The global spirits landscape is witnessing a paradigm shift as Indian single malts transition from regional favorites to international award-winners. At the forefront of this movement is Godawan Artisanal Single Malt Whisky, a brand born from the arid deserts of Rajasthan that has successfully blended luxury spirits with a deep-rooted commitment to environmental conservation.
On March 13, 2026, the brand reached a new creative milestone, securing both Gold and Silver at the prestigious Spikes Asia 2026 awards for its "Godawan 173 Collector's Edition". This recognition underscores the brand's ability to weave together traditional Indian craft, innovative distilling techniques, and a powerful narrative of species protection.
Launched in 2022 by The Good Craft Co. – Diageo India’s craft and innovation hub – Godawan was designed to challenge traditional whisky-making norms. While the industry often looks to the cool, damp climates of Scotland or Japan, Godawan chose the extreme heat of Alwar, Rajasthan.
The choice of location is strategic rather than accidental:
The name "Godawan" is the local Rajasthani name for the Great Indian Bustard, a majestic bird that is currently marked as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. With fewer than 150 birds remaining in the wild, the species has taken its last refuge in the deserts of Rajasthan.
The Godawan 173 Collector's Edition was specifically crafted to celebrate a conservation success story: the rise of the bird's population from 100 to 173 individuals.
The Spikes Asia 2026 awards recognized the 173 Edition with a Gold in Illustration: Packaging Design and a Silver in Special Editions & Bespoke Items. This success was the result of a collaboration between global design agency Butterfly Cannon, creative studio 22feet, and master craftsperson Leela Bordia of Neerja International.
The recognition at Spikes Asia is just one chapter in Godawan's rapid ascent. To date, the brand has received over 100 national and international accolades. In 2025, it was "Triple-Crowned" at the London Spirits Competition, USA Spirits Ratings, and The Spirits Business Awards.
Edition | Key Feature | Availability/Price |
Rich and Rounded | Matured in PX Sherry Casks with Rasna/Jatamansi | Select Indian states (INR 2,800–6,000) |
Fruit and Spice | Matured in Virgin Oak and Cherrywood Casks | Select Indian states (INR 2,800–6,000) |
Triple Cask | Ex-Bourbon, PX Sherry, and Cherrywood finish | Global Duty-Free (~INR 5,500) |
Godawan 100 | Double matured in American and European Oak | Private Auction (INR 96,000) |
Godawan 173 | World's first Asha Liqueur Cask finish | Bangalore Duty-Free/London (INR 5,00,000) |
Godawan represents a new era of "mindful luxury," where the quality of the spirit is inseparable from the health of the land that produced it. By combining modern distillation innovation with ancient Rajasthani crafts like Kavad storytelling and Jaipur Blue Pottery, Diageo India has created a brand that serves as a cultural ambassador for the region.
As Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer at Diageo India, noted, the success at Spikes Asia proves that ideas deeply rooted in Indian identity can resonate on the global stage. For Godawan, every bottle sold is not just a tribute to fine whisky, but a commitment to ensuring the Great Indian Bustard continues to thrive in its desert home.
