When people think of whisky (or whiskey in the U.S. and Ireland), they often picture Scotland’s rolling highlands or distilleries steeped in centuries-old traditions. However, the best-selling whiskies in the world today come from an unexpected source: India.
In collaboration with Rare Whisky 101, Visual Capitalist has analyzed recent whisky sales to identify the most popular brands worldwide.
The Dominance of Indian Whisky
The global alcohol industry is currently valued at approximately $1.8 trillion and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% between 2025 and 2030. A significant portion of this growth is being driven by the Indian and Chinese markets, where demand for luxury and artisanal beverages is surging. Given this trend, it is not surprising that eight of the world’s 20 most popular whisky brands originate from India.
Below is a ranking of the world’s best-selling whisky brands based on sales volume in million 9-liter cases:
| Rank | Brand | Country | Sales (Million 9L Cases) |
| 1 | McDowell’s Whisky | India | 31.4 |
| 2 | Royal Stag | India | 27.9 |
| 3 | Officer’s Choice | India | 23.4 |
| 4 | Imperial Blue | India | 22.8 |
| 5 | Johnnie Walker | Scotland | 22.1 |
| 6 | Jim Beam | U.S. | 17.0 |
| 7 | Suntory Kakubin | Japan | 15.8 |
| 8 | Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey | U.S. | 14.3 |
| 9 | 8PM | India | 12.2 |
| 10 | Jameson’s | Ireland | 10.2 |
| 11 | Blender’s Pride | India | 9.6 |
| 12 | Royal Challenge | India | 8.6 |
| 13 | Ballantine’s | Scotland | 8.2 |
| 14 | Crown Royal | Canada | 7.7 |
| 15 | Canadian Club | Canada | 6.0 |
| 16 | Sterling Reserve Premium Whiskies | India | 5.1 |
| 17 | Chivas Regal | Scotland | 4.6 |
| 18 | Grant’s | Scotland | 4.4 |
| 19 | William Lawson’s | Scotland | 3.4 |
| 20 | Dewar’s | Scotland | 3.3 |
Top 10 Wealthiest States in India and Their Economic Strength
India’s alcohol industry is vast and expanding at a rate significantly faster than the global average. According to estimates from The Spirits Business, India’s alcohol market is projected to be seven times larger in 2027 than it was in 2019. This exceptional growth highlights the country’s strong preference for whisky.
Why India’s Whisky Market Stands Out
India’s whisky market has flourished due to the country’s deep-rooted enthusiasm for the drink. While India imports whisky from renowned producers in Scotland, the U.S., and Japan, it is the country’s locally made whiskies that dominate global sales.
The most popular Indian whisky, McDowell’s, is also the best-selling whisky in the world. In 2023, the brand recorded sales of 31.4 million cases, reflecting a 2.1% increase from the previous year. To put this in perspective, McDowell’s nearly doubled the sales of the most popular American whisky, Jim Beam.
A Global Whisky Market Driven by India
The global whisky industry is currently shaped by soaring demand for premium and luxury spirits in large markets like India. This shift has positioned India as a dominant force in the whisky industry, with its brands consistently surpassing global sales figures from other regions.
For those interested in exploring whisky trends further, Rare Whisky 101 offers one of the most comprehensive whisky databases in the world. It includes regional sales comparisons, valuations of rare Scotch bottles, and much more.
