'Whisky, like a beautiful woman, demands appreciation. You gaze first, then it's time to drink'. Whisky is made from the fermented grain mash and is a strictly regulated spirit worldwide with many classes and types.
If there is one drink we call that can unite the nation, it's the perfect old-fashioned whisky. Be it a friends party, birthday, anniversary or wedding, it is an ultimate drink of entente and the best drink to unwind after a protracted exhausting day of work. Whisky is probably the best known of Scotland's manufactured products. As we get older and older, we tend to hold this golden elixir closer to ourselves.
So whether you’re looking for an easy weekend sipper on chilling stones or on the rocks, massive peat smoke for a spine-chilling winter night, or a budget bourbon for a pitcher of Old Fashioneds, we’ve got the perfect bottle for you. And guess what's the best part! All these whiskeys won't burn a hole in your pocket.
Scroll down to know more about the 14 best whisky brands in India under the budget of ₹2000.
1. Original Choice
Original Choice is one of the top-selling brands in India’s popular whisky segment and is one of the top 10 selling whiskeys worldwide. Also, it is one of the best affordable whisky brands in India and that is the reason it tops our list. The Original Choice whisky blend has been carefully crafted and perfected to offer the same rich experience as that of a malt whisky, but at an affordable price. Its light malty aroma with a hint of a smooth woody character, from the use of malt spirits specifically matured in pre-identified American oak casks, has ascertained that the experience is espoused by millions of loyalists over the years.
Price - INR 250 for 750 ml (approx.)
2. Old Tavern
Another cheap option amongst the best whisky brands in India is the Old Traven. The brown, gold liquid lives in a classy bottle, carefully blended with flavors to give it a distinctive taste and a smooth finish. The whisky is produced by United Spirits Limited, which is owned by the giant United Breweries Group and is one of India’s most renowned whiskeys.
Price - INR 280 for 750 ml (approx.)
3. Director's Special
Director's Special is the scotch whisky choice in India because its taste is mature and rich. It is made by mixing hand picked barley and malt and has a smooth taste which is complemented by its rich aroma. The distinct flavor leaves has an indelible impression upon all those who happen to cross its path and is an absolute delight and an affordable price.
Price - INR 300 for 750 ml (approx.)
4. 8 PM
Marketed as an unprecedented blend of malts, 8 PM created history when it sold more than a million cases within the year of its release. Defined as brilliantly smooth and sturdy, this drink is amongst the top picks of many when choosing the best whisky brands in India.
Price - INR 300 for 750 ml (approx.)
5. Bagpiper
Bagpiper Whisky, which retails over 9 million cases a year, is an iconic brand by United Spirits Ltd. It has a light malty aroma and smooth woody character and has been a popular choice among the masses since 1976. 'The Bagpiper Sardar' has a universal recall and is the strong mascot for the brand. It can now be associated with the victory of good over evil through many Bollywood references. Their tagline 'Khoob Jamega Rang' has become a known statement in pop culture verses. Until now, the brand has maintained its reputation in the market because of its pocket-friendly prices and same great quality.
Price - INR 300 for 750 ml (approx.)
6. Aristocrat Black
The distinctly new child on the town from the iconic Aristocrat family, Aristocrat Black has an exceedingly smooth taste profile, with only a tease of green apple and spice. It became very popular in the country as it is amongst the best cheap whiskeys and has a floral and honeyed aroma.
Price - INR 300 for 750 ml (approx.)
7. Haywards
With a firm presence in the Middle East, Haywards is quickly becoming a pertinent label in United Spirits whisky portfolio. The whisky is carefully blended with extra neutral alcohol and flavorings. It is a great value for money brand with an extreme following in some of the African markets. The cautious blend of alcohol gives you additional smoothness in the taste.
Price - INR 320 for 1000 ml (approx.)
8. Imperial Blue
Imperial Blue is a perfect blend of Indian grain spirits and imported scotch malts for exquisite smoothness. One of the best whisky brands in India under the budget of Rs. 2000, it has created a large following for itself across the country through its consistent quality delivery.
Price - INR 400 for 750 ml (approx.)
9. Mc Dowell's No. 1
McDowell’s No.1 is an exquisitely smooth blend of imported Scotch, select Indian malts and premium grain spirits. The brand's purpose today is to enable friends to celebrate the bonds of true brotherhood. To build closer connects and build stronger aspiration among our consumers, it has refreshed its brand identity and packaging and embed the brand with strong markers of close friendship and brotherhood.
Price - INR 400 for 750 ml (approx.)
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10. Paul John Brilliance
Another desi single malt, Paul John Brilliance is distilled in sunny Goa, and again packs in an interesting bouquet of pleasant flavors: begins on a touch of fruitiness with a creamy texture and moving on to pointers of honey, apple, vanilla, and cinnamon. You can enjoy this delicious whisky having different flavors with your loved ones by spending just a few bucks.
Price - INR 700 for 750 ml (approx.)
11. Royal Stag
Royal Stag is an Indian brand of whisky launched in 1995. It is available in many countries around the world in various pack sizes and is Pernod Ricard's best selling brand by volume. This whisky is a blend of grain spirits and imported Scotch malts. The brand is named after a species of deer famous for its antlers, that is also featured in its logo. Royal Stag was the first whisky brand launched in India that did not use any artificial flavors. A renowned and delicious spirit, it is a great option to go for if you are in a search of the best budget whisky.
Price - INR 900 for 750 ml (approx.)
12. Blender's Pride
Blenders Pride is the leading core brand of premium blended whisky within the Pernod Ricard portfolio in India. It was launched in 1995 and is the result of 140 years of Seagram’s great tradition of blending fine whiskeys. No artificial flavors, consistent quality, affordable price, exceptional taste and aspiration led communication has powered the brand to category leadership with current annual volume exceeding 5 million cases.
Price - INR 930 for 750 ml (approx.)
13. Vat 69
Quite the historical blended scotch, Vat 69 is apparently blended with 40 distinct malt and grain whiskeys. This sweet (in the start) and spicy (in the end) whisky is amongst the best cheap whiskeys in India.
Price - INR 1800 for 750 ml (approx.)
14. 100 Pipers
We are ending this list of best whisky brands in India under the budget of ₹2000 with 100 Pipers which is a blended scotch with a brilliant vanilla aftertaste. This one hits some woody notes and also promises an aroma that is sweet and has a chunk of peat.
Price - INR 1950 for 750 ml (approx.)
The alcohol marketplace for best whisky brands is rising. More and more international brands are coming to our country and as we discover the latest flavors and favorites, there are a few classics that never go out of style. These brands listed above are cheap and will help you to plan better and enjoy even more!
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FAQ
Q. Which alcoholic drinks are good for health?
A. Beer, Red Wine, Whisky
Q. What are the health benefits of drinking whisky?
A. Reduces stress, control diabetes, reduces the risk of cancer helps in and prevents heart disease.
Q. Does whisky age within the bottle?
A. Whisky does not age within the bottle, it ages within the cask.