Tasting spirits alongside their makers brings an immediacy that few experiences can match — each glass seems to echo its landscape, history, and the hands that shaped it. That was the atmosphere at the British Craft Spirits Tasting, hosted by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. The gathering brought together distillers from across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, in town just before their showcase at ProWine Mumbai 2025.
India’s Evolving Drinks Landscape, and expected benefits of UK–India FTA
India’s drinks scene is changing fast. Consumers are curious, quality-focused, and far more open to premium spirits than they were even a few years ago. Until now, high import duties made many international bottles hard to access.
That’s where the new UK–India Free Trade Agreement comes in. Duties on UK whisky and gin — currently 150% — will drop to 75%, and eventually to 40% over the next decade. In simple terms: better prices, more choice, and a possible stronger presence for British craft brands.
You could feel that optimism in the room. The distillers weren’t just showcasing their spirits — they were clearly looking at India as a long-term market worth investing in.
Standout Distilleries and Their Most Exciting Labels
With all that energy in the room, the line-up lived up to expectations. Here are the distilleries — and the spirits — that truly stood out at the New Delhi showcase.
Halewood Artisanal Spirits
Halewood brought a vibrant splash of flavour with their line-up of core flavoured gins — Rhubarb & Ginger, Raspberry, and Blood Orange. Expressive yet balanced, they feel perfectly suited to India’s gin-and-tonic culture and will easily find fans among both casual drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts. And with such striking, colourful bottles, they’re the kind you’re tempted to keep on the shelf long after the last pour.
Isle of Raasay Distillery
The Hebridean distillery poured its signature Isle of Raasay Single Malt, built on a unique half-peated, half-unpeated recipe. Matured in multiple cask types, it offered gentle smoke, coastal freshness, and layered complexity — a whisky that appeals to those who appreciate nuance over intensity.
Nyetimber
The only sparkling wine producer at the showcase, Nyetimber added a refreshing counterpoint to the spirit-heavy evening. Their Classic Cuvee, Rosé, and Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage wines showed why English sparkling wine has earned its global reputation — elegant, toasty, and beautifully balanced. The Classic Cuvee brought finesse, the Rosé delivered creamy red-fruit charm, and the Cuvee Chérie stood out with its bright, gently sweet profile.
Rutland Square Spirits
An India-relevant story with Edinburgh craftsmanship at its core, Rutland Square showcased its Chai Spiced Scottish Gin and Chai Spiced Scottish Rum. Infused with Assam Oolong tea and warm spices, both spirits carried a distinctive East-meets-West identity — aromatic, layered, and instantly cocktail-ready.
Nc’nean Organic Distillery
Nc’nean presented two whiskies — their Organic Single Malt and a Cask Strength edition — both reflecting the distillery’s signature fruity, modern style. Their sustainability-first approach (renewable energy, zero waste, recycled glass) resonated just as strongly as the liquid itself.
Isle of Wight Distillery
The eye-catching Mermaid range offered two standouts: a mineral, subtly saline Salt Vodka — perfect for cocktails like a Bloody Mary or a Dirty Vodka Martini — and the warm, gently spiced Mermaid Spiced Rum. With their strong commitment to sustainability (even the bottle’s sealing film is biodegradable) and beautifully designed packaging, these spirits feel purpose-built for premium cocktail programs.
Saltire Rare Malt
Specialists in mature cask selections, Saltire Rare Malt showcased The Falkland Collection, bottlings known for their depth and consistency at 48.8% ABV. For collectors or enthusiasts seeking characterful, well-aged whisky, this independent bottler deserves close attention.
Adnams
With over 150 years of brewing and distilling behind them, Adnams impressed with their Copper House Dry Gin and Rye Whisky. Both grain-to-glass expressions demonstrated the brand’s clean, precise style — classic, confident, and grounded in true craftsmanship.
A Tasting That Signals What’s Coming
The British Craft Spirits evening wasn’t just a showcase — it was a preview of the next phase in India’s premium drinks evolution. With the FTA paving the way for broader access and the country’s bar culture maturing rapidly, the timing couldn’t be better.
Across colourful bottles, coastal malts, tea-infused gins, and sustainably-made whiskies, one message stood out: British craft has range, identity, and purpose. And India is ready for it.
