In a landmark moment for Indian whisky, Rampur Jugalbandi #6, crafted by Radico Khaitan, has claimed the coveted title of Best World Single Malt at the John Barleycorn Awards 2025 in the USA. This marks a major triumph in the global spirits arena, highlighting the extraordinary strides Indian whisky is making on the international stage.
What Makes This Win Historic?
The John Barleycorn Awards, judged by top-tier spirits journalists and industry veterans, is widely respected for celebrating excellence in taste, innovation, and craftsmanship. The victory by Rampur Jugalbandi #6 is particularly noteworthy because its flavor profile is shaped by maturation in rare Madeira casks, lending it a rich depth and character that stood out to blind-tasting panels.
Additional Accolades from Rampur
Radico Khaitan’s momentum didn’t stop there. Two other expressions earned top honours:
- Rampur Select secured a Double Gold award, thanks to its signature smoothness and vibrant, fruit-forward profile.
- Rampur Jugalbandi #5, featuring a distinct Tokaji cask finish, took Gold in the “Indian Single Malt – Tokaji Finish” category.
These achievements reflect Rampur’s growing legacy in the premium whisky world and its innovative approach to cask finishes.
Voices from Radico Khaitan
Sanjeev Banga, President – International Business at Radico Khaitan, expressed pride in the global recognition:
“It is truly gratifying to see Indian single malts gaining such remarkable global recognition… when whisky is crafted with authenticity, passion, and purpose, it resonates across cultures and continents.”
Kunal Madan, Vice President – International Business, commented on the bold innovation behind Jugalbandi #6:
“This win places it among the world’s finest, reflecting a uniquely Indian story of innovation rooted in tradition… These recognitions inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries while staying true to our roots.”
Why It Matters
Rampur Distillery, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, benefits from India’s intense seasonal variations – especially torrid summers that accelerate whisky maturation, resulting in complex flavour development . This terroir-driven character, combined with visionary cask selection, positions Rampur products as both authentic and globally distinctive.
The Jugalbandi series, named after the Indian musical tradition of harmonious duets, symbolizes experimental blending of cask influences – Madeira for #6, Tokaji for #5, among others – solidifying Radico Khaitan’s reputation for aesthetic and high-end expressions.
Looking Ahead
With rising demand in the U.S., Europe, and travel retail channels, Rampur’s international footprint is expanding rapidly. The sweeping success of Jugalbandi #6 not only celebrates one bottle – it signals a new chapter for Indian single malts on the world stage.