Godawan 02 is making waves, and not just because it’s a single malt from India. Distilled in the deserts of Rajasthan and finished in cherry wood casks, it’s unlike anything else on the shelf right now.

Backed by Diageo and crafted with local botanicals and six-row barley, this whisky promises bold flavor and real sustainability credentials. But is it all just good marketing? We tasted it to find out if Godawan 02 is the real deal or just another bottle riding the hype.

From Rajasthan, With a Sustainable Edge

Godawan whisky is made in Alwar, Rajasthan, one of the driest regions in India. It’s not the first place you’d expect to find a single malt distillery, but that’s part of the appeal.

The distillery is water-positive. It puts more water back into the environment than it uses. The team has worked on projects like rainwater harvesting and stepwell restoration to support local communities. All the barley is grown in Rajasthan. Using six-row barley means less water use and fewer transport miles.

The intense desert heat speeds up maturation, reducing the need for long aging. For today’s whisky drinkers, especially those who care about sustainability, Godawan offers something different: a whisky shaped by its environment, not in spite of it.

Godawan 02: What’s Inside the Bottle

Godawan 02 is bottled at 46% ABV and delivers exactly what the name promises: fruit and spice. The nose is rich with tropical notes, dried mango, and hints of orange liqueur. There’s also fudge, toffee, and raisin sweetness in the background, giving it a dessert-like feel.

On the palate, it’s soft and layered. Think cherry, raisin, and apple with gentle spice. There’s a flash of cinnamon, a bit of lime zest, and some milk chocolate. The finish is dry and oaky, with lingering spice and just a trace of cocoa.

The whisky is made using six-row Indian barley, a hardy grain suited to Rajasthan’s dry climate. Long fermentation and double pot distillation give it depth. Rapid aging in desert heat concentrates the spirit, making young whisky taste mature.

Godawan 02 is finished in cherry wood casks and treated with Rasna and Jatamansi, two Indian botanicals used in traditional medicine. These give the whisky floral and herbal undertones without overpowering it.

It’s more delicate than Paul John or Amrut, but with more fruit and spice than many scotch or Japanese malts. Smooth, distinct, and easy to enjoy.

You can also read Phil Dwyer’s review of Godawan 02 here. 

Price Tag vs Prestige

Godawan 02 sells for around £60–£65 in the UK and about $69–$95 in the U.S. That puts it in line with mid-premium single malts like Paul John Brilliance or Glenmorangie Lasanta.

For that price, you’re getting more than just flavor. The sustainability story, local ingredients, and unique cask finish add depth to the brand. It’s not marketed as collectible, but the small-batch production and growing reputation have caught the eye of enthusiasts.

Unlike true limited editions, Series 02 is part of the core range. But it’s not mass-produced, and batches can be hard to find in some markets. For those exploring beyond Scotland or Japan, it feels like good value, especially if you’re after something different without going too far off course.

Who Is Godawan 02 Really For?

Godawan 02 is aimed at curious whisky drinkers, those exploring beyond Scotland, Japan, or Kentucky. It suits world whisky fans and adventurous scotch drinkers who want something familiar but with a twist.

The fruit and spice profile makes it approachable, even for newcomers. It’s layered but not intense, and the 46% ABV offers flavor without harshness. Purists may question the cherry wood and botanical influence, but the result is balanced and natural.

This isn’t a bottle for the back of the shelf, in my opinion. It works well as a sipping dram, a conversation piece, or a thoughtful gift for someone looking to try something new.

Final Verdict: Hype, or Hidden Gem?

Godawan 02 lives up to much of the hype. It’s a well-made whisky with real character: fruit-forward, gently spiced, and shaped by its desert climate and sustainability focus.

The price is fair for what’s in the bottle, especially given the unique production story. It may not replace your favorite scotch, but it’s not trying to. This is for whisky fans who want something different but still grounded in single malt tradition.

If you’re broadening your horizons, it’s worth a try.

Have you tried Godawan 02? Let us know what you think.

Read the full article at Is Godawan 02 Worth the Hype?