whisky critic Jim Murray offered strong praise for the expression, writing in his upcoming Whisky Bible 2025:

“I am as shocked as I am spellbound. This is by far the closest to a high-class Scottish malt I have found anywhere in the world, let alone in India. The intensity and purity of the barley is never for a moment compromised. A malt lover’s dream of a whisky.”

Murray reportedly responded with, "Can this really be an Indian whisky?" upon first tasting the spirit.

Adambaraa builds on the success of DeVANS’ earlier GianChand Indian Single Malt, which debuted to strong reviews in domestic markets. While Adambaraa is currently available only in duty-free outlets at Delhi and Hyderabad airports, the company plans to expand into wider retail distribution in the coming months.

Named in honour of company founder Dewan Gian Chand, the GianChand range is distilled, matured, and bottled in Jammu. The line has been marketed as a reflection of Indian whisky-making tradition, adapted for international standards.