Raising the bar | Icons of Whisky Awards India 2026

The Icons of Whisky Awards India 2026, hosted by Spiritual Luxury Living, marked a significant milestone in India’s evolving whisky landscape—bringing together the finest in hospitality, retail, and whisky craftsmanship under one globally recognised platform.

This year’s edition was elevated through its association with India Today Spice as a key sponsor for Icons of Sprits Awards Segment, reinforcing the awards’ positioning at the intersection of whisky, culture, and modern luxury. Known for curating India’s most compelling narratives across food, beverage, and lifestyle, India Today Spice brought added depth, reach, and editorial perspective to the platform.

Owned by Whisky Magazine UK and exclusively managed in India by Spiritual Luxury Living, the Icons of Whisky Awards remains the country’s only international platform dedicated solely to whisky—recognising excellence across Bars, Brands, Retail, and Industry Professionals.

A Reflection of India’s Growing Global Influence

The 2026 edition reflected a more confident and globally aligned Indian whisky ecosystem. Among the standout winners were some of the country’s most celebrated hospitality destinations, including The Library at The Leela Palace (New Delhi), The Chambers at Taj Mahal Palace (Mumbai), Lord Vesper at The Oberoi (Gurugram), and Elephant Bar at The Claridges. These venues continue to set new benchmarks in whisky curation and guest experience.

In retail, leading names such as Tonique and Mansionz by Living Liquidz were recognised alongside emerging formats like World of Wines and Discovery Liquor Warehouse—highlighting a shift towards premium, discovery-led consumer engagement.

Innovation and Storytelling Take Centre Stage

Innovation emerged as a defining theme across categories, with brands increasingly focussing on storytelling, experiential engagement, and premiumisation.

The Editor’s Choice Awards further celebrated excellence across Indian and international whisky expressions, new bar concepts, and whisky-led dining experiences—reflecting the expanding scope of the category.

Honouring Legacy and Leadership

A highlight of the evening was the Hall of Fame induction, awarded to Rakshit Jagdale of Amrut Distilleries, in recognition of his pioneering contribution to Indian single malts on the global stage.

The awards also recognised leading voices across hospitality and the spirits industry—individuals who continue to shape India’s whisky journey through innovation, expertise, and vision.

Looking Ahead

The Icons of Whisky Awards India 2026 was not just a celebration of excellence—it was a marker of India’s growing influence in the global whisky narrative.

As India’s whisky landscape evolves, the focus remains on elevating quality, deepening consumer experiences, and shaping a narrative that resonates both locally and globally.