Godawan Artisanal Single Malt wins one master and two gold medals at World Whisky Masters 2026

Godawan Artisanal Single Malt Whisky by Diageo India has been awarded one Master and two Gold medals at The Spirits Business World Whisky Masters 2026, one of the industry's most respected international whisky competitions. In the India – Single Malt category, Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded was the only expression to receive the competition’s highest honour, the Master medal, while Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice and Godawan 173 were both awarded Gold medals.

Judged through a blind tasting process by an independent panel of spirits experts, The World Whisky Masters, part of The Spirits Business’ Global Spirits Masters Competitions, assesses entries solely on the quality of the liquid, without the influence of brand identity, reputation or packaging. The recognition highlights the growing global appreciation for the quality, craftsmanship and distinct character of Indian single malt whisky.

Commenting on the win, Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer, Diageo India, says, "Every recognition for Godawan marks another step in the journey of Indian single malts. With each expression, we have explored a different interpretation of Rajasthan's terroir and craftsmanship. Seeing that breadth acknowledged at an international competition reinforces our belief that India has a compelling and distinctive story to tell in the world of whisky."

Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded is matured in premium PX Sherry casks, lending the liquid pronounced notes of sultanas, dried fruits, raisins, fig and apricot, with a smooth, syrupy texture and a finish of mature wood, caramel, and baklava-like butteriness. Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice is matured in virgin oak and finished in cherrywood casks, bringing together rich fruit and floral notes with vanilla, sweet ginger and coconut, followed by a subtle spice and roasted coffee bean finish.

Godawan 173, the brand’s limited-edition collector’s expression created to honour the milestone rise in the Godawan bird’s numbers, is the world’s first artisanal liqueur cask-finished Indian single malt, matured for over nine years across ex-bourbon, Oloroso, PX Sherry and heritage Asha Liqueur Casks, with notes of roasted nuts, dried fruits, walnut, dark chocolate and cinnamon.

The recognition adds to Godawan’s growing list of international accolades, with Godawan being one of the India’s most awarded single malts with the brand crossing over 125+ global awards, further highlighting the quality and distinct character of Indian single malt whisky on the global stage.