India raises a toast as whiskey exports surge 26% to $78.5 million in first half of 2024 The Netherlands, UAE, Ghana have emerged as top importers of Indian whiskey, while the US has become a major buyer of high-end varieties

Liquor exports are on a high, led by a 26 percent rise in whiskey shipments in the first half of 2024, complementing the strong performance of Indian-made smartphones and electronics.

A Moneycontrol analysis of commerce ministry data shows that India shipped spirits worth $78.5 million in the first six months of 2024. Blended whiskey, which accounts for half of the total whiskey exports, jumped 37 percent, and exporters are now aiming to grow the market for Indian-made single malt. Premium whiskey exports almost doubled to $6.3 million in the six months to June 30 from a year earlier.

The first time I flew into India (Delhi), I was surprised to see so many better-dressed (Indian) passengers from my flight literally running to the duty-free and buying shopping carts full of foreign whiskey; Johnny Walker, Dimple, Laphroaig, JD, Wild Turkey, etc. It puzzled me because I thought alcohol was legal there, so why the rush? It turned out the only place you can buy non-Indian-made liquor is by-the-drink in the bars of the tourist hotels (a shot of Johnny Walker Blue was $20 USD equivalent in my hotel bar). The package stores can only sell Indian-made hootch.

And when I bought a bottle of the local stuff and tasted it, I realized why all those guys were so keen on taking taking advantage of the duty-free to stock up.

"The first time I flew into India (Delhi), I was surprised to see so many better-dressed (Indian) passengers from my flight literally running to the duty-free and buying shopping carts full of foreign whiskey; Johnny Walker, Dimple, Laphroaig, JD, Wild Turkey, etc. It puzzled me because I thought alcohol was legal there, so why the rush? It turned out the only place you can buy non-Indian-made liquor is by-the-drink in the bars of the tourist hotels (a shot of Johnny Walker Blue was $20 USD equivalent in my hotel bar). The package stores can only sell Indian-made hootch. And when I bought a bottle of the local stuff and tasted it, I realized why all those guys were so keen on taking taking advantage of the duty-free to stock up."

I don't know the time period you were referring to but there is no bar on imported liquor in India. Duty free means exactly that -cost with taxes are substantial outside.

India is the largest whisky drinking country in the world and while quality varies across price points, some of India's top single malt whisky's are among the world's finest routinely appearing on the best lists. One of the main drivers for an India-UK trade deal is for more scotch to be sold at lower duties in India.

"Some of the World's Best Whiskeys Are Coming From India"

https://www.foodandwine.com/india-single-malt-whisky-8666916

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.