Indian malt whisky producers form IMWA to set industry standards, boost global recognition
The newly established Indian Malt Whisky Association aims to regulate production, protect authenticity, and position India as a global whisky leader.
INDIA – Leading Indian malt whisky producers have come together to form the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA), a trade body dedicated to setting regulatory and technical standards for the industry.
Based in New Delhi, the association aims to preserve, promote, and protect India’s growing malt whisky heritage while enhancing its global reputation.
The IMWA has aligned itself with international industry bodies such as the Scotch Whisky Association, the Irish Whiskey Association, and the Japanese Spirits & Liquor Whisky Association.
The trade body is headed by Major General (Dr) Rajesh Chopra and includes founding members from prominent Indian malt whisky producers.
Among them are Paul John of John Distillers, Rakshit Jagdale of Amrut Distilleries, Abhishek Khaitan of Radico Khaitan, and Siddhartha Sharma of Piccadily Agro.
The newly launched organization seeks to position India as a global leader in the production of high-quality malt whisky by fostering innovation, setting industry benchmarks, and advancing premiumisation within the sector.
As part of its mission, the IMWA is committed to ensuring that only authentic malt whiskies meeting strict production criteria are recognized as Indian single malts.
To maintain quality standards, the association has outlined rigorous qualification criteria. Indian single malts must be made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery using copper pot stills, with column stills explicitly excluded.
The whisky must also be matured for a minimum of three years in oak barrels with a capacity of less than 700 litres, using only malted barley, pure water, and yeast in the production process.
Additionally, the IMWA has defined pure malts, or 100% malt whisky, as a blend of malt whiskies from different distilleries.
The organization has pledged to work closely with state authorities to ensure compliance with these standards and will take legal action against any misrepresentation of lower-quality Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) or Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA)-based products as Indian single malts.
By establishing clear guidelines and securing trademarks, geographical indications, and intellectual property rights, the IMWA aims to solidify trust in the authenticity and quality of Indian malt whisky, further boosting its global appeal.
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