~01 – Rich and Rounded and 02 – Fruit and Spice are now available in 12 markets across India.~
~Godawan was recently crowned ‘Indian Whisky Producer of the Year’ at the New York International
Spirits Competition.~
Godawan Artisanal Single Malt, India’s most awarded single malt in recent times, today announced that it has entered Uttar Pradesh and Assam – a move that strengthens its national presence across 12 markets in India. The brainchild of The Good Craft Co. from Diageo India,
Godawan is crafting a distinctive single malt that challenges perceptions and defies traditional whisky production norms.
This announcement comes on the heels of Godawan’s continued success on the awards stage – earning
50+ national and international accolades for liquid innovation and design. The brand was recently declared ‘Indian Whisky Producer of the Year’ at the 2024 New York International Spirits Competition and its expressions, 01 Rich & Rounded and 02 Fruit & Spice, were both awarded Gold Medals. Godawan’s Collector’s Edition, Godawan 100, has also captured significant international attention; most recently, it was awarded ‘Best Single Malt’ at the 2024 International Taste Institute Awards.
Shedding light on Godawan’s national expansion, Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer, Diageo India, says, “We are thrilled to announce our strategic entry into Uttar Pradesh and Assam. With an increasingly discerning consumer base who seek high quality whiskies, these markets our pivotal for us to showcase Indian craftsmanship to a broader audience and solidify our presence nationwide. With Godawan, we are pushing the boundaries of whisky production through cutting-edge techniques combined with artisanal processes and bespoke selection of casks, and we are confident that our distinct blends will resonate well with the local palate.”
Distilled in Alwar, a region devoid of conventional whisky making terroir, Godawan leverages Rajasthan’s elevated temperatures, heritage techniques, and unique botanicals to bring to life a range of Indian single malts that will cater to every palate – Light and Floral, Fruity and Spicy, Rich and Rounded, Full bodied and Smoky. It achieves this by crafting a mother liquid that is flexible enough to manifest itself across each flavour profile. Currently, the brand has two unique expressions – 01 Rich and Rounded and 02 Fruit and Spice – priced between INR 2800 to INR 6000.
Inspired by the techniques of Rajasthani craft liqueur makers, Godawan employs slow-trickle distillation from locally sourced six-row barley to extract optimal sensory performance from the liquid. It is uniquely matured at temperatures exceeding 100°F, resulting in a higher Angel’s Share (the amount of liquid that is lost to evaporation). This leaves behind a whisky with a rich and complex character. The spirit is finished in specially treated casks infused with two India botanicals, Rasna and Jatamansi, carefully selected from among 5000 options for their ability to complement the whisky’s flavour profile.
TASTING NOTES:
01 Rich and Rounded
The whisky is matured in premium PX (Pedro Ximenez) Sherry Casks. These rare casks were selected to add an enhanced sherry sweetness to the liquid, while providing it with a rich, deep brown hue. Following this, a portion of the liquid is transferred to American Standard Barrels (bourbon barrels that were used to mature Godawan) treated with two unique Indian botanicals – Rasna and Jatamansi. This unique production process, which incorporates the use of local botanicals, yields captivating aromas of sultanas and dried fruits, complemented by a syrupy smooth texture.
Nose: Sultanas and dried fruits
Palate: Raisin, sultana, fig, and apricot
Finish: Mature wood, caramel, and a butteriness like baklava
Size – 700ml
ABV – 46%
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02 Fruit and Spice
The whisky is matured in virgin oak casks, which release abundant vanilla and clove aromas into the liquid. This results in flavours of vanilla, sweet ginger, and coconut at the forefront. A portion of the liquid is transferred to American Standard Barrels (bourbon barrels that were used to mature Godawan) treated with two unique Indian botanicals – Rasna and Jatamansi. The whisky is finished in cherrywood casks, a unique departure from the conventional choice of wood for whisky maturation. Cherrywood was selected to enhance the whisky’s sweet and sour taste profiles, impressive fruit aromas, and dark colour.
Nose: Fruity aromas
Palate: Rich fruit and floral notes, vanilla, sweet ginger, and coconut
Finish: Dash of spice and roasted coffee bean
Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
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Availability – Delhi, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Telangana, Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Price – Between INR 2800 to INR 6000.