It will come as no shock when I say that Indian whisky is big right now. It has been carefully building its global reputation in recent years, with brands such as Paul John, Amrut, and Godawan earning international acclaim. However, there is another Indian whisky that is now being talked about, both by industry experts and consumers. That whisky is Indri.
Indri whisky has earned industry acclaim, collecting awards such as “Best in Show” at the Whiskies of the World Awards in 2023. At the same time, drinkers are discovering that Indri offers something distinct: rich tropical fruit notes, balanced sweetness, and complexity drawn from its triple-cask maturation.
So, what exactly is Indri Indian whisky? Why are so many people talking about it? And should you try it?
Indri Whisky Stands Out For Its Triple Cask Maturation
Indri is a premium Indian single malt whisky. It is made from six-row Indian barley and distilled in traditional copper pot stills at the Indri distillery in Haryana. The name comes from the village of Indri-Trini, where production takes place.
The core expression is Indri-Trini, first launched internationally in 2021. “Trini” refers to the whisky’s triple-cask maturation. Spirit is aged in a mix of ex-bourbon barrels, wine casks, and sherry casks. This combination creates layered flavors. Expect notes of vanilla, dried fruit, and gentle spice, alongside the tropical fruit character that Indian single malts are known for.
Indri has since added limited releases to the range. Indri-Dru, a cask strength single malt, was released in 2023. The brand also produces annual special editions, such as the Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023, a peated whisky matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
Indri is well known for pushing boundaries while staying rooted in India’s whisky-making tradition. This multifaceted approach means that Indri can (and does) appeal to a wide range of drinkers.
Indri Whisky Is Made In The Foothills of the Himalayas
Another part of Indri’s appeal is its beautiful and almost mystical location. Indri whisky is produced in the village of Indri in the state of Haryana, northern India. However, the beauty of the location is not the only perk. The distillery sits near the foothills of the Himalayas, where hot summers and cooler winters create a climate that speeds up maturation. Whisky aged here develops faster than in Scotland, often reaching a rich character within just a few years.
The Indri distillery is operated by Piccadily Distilleries. The company is part of the Piccadily Agro Industries Limited group, which has been in the liquor trade for decades. The group was founded in 1953 by K.N. Sharma as Kedar Nath and Sons, a distributor in Punjab. It expanded into alcohol manufacturing in 1993 and established one of India’s largest malt whisky plants at Indri in 2010.
Piccadily remains family-led and independent. Unlike many Indian whisky brands, Indri is not owned by a global drinks giant. This independence has allowed Piccadily to build Indri as a flagship single malt with a focus on quality and authenticity.
It Is Multi-Award Winning
Indri has earned recognition from some of the world’s most respected competitions. Its whiskies have won top honors against established Scotch, American, and Japanese single malts.
The flagship Indri-Trini was named Best Indian Single Malt at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards. In 2023, the limited Diwali Collector’s Edition achieved a major milestone. It was awarded “Best in Show Double Gold” at the Whiskies of the World Awards, outperforming more than 100 entries from around the globe.
The momentum continued into 2024. The cask-strength expression Indri-Dru was crowned “Whisky of the Year” at the USA Spirits Ratings. Judges highlighted its bold character, balance of fruit and spice, and long finish.
Indri Offers Expressions for Both Newcomers and Serious Collectors
Indri has built a range that appeals to different types of whisky drinkers. The core expression, Indri-Trini, is approachable and affordable. It typically retails for around £50 in the UK and about $60 in the United States. With its mix of bourbon, wine, and sherry casks, Trini delivers a balance of sweetness, fruit, and gentle spice. It is a natural entry point for those exploring Indian whisky for the first time.
For enthusiasts looking for more intensity, Indri-Dru provides a higher-strength experience. Bottled at cask strength, it highlights bold fruit, spice, and oak flavors. There is also a Cask Strength Trini exclusively available at travel retail.
Collectors also watch closely for the annual limited releases, like the Diwali Collector’s Edition and The City Series. Such whiskies generally cater to more experienced drinkers.
Indri Is Now Available at Major Retailers in the UK and the USA
Indri’s expansion into global markets has been rapid. In the United States, the brand announced in 2024 that its whiskies were available in more than 30 states. According to the USA Spirits Ratings, Indri can be found at major outlets including Total Wine & More, Binny’s Beverage Depot, and Costco. This wide distribution has made it easier than ever for American whisky drinkers to explore Indian single malts.
In the United Kingdom, Indri officially launched in 2024 through a partnership with distributor Mangrove Global. As reported by us last year, Indri-Trini rolled out to 79 Tesco stores nationwide with a suggested retail price of £45. Limited releases are also available through specialist shops and online retailers, though stock can move quickly once awards are announced.
The presence of Indri in both mainstream supermarkets and specialist whisky shops shows how seriously the brand is being taken in its new markets.
Indri’s Complex Flavors Shine When Enjoyed Neat or With a Splash of Water
Indri is crafted as a sipping whisky. The tropical climate in Haryana produces bold flavors in a relatively short time. Core notes include ripe banana, pineapple, mango, vanilla, caramel, and gentle spice. These flavors are best appreciated neat.
Adding a few drops of water can open up more layers, highlighting fruit and softening the oak. Many reviewers recommend this approach with the higher-strength Indri-Dru to balance its intensity.
Indri can also work in cocktails such as a highball or Old Fashioned.
Take your time with it, let it breathe in the glass, explore different serves, and the whisky will reward you with a long, evolving finish.
Indri’s Global Expansion Reflects the Growing Demand for Indian Single Malt
The success of Indri is part of a larger shift in the whisky world. Indian single malts are gaining recognition as serious alternatives to scotch, Irish, and American whiskies. Brands such as Amrut and Paul John paved the way. Indri has built on that momentum with modern production methods, bold flavor choices, and international distribution.
Awards have given credibility, but timing has also played a role. Whisky drinkers are more open to exploring new regions than ever before.
Retailers in the UK and the U.S. are expanding their shelves to include world whiskies, and Indri is at the front of that trend. Its mix of quality, innovation, and availability explains why the brand has become one of the most talked-about names in whisky today.
Indri Proves That Indian Whisky Can Rival the Best in the World
Indri has gone from a new release to a global talking point in just a few years. Its whiskies have won gold medals, earned “Best in Show” titles, and landed on shelves in both the UK and the U.S. The range covers approachable bottles like Trini, bold options like Dru, and limited collector’s editions that showcase India’s potential in whisky making.
Indri has proven it can stand alongside the most respected names in the whisky world.
Read the full article at Why Is Everyone Suddenly Talking About This Indian Whisky?
