Holi 2026 Special: Must-Have Whiskies to Stock Up on Before the Party Begins

Holi is all about vibrant energy, easy laughter, and gatherings that stretch from sun-soaked afternoons into music-filled evenings. As you prep your guest list and stock up on festive essentials, your bar deserves just as much attention as the colours and snacks. Whether you’re hosting an intimate pre-Holi get-together or a full-blown house party, choosing the right whiskies can instantly elevate the mood — offering everything from smooth, easy pours for relaxed conversations to bold, expressive drams that spark celebration. Here’s a curated edit of must-have whiskies to stock up on before the party begins.

Whistler whisky

Whistler Barrel Aged Blended Malt Whisky is a refined blend of mature malt and grain whiskies, patiently aged in oak barrels to develop a rich, layered profile. A refined blend of mature malt and grain whiskies, it is patiently aged in oak barrels to develop a rich, layered profile. With warm notes of dried apple, apricot, vanilla cream, and toasted oak on the nose, Whistler delivers a silky palate of rich malt, toffee, pineapple, and gentle spice. The medium finish leaves a graceful trail of mellow sweetness and refinement. 

Price: 750 ml | INR 750-1500/- depending on the state and availability.

Availability: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand, Delhi, West Bengal, Daman and Uttar Prades

The Glenwalk

The Glenwalk, a Scotch whisky from Cartel Bros. and Sanjay Dutt, captures the spirit of the Scottish Highlands. Its premium blend offers a smooth, classic profile with toasty spice notes and a long, buttery finish. It’s a refined and reliable choice, ensuring top-quality pours without draining your reserves. So, whether you’re spending the evening alone, with a partner, or with friends, make sure your bar is well stocked. Good times deserve good company and great drinks that keep the conversations flowing.

Price: 750ml | INR1,550 – 1,725/- approximately

Oaksmith International – Indo-Japanese Fusion

This unique Indo-Japanese crossover from Beam Suntory brings together two whisky-making traditions in one bottle. Oaksmith offers a smooth, slightly sweet palate that marries Indian warmth with Japanese precision and finesse. Light, clean, and just edgy enough to stand out, it’s perfect for those who appreciate innovation and international flair at a local price.

Price: 750 ml | INR 635-750/- approximately

Paul John Nirvana Single Malt

 Hailing from the sunny shores of Goa, this flavoursome Indian single malt by Paul John is part of the distillery has gained appreciation from critics and connoisseurs alike. With notes of light citrus with manuka honey, the earthy-tasting, deep amber liquid blends fruits with a tinge of spice. This complex, award-winning whisky, matured for seven years in white oak casks, offers a balanced dryness and a rich, creamy mouthfeel with a hint of butterscotch sweetness.

Price: INR2,570.

MacRoys blended scotch

From the house of Angus Dundee, one of Scotland’s most respected distillers, MacRoys Blended Scotch carries the signature of fine ageing and balance. The blend matures exclusively in first-fill bourbon casks, revealing rich layers of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The Extra Peat Variant matures in both bourbon and sherry casks, bringing together notes of honey, chocolate, and vanilla with a measured smokiness. The Sherry Cask Finish, the only blended Scotch in India with this finish, adds warmth and depth with a refined sweetness.

Price & availability: Delhi – INR 1,780 for a 750 ml bottle. Also available in Delhi, Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Odisha for civil supplies.

Woodburns Contemporary Indian Whisky

Woodburns Contemporary Indian Whisky represents India’s exciting take on small-batch, artisanal whisky-making. Distilled with precision and care, it delivers a bold, characterful profile that belies its affordable price. On the nose, expect subtle smokiness intertwined with rich chocolate and a hint of dried fruits, leading to a palate that is smooth yet layered with spice, caramel, and gentle oak. Its slightly smoky undertones give it a distinctive edge, while the chocolatey warmth makes it versatile for sipping neat or enjoying in classic cocktails. Woodburns is proof that Indian craft whisky can stand proudly alongside international counterparts, offering complexity, depth, and personality without the premium price tag.

Price: INR 3,000

YELLO Designer Whisky

 YELLO is a new blended whisky from ABD Maestro, the premium spirits arm of Allied Blenders & Distillers, co-founded by Ranveer Singh as creative partner. The liquid brings together Scotch malts from Speyside and the Highlands, matured in ex-bourbon oak, with Indian malt whiskies. The result is a smooth, approachable whisky with familiar notes of vanilla, caramel and oak, designed to work comfortably over ice or in highballs. The “designer” tag shows up most clearly in the packaging. A bright, contemporary bottle with a cut-out “whisky window” sets it apart visually from more traditional blends, signalling its pitch at a younger, style-conscious whisky drinker.

Available in Maharashtra; from Rs2,700 for 750ml