Reinforcing India’s Place on the Global Whisky Map, One Award at a Time: Godawan Artisanal Indian Single Malt Wins Double Gold at Monde Selection 2025

Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded and Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice both receive Gold Medals, further solidifying the brand’s position as India’s most awarded single malt.

Bangalore, July 2025: Godawan Artisanal Indian Single Malt Whisky has been awarded Gold Medals for both its expressions, Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded and Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice, at the 2025 Monde Selection Quality Awards, one of the world’s most respected & rigorous benchmarks for product quality. This dual recognition further cements Godawan’s position as India’s most awarded single malt in recent times, with over 90 national and international accolades to date.

Unlike standard blind-tasting formats, Monde Selection adopts a comprehensive evaluation process, assessing each spirit not only for flavour and aroma but also for authenticity, craftsmanship and purpose. This makes Godawan’s continuing wins at Monde Selection even more meaningful affirming that Indian whiskies are not only on par with the world’s best but also bring a unique identity to the global stage.

Crafted in the heart of Rajasthan, Godawan is India’s premium artisanal single malt whisky with a distinct story — one rooted in place and purpose. Named after the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, locally known as Godawan, the brand represents mindful luxury and a profound respect for craft and conservation. Distilled in the arid climate of Alwar, Rajasthan, Godawan undergoes a unique ageing process shaped by the desert’s intense heat, which accelerates maturation and yields a richer, more full- bodied spirit. Using locally sourced six-row barley and a selective cask finishing process infused with Indian botanicals, each expression delivers layered complexity and refined character, resonating with both seasoned connoisseurs & curious new consumers. More than just a premium whiskey, Godawan is backed by a strong commitment to sustainability, contributing to water conservation and ecological restoration initiatives across Rajasthan through Diageo India’s broader CSR efforts.

“As India's most awarded single malt whisky, receiving consistent recognition from platforms like Monde Selection is a tremendous honour. This growing global momentum reaffirms our belief that India is not only crafting world-class whisky but doing so with a distinctive identity—rooted in provenance, craft, and purpose. Year after year, we remain committed to upholding quality and consistency that resonates across cultures & continents,” says Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer, Diageo India.

Bold in character yet accessible in approach, both Godawan 01 and 02 continue to win the favour of whisky lovers worldwide. Building on this momentum, the brand has recently launched its latest Travel Retail Edition, now available on select duty-free shelves in Bangalore and Dubai.

“Beyond consumer trust, this achievement enhances the global reputation of Godawan Artisanal Single Malt, opening new opportunities for growth, visibility, and partnerships.”, said a representative from the Board at Monde Selection. “By earning this award, Godawan joins the ranks of the world’s most distinguished spirits, reinforcing United Spirits Limited’s commitment to delivering excellence and reliability.”

About Diageo India: Diageo India is among India’s leading beverage alcohol (alcobev) companies with an outstanding portfolio of premium brands. A subsidiary of Diageo Plc., it is listed in India on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as United Spirits Limited (USL). Headquartered in Bengaluru, Diageo India has one of the largest manufacturing footprints in alcobev with 36 facilities across India. It manufactures, sells and distributes Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India, bringing together global expertise and local pride to deliver innovative, world-class products and experiences to consumers. With a strong focus on driving a positive impact on society, Diageo India has been working on collective action to improve livelihoods, championing Grain to Glass sustainability, responsible consumption and nurturing the alcobev ecosystem, to contribute to India’s growth agenda. 

For more information about Diageo India, our people, our brands, and our performance, visit us at www.diageoindia.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.

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