In a result that underscores the growing global stature of Indian whisky, Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt has delivered a landmark performance across two of the world’s most respected international whisky competitions, the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) UK 2026 and the World Whisky Masters 2026.
At the IWSC UK 2026, Crazy Cock Madhuca III emerged as the standout Indian single malt, becoming the only Indian whisky to receive a Gold Medal in the category. Crazy Cock further strengthened its position by securing the top three positions among Indian whiskies, with its portfolio accounting for five of the ten medals awarded to Indian single malts.
The achievement is particularly significant given the stature of the IWSC, established in 1969 and widely regarded as one of the most respected wine and spirits competitions globally. The 2026 judging panels featured some of the most recognised names in the international spirits community, including Dawn Davies MW, Richard Paterson OBE, Ian Burrell, Joel Harrison, Olivier Ward, David T. Smith, Deano Moncrieffe and Marie Cheong-Thon, bringing decades of expertise across whisky production, blending, spirits education, criticism and international judging.
But Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky’s global run did not stop there.
At the World Whisky Masters 2026, the Indian single malt portfolio delivered another exceptional performance, securing five Gold medals. The achievement further reinforces the quality and consistency of Crazy Cock’s whiskies and places the brand among the Indian single malts making a strong impression on international whisky experts.
Together, the two competitions represent a significant global recognition for Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt, with the portfolio earning six Gold medals across IWSC 2026 and World Whisky Masters 2026. The back-to-back recognition also highlights the growing ability of Indian single malts to compete with established whisky-producing nations on the basis of craftsmanship, character and innovation.
At the heart of Crazy Cock’s international recognition is its Madhuca range, which draws on Indian provenance and distilling expertise to create a distinctive expression of contemporary Indian single malt whisky. The portfolio reflects a deliberate approach to developing a whisky that carries its Indian identity with confidence, rather than attempting to replicate traditional Scotch styles.
Crazy Cock’s performance also comes at a time when the global whisky landscape is evolving. Indian single malts, once considered emerging challengers to established whisky-producing regions, are increasingly being recognised by international judges and whisky enthusiasts for their distinctive profiles and growing sophistication.
For South Seas Distilleries, India’s oldest malt distillery, the recognition marks another important milestone in its journey of bringing Indian whisky to the global stage. With a heritage dating back to 1969, the distillery’s Crazy Cock portfolio represents its contemporary expression of Indian whisky-making, combining established distilling expertise with an approach centred on experimentation and Indian provenance
From the only Indian Gold at IWSC 2026 to five Golds at World Whisky Masters 2026, Crazy Cock’s latest international showing is more than a collection of accolades. It is a statement that Indian single malt whisky is increasingly capable of standing alongside the world’s most established whisky-making traditions and earning recognition on its own terms.
The Scots may have written the rulebook for single malt. Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky is showing the world that India can play the game at the highest level.
