Oldest distilleries in India that still make alcohol

India’s long relationship with spirits goes far beyond its colonial past. While many may associate the country’s alcohol industry with modern brands, a few legendary distilleries have been crafting whisky, rum, and other spirits for decades, some since the 19th century. These institutions have survived wars, independence, prohibition periods, and changing tastes, yet continue to produce iconic liquors enjoyed across generations. From the British-era hills of Kasauli to the warm warehouses of Bengaluru, they tell a story of adaptation, innovation, and endurance. Here are five of India’s oldest distilleries that are still very much in operation today.

In operation since 1855, Mohan Meakin Ltd is often hailed as Asia’s oldest operating distillery. In 1855, British entrepreneur Edward Dyer set up a brewery at Kasauli to serve soldiers of the British Empire. It was later converted into a distillery, and its legacy continues through brands that have become household names. The most famous product of this distillery is the iconic Old Monk Rum and Solan No. 1 Whisky. Despite being over 160 years old, the Kasauli unit still functions.

Established in 1943, and located in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, the Radico Khaitan distillery (earlier known as the Rampur Distillery Company) is one of India’s most renowned whisky producers. Back in 1943, it began as a small-scale operation but has since evolved into one of the country’s largest and most respected spirits manufacturers. The distillery produces a wide range of whiskies, vodkas, and rums, but its Rampur Indian Single Malt has put it on the global map.

Established in 1944, and founded by industrialist L. P. Jagatjit, this started as a small distillery in Punjab and has since grown into one of India’s major spirits producers. Jagatjit Industries Ltd. is known for its affordable and mass-loved whiskies, such as Aristocrat and Binnie’s. The company has long been part of India’s post-independence drinking culture. With nearly eight decades of distilling history, it remains one of the few continuously running Indian distilleries from the 1940s.

It was founded in 1948 by J. N. R. Jagdale soon after India’s independence. Amrut Distilleries began as a small local producer of rum and brandy. However, it has since achieved international acclaim, especially for its Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky, which stunned critics worldwide when it debuted in the UK in 2004. Amrut’s whiskies come from the warm climate of Bengaluru, and the aging process gives them a unique profile.

Founded in 1988, Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) is among India’s largest spirit producers today. The company is best known for its flagship brand Officer’s Choice Whisky, which has consistently ranked among the world’s top-selling whiskies by volume. With operations rooted in Maharashtra, ABD has expanded over decades, producing whisky, rum, and vodka for both domestic and international markets.