Godawan Wins Double Gold at Monde Selection 2025 for Its Artisanal Indian Single Malts
Godawan Artisanal Indian Single Malt Whisky has won 2 gold medals at the 2025 Monde Selection Quality Awards, generating international recognition for both of its expressions: Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded and Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice.
This is yet another milestone for Godawan as India's most awarded single malt, now with over 90 awards won across both national and international platforms.
A Global Nod to Indian Craft and Climate
Monde Selection, held in Brussels every year, is one of the most thorough quality institutes available in the world, with products critiqued and assessed across various parameters - flavour, aroma, innovation, and artisanry.
The double gold win for Godawan highlights the increasing global desirability of Indian whiskies born from local terroir coupled with a thoughtful, luxurious approach.
“Godawan joins the ranks of the world’s most distinguished spirits, reinforcing United Spirits’ commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability,” a Monde Selection Board representative said.
Godawan 01 & 02: What Makes Them Stand Out
| Expression | Tasting Profile | Distinctive Notes |
| Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded | Silky texture with hints of caramel, toasted nuts, and light peat | Known for its balance and smooth finish |
| Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice | Bright layers of fig, saffron, and warm spice | Bold, complex, and distinctively Indian |
Both expressions are crafted using six-row barley and matured under desert climate conditions in Alwar, Rajasthan, creating unique depth and character.
Made in Rajasthan, Named After a Vanishing Bird
Godawan whisky is named after the Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird from Rajasthan. The brands philosophy is the concept of "mindful luxury" - making super premium whisky, keeping tradition and the environment in mind.
Distillation occurs in Alwar. The high temperature and low relative humidity leads to a rapid maturation process, giving Godawan its distinct style-i.e., desert aging.
Diageo India on the Double Gold Win
Reacting to the honor, Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer at Diageo India, said:
“This growing global momentum reaffirms our belief that India is not only crafting world-class whisky but doing so with a distinctive identity, rooted in provenance, craft, and purpose.”
He added that recognitions like this signal a new chapter for Indian spirits, where global awards are no longer an aspiration but a reflection of consistent craft and authenticity.
New Travel Retail Edition Signals Global Push
Following an international launch, Godawan has introduced a Travel Retail Edition available at duty-free shops located in Bengaluru and Dubai. This is another milestone in Godawan's goal of bringing Indian whisky to a global audience through premium travel retail outlets.
The Travel Edition still embodies Godawan's craft as it taps into the growing interest from international consumers for premium whiskies inspired by the region.
Godawan and the Rise of Indian Whisky
With a growing portfolio of accolades - including from IWSC, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Concours Mondial - Godawan is helping position India as a serious contender in the world of premium single malts.
Its blend of regional storytelling, environmental conscience, and innovative technique has drawn the attention of critics and connoisseurs alike.
At a Glance: Godawan’s 2025 Monde Selection Win
| Feature | Details |
| Awards | Double Gold – Monde Selection 2025 |
| Winning Expressions | Godawan 01 Rich & Rounded, Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice |
| Location | Crafted in Alwar, Rajasthan |
| Ingredients | Six-row Indian barley, native botanicals |
| Philosophy | Mindful Luxury, Desert-Aged, Sustainability-Driven |
| Retail | New Travel Edition launched in Dubai & Bengaluru Duty-Free |
Why It Matters
Godawan’s win is not just a brand success - it marks a shift in how Indian whisky is perceived worldwide.
- Global recognition of India’s ability to produce luxury spirits with cultural and ecological depth
- A showcase of how climate and location can shape whisky character in original ways
- A win that boosts consumer trust and opens export potential for Indian distillers
What’s Next for Godawan?
As international interest in whisky continues to rise, as well as interest in travel retail formats, industry watchers are anticipating more global advances with their product launch in 2025–26.
During this time whisky lovers - in India and abroad - will also be watching to see how India’s desert malt continues to set the narrative on craft whisky and sustainability.
Read also: Top 10 Best-Selling Whiskies in the World
