DeVANS’ GianChand Wins International Whisky of the Year 2025
- Featured Spirits
Staff Writer- 4 minutes read
India’s whisky revolution just got its boldest stamp of approval yet. DeVANS Modern Breweries’ newly launched single malts- GianChand Adambaraa and GianChand Manshaa have stormed the global stage, outshining stalwarts from Scotland and Japan to clinch some of the most coveted awards in the spirits industry this year.
At the International Whisky Competition (IWC) 2025 in Las Vegas, GianChand Adambaraa emerged as a runaway winner, taking home Best Single Malt Indian Whisky and Best Indian Whisky. Meanwhile, GianChand Manshaa made history in Germany, earning both a Grand Gold at Meininger’s International Spirits Award (ISW) and the International Whisky of the Year 2025.
Crafted in the Himalayan foothills of Jammu, GianChand Manshaa, DeVANS’ first-ever peated single malt stood tall among 450 global entries with its bold smoky personality balanced by citrus, green notes, and spice. Whisky authority Jim Murray praised its charming smokiness, with peat in sparkling form, cementing its status as a category game-changer.
Not to be outshone, GianChand Adambaraa, a non-peated single malt matured in American ex-bourbon casks, captivated judges with its amber glow and luscious notes of apricots, honey, and caramel. Murray lauded it as ‘a malt lover’s dream’ and ‘the closest to a high-class Scottish malt found anywhere in the world.’
These back-to-back wins reinforce not just the mastery of DeVANS, a brand established in 1961 and now a powerhouse of beers and malt spirits but also India’s fast-rising stature in the premium whisky arena. With GianChand Adambaraa and Manshaa, DeVANS is rewriting India’s global spirits story.
Speaking on the double win, Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director, DeVANS’ quotes, “These awards are more than global recognition; they’re a celebration of Indian craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. GianChand Adambaraa and GianChand Manshaa are a fitting tribute to our founder Dewan Gian Chand, and realize our dream of projecting DeVANS Indian Single Malts firmly on the world stage and taking them to connoisseurs worldwide. With these remarkable wins, DeVANS is not just making whisky – it’s making history. The success of DeVANS single malts proves that India’s unique climate, diverse ingredients, and skilled distillers can deliver expressions that rival the best from Scotland or Japan.”
The two new expressions are currently available at Delhi and Hyderabad duty-free outlets, select Gurgaon retailers, and will debut in Goa by the end of August.
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