ABD Introduces New ICONiQ Winter Whisky Across UP And Haryana

Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABDL/ABD) has expanded the distribution of ICONiQ WINTER-  marketed as India’s first whisky created specifically for the winter season - into two large North Indian states: Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The launch, announced in mid-November 2025, follows strong consumer response in earlier test markets and positions ICONiQ WINTER as a seasonal, spice-forward option in the premium-economy / prestige grain-whisky space. 

Launch & Background

ICONiQ WINTER is a new addition to the ICONiQ family from Allied Blenders & Distillers. The company developed this expression to reflect the sensory profile that many Indians seek during the colder months - rich, spiced, and slightly toasted flavors. This is achieved by blending selected Scotch malts with matured Indian grain spirits, followed by finishing and aging in bourbon oak casks. ABD has positioned this rollout as both a seasonal innovation and a geographic expansion aimed at strengthening its presence in North India. The expansion into Uttar Pradesh, a significant market for both on-trade and retail, as well as Haryana, was publicly announced in November 2025.

What is ICONiQ WINTER?

According to ABD and trade coverage, ICONiQ WINTER is an international grain whisky styled for winter drinking: the formula reportedly includes real spices such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, pepper, cardamom and ginger, layered on a base of Indian grain spirit and select Scotch malts, with maturation in bourbon oak casks to deliver toasted, vanilla and oven-warm notes. The brand is therefore pitched as a seasonal, lightly spiced whisky rather than a single malt or straight pot-still expression. 

Pricing - State-Level Retail Positioning

Pricing differs by state (a common practice in India because of state taxes and retail structures). Reported retail MRPs (November 2025) are:

• Uttar Pradesh: INR 620 for 750 ml (also INR 160 for 180 ml).
• Haryana: INR 570 for 750 ml (also INR 170 for 180 ml).

Availability In Uttar Pradesh And Haryana

ICONiQ WINTER has been rolled out across “leading retail outlets” in both Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, according to ABD’s release and multiple trade reports. Availability should therefore include major liquor stores, chains, and on-trade accounts (bars/hotels) that stock premium and prestige whisky SKUs - though exact store-level inventory will vary by city and retailer.

Tasting Notes

Early descriptions from industry coverage and the brand notes indicate:

• Nose: warm spice (cinnamon, clove), light cereal/grain sweetness and oak-driven vanilla.
• Palate: gentle pepper and ginger warmth, toasted/oaky backbone from bourbon cask influence, restrained peat or smoke (if any) because malt component is blended into a grain base.
• Finish: lingering spice and toasted wood, intended to feel “cozy” in cooler weather.

Positioned as "India's First Winter Whisky," this spirit is aimed at drinkers who appreciate whiskies that are rich in spices and provide a warming experience, perfect for sipping neat, with warm water, or in seasonal cocktails. For buyers seeking novelty and seasonal marketing, ICONiQ WINTER offers an accessible opportunity to explore a spiced, seasonal whisky without venturing into higher price ranges.

Market Context & ABD’s Strategy

ABDL’s ICONiQ portfolio already includes other ICONiQ variants (e.g., ICONiQ White). Expanding ICONiQ WINTER into UP and Haryana reflects two strategic aims:

1. Seasonal differentiation: carving out a winter-specific SKU creates a marketing narrative and encourages trial during a period of higher off-trade and on-trade consumption of warming drinks.
2. Geographic scale: entering Uttar Pradesh - India’s most populous state and Haryana increases distribution reach and can unlock large volume growth if the product gains traction.

Market commentators note that state-level pricing and strong distribution relationships are crucial; ABD’s rollout appears to be leveraging existing distribution channels to accelerate penetration. 

Shopper Tips

• Compare prices locally: MRPs above are reported retail prices; actual shelf prices can vary due to retailer promotions or additional fees.
• Try small formats first: ICONiQ WINTER is also being offered in 180 ml bottles (reported INR 160–170), a sensible way to sample the seasonal profile before committing to 750 ml.
• Pairing: works well neat, with a splash of warm water, or in winter cocktails that complement spices (e.g., hot toddy variants).

Summing Up

ICONiQ WINTER’s launch in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana is a deliberate seasonal and geographic play by Allied Blenders & Distillers: the product is positioned as India’s first winter whisky, priced competitively in both states (INR 620 for 750 ml in UP; INR 570 for 750 ml in Haryana) and distributed through leading retail outlets. Early descriptions suggest a spice-accented grain-and-malt blend matured in bourbon oak casks that aims to deliver a warm, toasty drinking experience suited to winter. If you’re curious, sample a 180 ml bottle first and compare with similar SKUs in the prestige grain category to see how the winter spices sit with your palate.