DeVANS GianChand has achieved a major milestone on the global spirits stage, earning prestigious accolades at two of the world’s most respected spirits competitions, further strengthening the growing international recognition for the Company’s Single Malts.
At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2026, widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential spirits competitions, GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky was the sole Indian Single Malt to be awarded the coveted Double Gold Medal, while GianChand Manshaa, the peated version secured a Silver Medal.
The Double Gold distinction is awarded only to brands when each and every judge on the panel independently awards its spirit the Gold Medal Rating, all judges arriving at the same conclusion that what is in the glass is exceptional. As one of the highest honours in the global spirits industry, it represents a particularly meaningful validation a whisky can receive. This rare recognition places GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky among an elite group of spirits recognised for exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Further reinforcing the brand’s international standing, both expressions were also recognised at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2026, with GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky and GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky Manshaa each earning Silver Medals. Regarded among the world’s most respected spirits competitions, the ISC evaluates entries through a rigorous judging process conducted by an expert panel of industry professionals.
“ We are immensely proud to see GianChand recognised at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Spirits Challenge in the same year. Winning a Double Gold Medal at SFWSC for GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky is an extraordinary achievement, given the rigorous judging standards and the rarity of this distinction. Together, these honours reaffirm our commitment to crafting world-class Indian single malts rooted in quality, authenticity and craftsmanship. This is not just a medal for GianChand; it is validation that Indian single malts are world class and can compete with the very best the world has to offer. We have always known what our land, our water, and our craft could produce. The world now knows it too,” said Mr. Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director, DeVANS Modern Breweries Ltd.
Crafted at DeVANS’ distillery in Jammu, the GianChandportfolio reflects the distinctive character of its origin and the craftsmanship behind Indian single malts. GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky offers a smooth profile with sweet, spicy and peaty fruity notes, while GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky Manshaa presents a captivating smoky profile balanced by sweet maltiness and a hint of caramel.
These accolades from two of the world’s most respected spiritcompetitions add to an impressive string of international recognitions, including a Gold Medal at Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2025 Belgium, a Platinum Medal at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards 2025 USA, International Whisky of the Year and Grand Gold honours at ISW 2025 Germany, and Best Indian Whisky and Best Single Malt Indian Whisky titles at IWC 2025 USA. Together these honours reflect GianChand’s growing global popularity and cement its status as one of India’s most internationally celebrated single malt whiskies, proudly showcasing the excellence of Indian whisky craftsmanship.
