Godawan 173 Collector’s Edition, the limited expression from Godawan Artisanal Single Malt Whisky, has been recognised at Spikes Asia 2026 with a Gold in the Illustration: Packaging Design category and a Silver in the Special Editions & Bespoke Items category. One of the Asia-Pacific region’s most respected creative communications awards, Spikes Asia recognised the brand’s distinctive campaign around Godawan 173, expressed through design and rooted in a larger cultural movement that brings together one of India’s rarest whiskies with a powerful conservation narrative from the deserts of Rajasthan.

Part of the global LIONS network, which also organises Cannes Lions, Spikes Asia honours the region’s most impactful work across advertising, marketing, design, PR, and digital storytelling. This year, India secured more than 90 shortlists across categories, reflecting the growing creative momentum coming from the country.

Godawan 173 represents one of the most ambitious releases in the brand’s portfolio. Limited to just 173 bottles, the edition was created to honour the rise in the population of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (known locally as the Godawan) from 100 to 173 birds. The brand has consistently supported conservation efforts for the species, working with local communities in Rajasthan to protect its fragile habitat.

The whisky itself is the only one in the world that is finished in heritage Asha liqueur Sal Wood casks, introducing a completely new cask influence to Indian single malt. Each bottle is one-of-a-kind and was inspired by Jaipur Blue Pottery, guided by master craftsperson Leela Bordia of Neerja International in partnership with global design agency, Butterfly Cannon. The global launch at London Fashion Week 2025, featuring Sonam Kapoor, helped spotlight the story of Indian craft, culture and conservation to Indian and international audiences.

Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer at Diageo India, said, “The idea behind Godawan was to build a brand around India’s landscape, craft traditions and conservation stories. Godawan 173 allowed us to bring all of that together on a much larger scale at the global level. Recognition at Spikes Asia is encouraging because it shows that ideas rooted in Indian craft and culture can travel far beyond the category.”

Shikha Davessar, Managing Partner, 22feet added, "This Gold at Spikes Asia is a recognition of what's possible when creativity is put to purpose. Collaborating with local artisans to breathe new life into a forgotten art form, while championing the conservation of a critically endangered bird, is the kind of work that goes far beyond advertising. It’s a rare privilege to work on such a meaningful project, and we're proud to partner with a brand that uses its platform to drive genuine, lasting impact."

For Godawan, the recognition at Spikes Asia 2026 adds another dimension to the brand’s growing global reputation. Since its launch, the artisanal single malt has received over 100 national and international accolades across taste, innovation, creativity and craftsmanship.

The design entry for this award was brought to life by 22feet.