Collector’s Picks: Rare Indian Whiskies for a Refined Holi Celebration

Holi is a festival of exuberance by day and intimate gatherings by night. As the colours settle and the celebrations transition into elegant soirées, a carefully chosen whisky can elevate the experience from festive to truly memorable. For collectors and connoisseurs alike, rare and distinctive expressions — especially those rooted in craft, heritage, or limited releases — offer the perfect way to toast the season in style.

Here are five standout whiskies — predominantly Indian, with one iconic global reference — that bring depth, character, and conversation to a refined Holi celebration.

Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky

From one of India’s oldest malt distilleries comes a whisky that embodies both legacy and bold experimentation. Matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, Crazy Cock delivers a rich profile of warm spices, vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits layered over gentle oak, culminating in a long, velvety finish.

Limited releases showcase impressive depth, while the peated expression offers refined smokiness without overwhelming the palate — ideal for slow evening sipping after the day’s festivities.

Its most distinctive innovation is the Madhuca: The Heritage Editions, the world’s first Indian single malt finished in Mahura (Mahua) casks. This unusual maturation imparts floral sweetness, subtle spice, and a uniquely Indian warmth — making it a true collector’s conversation piece and a fitting centrepiece for a premium Holi bar.

GianChand Adambaraa & Manshaa

Crafted in Jammu at the foothills of the Himalayas, the GianChand series offers a compelling study in contrast — perfect for hosts who appreciate range.

Adambaraa, the unpeated expression, is matured in imported ex-bourbon barrels and opens with dried apricot, honey, caramel, and gently toasted spice. Elegant and warming, it suits guests who prefer a smoother, fruit-forward dram.

Manshaa (Laggerbach), by contrast, leans into peat, delivering medicinal smoke balanced by citrus brightness and nuanced spice. The result evokes the comforting sensation of a fireside evening — ideal for late-night Holi conversations.

Both expressions have earned multiple international accolades, reinforcing their status as export-worthy Indian malts.

DŌAAB India Craft Single Malt

DŌAAB India Craft Whisky is as much about storytelling as it is about spirit. Named after the land between two rivers, it symbolises convergence — of cultures, traditions, and ideas.

The inaugural limited edition, 01 Six Blind Men and the Elephant, is matured exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels and limited to just 500 casks, enhancing its collectability. Its packaging, inspired by Rajasthan’s Mandana art, adds cultural depth and visual distinction.

For collectors, this bottle offers not just flavour but narrative — making it a thoughtful addition to a curated Holi gathering where every detail matters.

Peter Scot Black Single Malt Whisky

An extension of a brand that has been part of India’s whisky story since 1968, Peter Scot Black Single Malt represents a legacy stepping confidently into the luxury arena.

Amber-gold in hue, it offers notes of orange zest, toasted almonds, subtle spice, and a gentle thread of peat. Smooth yet layered, it appeals to both seasoned drinkers and those newer to single malts.

For a Holi evening that blends nostalgia with contemporary sophistication, this expression provides an accessible yet premium option.

Laphroaig Select Single Malt

While the focus remains on Indian malts, a refined collection often includes a benchmark from abroad. Laphroaig Select, from Scotland’s Islay region — the spiritual home of peated whisky — delivers a bold counterpoint.

Matured across multiple cask types, including Oloroso sherry and bourbon, it balances sweetness — vanilla, fruit, and fudge — with signature maritime smoke and oak intensity. For enthusiasts who favour assertive peat, this dram anchors the tasting lineup.

A Final Pour

Holi may be synonymous with colour and exuberance, but its evenings increasingly reflect a quieter sophistication — curated gatherings, meaningful conversations, and thoughtfully chosen pours.

Whether you gravitate toward floral innovation, Himalayan elegance, narrative-driven craft, heritage luxury, or smoky intensity, these collector-worthy whiskies offer a refined way to celebrate the festival. After all, the true spirit of Holi lies not just in colour, but in connection — best enjoyed one exceptional dram at a time.