The New El Clásico of Indian Whisky. If you asked an Indian whisky lover in 2020 to name the best homegrown single malt, they would have likely said Amrut or Paul John. 

Fast forward to 2026, and the conversation has shifted. The battle lines have been redrawn.

On one side, we have Indri, the Haryana-based heavyweight that stunned the world by winning best whisky in the world and hasn't looked back since. 

On the other side, we have Godawan, the artisanal Spirit of the Desert from Rajasthan, backed by the mighty Diageo, which is quietly (and sometimes loudly) sweeping awards in London and beyond.

It’s no longer just about making good whisky. It’s about Terroir. 

It’s about innovation. But most importantly for you and me, it’s about the question, which one should I spend my ₹4,000 on?

Is Godawan better than Indri? Or is Indri still the undisputed King of the Ring? 

Let’s break it down in this definitive 2026 review.

The Tale of the Tape: At a Glance

Before we start sipping, let’s look at the stats.

Round 1: The Philosophy (Terroir Wars)

Indri Trini is playing the "Classic Luxury" game. It’s produced by Piccadilly Distilleries, who are obsessed with the traditional Scottish style of quality but accelerated by the Indian sun. 

Their "Three Wood" maturation is a masterclass in balance. They aren't trying to reinvent the wheel; they are just trying to make the wheel roll smoother than a Rolls Royce.

Godawan, on the other hand, is the "Rebel." They embrace the harsh heat of Rajasthan (temperatures over 100°F) which causes a massive "Angel's Share" (evaporation). 

To counter this, they use "Slow Trickle Distillation" and finish their whisky with Indian botanicals like Rasna and Jatamansi. 

This isn't just whisky; it's a botanical experiment that pays homage to its desert roots.

Round 2: The Taste Test (The Real Deal)

I sat down with a bottle of Indri Trini and the Godawan 01 (Rich & Rounded) to see which liquid actually delivers.

Indri Trini (The Reliable Legend)

• Nose: It’s like walking into a bakery. You get hit with caramelized pineapple, vanilla, and a hint of black tea. The sherry influence brings in those raisins and dried dates.
  
  
• Palate: incredibly smooth. It coats your mouth with flavors of roasted nuts, cloves, and honey. The "Triple Cask" magic means you get the sweetness of bourbon, the fruitiness of wine, and the depth of sherry all at once.
  
  
• Finish: Long, warm, and slightly peppery.

Godawan 01 (The Spicy Challenger)

• Nose: Deeper and darker. You smell the heat. There are notes of intense dried figs, apricots, and a distinct herbal/spicy note (that’s the botanicals talking).
  
  
• Palate: It’s bolder. It has a "chewy" texture with flavors of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and a kick of spice that reminds you of cloves or anise.
  
  
• Finish: It dries out your mouth (in a good way), leaving a lingering taste of woody spice and dark caramel.

Round 3: The Awards Flex (2024-2026)

Both brands have been busy polishing trophies.

• Indri is the world beater. It grabbed the headlines with best whisky in the world and continues to sweep awards like the "Whisky of the Year" at the USA Spirit Rating Awards 2024.
  
  In 2025, it scored a near-perfect 99.1 at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards. It is the Virat Kohli of Indian whiskies, consistent and dominant.
  
  
• Godawan is the critical darling. It scored a massive 96 points at the 2024 London Spirits Competition, winning "Single Malt Whisky of the Year".
  
  It also holds the title of the Most Awarded Indian Single Malt in recent times, with over 42 accolades.

Round 4: Price & Value (2026 Guide)

Let’s talk about rupees. In 2026, both brands adjusted their pricing as demand skyrocketed.

The Value King: Indri Trini

For around ₹3,200 in many markets, Indri offers a triple cask experience that usually costs double in scotch terms. 

Godawan is positioned slightly higher, aiming for the luxury gift segment.

Final Verdict: Is Godawan Better Than Indri?

The short answer? No, but it is different.

Here is the Pro Indian Drinker decision matrix:

Buy Indri Trini if:

1. You are hosting a party and want a crowd-pleaser that everyone will like.
   
   
2. You love smooth, fruity whiskies with a honeyed finish.
   
   
3. You want the best "Bang for Buck" in the Indian market right now.

Buy Godawan if:

1. You are a connoisseur who is bored of standard vanilla/fruit flavors.
   
   
2. You want to taste The Desert that has a unique spicy, botanical profile unlike anything else.
   
   
3. You are buying a gift. The Godawan packaging is stunning and feels more "artisanal" and expensive.