Looking to impress this Diwali? Swap the usual sweets for a bottle of premium whisky that’ll set the vibe just right. Perfect for that friend who ‘tastes the notes’ and the one who just loves a good pour. Because some gifts aren’t meant to be shared with everyone
1. The GlenLivet 25 Years Single Malt
Silky, sweet and rich — this rare whisky covers all the central themes of Diwali. Finished in first-fill Pedro Ximenez sherry and Troncais oak cognac casks, this blood-orange liquid carries traces of warming ginger, toasted oak and a hint of charred pineapple.
2. Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2024
While this special Indian single malt is only available in Gurugram, it’s worth hunting down. Honoured with the ‘Gold Medal’ at the Whiskies of the World Awards 2024, the Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2024 is bottled at 50 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV) after being crafted from peated Indian six-row barley and distilled in traditional Indian copper pot stills. With its blended flavours of light fruits, delicate florals, and subtle spice, this whisky is tailor-made for the Festival of Lights.
3. Johnnie Walker Blue Label
King George V Scotch
This Diwali, gift your loved ones royalty in a bottle. This particular scotch comprises only rare whiskies from distilleries that were functioning during the reign of King George V, including many that no longer exist. The result? A rare and exquisite usquebaugh with flavours of roasted nuts, rich fruits and spice with a hint of smokiness.
4. Dewar’s The Signature 25 Year Old
This award-winning scotch is famous for its two blends, which are mixed in oak casks for six months after the initial maturation. The resulting liquid has a unique flavour profile that carries sweet and nutty flavours reminiscent of creamy vanilla and heather honey.
5. Bushmills 21 Years Single Malt
This prized Irish whisky is matured for a minimum of 19 years in a combination of hand-selected oloroso sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels before being transferred into Madeira casks for an additional two years. The detailed process leads to a savouring spirit with dominant traces of dried fruit, spicy, aromatic maltiness and subtle nutty raisin.
6. Suntory Whisky Chita
This popular Japanese whisky is a blend of single grains, with strong-tasting characteristics that have been aged in a combination of wine, sherry, and bourbon casks. The light-bodied Usquebaugh starts with a fruity overtone (with a blend of corn note and unripe bananas), then switches to liquorice root and a nutty bitterness before finishing off with a classic sweetness.