The global whisky landscape is undergoing a significant shift, and a surprising force is driving it: Rampur Distillery, a small, innovative producer nestled in the heart of India. Recent results from the prestigious Fifty Best World Whisky Tasting in New York have sent shockwaves through the industry, with Rampur securing a remarkable double gold medal victory. This achievement is not just a win for a single distillery; it’s a powerful statement about the burgeoning potential of emerging spirits and is challenging long-held assumptions about what constitutes exceptional whisky.
The Fifty Best World Whisky Tasting is widely considered one of the most influential tasting events globally, bringing together a panel of renowned drinks experts and spearheaded by the legendary whisky critic Jim Murray. The event serves as a critical barometer of quality and taste, evaluating hundreds of whiskies from around the world. This year’s competition highlighted a growing trend – the increasing diversity and quality emerging from distilleries outside the traditional Scottish and American spheres. Rampur’s victory firmly places India as a key player in the global whisky conversation.
A Molasses-Based Revolution
What sets Rampur apart, and what ultimately led to their success, is a distinctive approach to distillation. The distillery utilizes molasses as its primary base spirit, a technique often considered unconventional in the world of premium whisky production. Prior to this win, molasses was primarily used for rum production. The Singh Brothers, the distillery’s pioneering owners, are being lauded as “maverick” distillers, bravely forging their own path. This boldness, coupled with their meticulous attention to detail, has paid off handsomely, with their spirits impressing the judges with a complex and flavorful profile. Their blend leans heavily on the character imparted by the molasses, delivering notes of dark fruit, spice, and a warming, almost caramelly finish.
“This isn’t just about finding a new grain or barrel,” explains *Whisky Advocate* ([https://www.whiskyadvocate.com/](https://www.whiskyadvocate.com/)), “Rampur’s success highlights a growing trend of smaller distilleries pushing boundaries with unique approaches. It’s a testament to the power of experimentation and a willingness to deviate from established norms.” The win underscores that innovation doesn’t always require sticking to established formulas; sometimes, the most exciting discoveries come from unexpected places.
The Judges Weigh In
The Fifty Best World Whisky Tasting is a rigorous event, with a panel of highly respected industry professionals evaluating each whisky on a multitude of criteria – aroma, palate, finish, and overall complexity. Rampur’s two gold medals are a potent testament to the quality and craftsmanship of their spirits. The judges clearly recognized the exceptional quality and the unique character born from their distinctive production methods. Further detail on the event, including judging criteria and participating distilleries, can be found on the International Wine & Spirit Society’s website: [https://www.theiwsr.com/](https://www.theiwsr.com/).
Global Interest in Indian Whisky Grows
The victory isn’t just a win for Rampur; it’s a significant indicator of growing global interest in Indian whisky. Following the announcement of their double gold win, Reuters ([https://www.reuters.com/](https://www.reuters.com/)) reported a surge in attention being paid to Indian whisky. The distillery’s story is attracting the attention of whisky enthusiasts worldwide, proving that exceptional spirits can emerge from anywhere. The Singh Brothers’ dedication and innovative spirit are capturing the imagination of drinkers seeking novel flavor experiences. More context surrounding the event and Rampur’s achievement can be found here: [https://www.hotelierindia.com/fb/rampur-wins-double-gold-at-the-fifty-best-world-whisky-tasting-2025-in-new-york](https://www.hotelierindia.com/fb/rampur-wins-double-gold-at-the-fifty-best-world-whisky-tasting-2025-in-new-york).
Final Thoughts
Rampur Distillery’s double gold victory is a powerful reminder to broaden your horizons when exploring the world of whisky. It’s a celebration of innovation, bold decision-making, and the potential for exceptional spirits to surprise and delight. It demonstrates that traditional wisdom isn’t always the only path to greatness. So, next time you’re browsing the whisky shelves, consider giving a little-known distillery a chance – you might just discover your new favorite dram, and perhaps, rewrite your expectations about where exceptional whisky can be found.
