The Process
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Slow-trickle distillation from locally sourced six-row barley - Inspired by the techniques of Rajasthani craft liqueur makers, this method extracts optimal sensory performance from the liquid.
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Uniquely matured at temperatures exceeding 100°F - Elevated temperatures, coupled with the use of six-row barley requiring less water, result in a whisky with a rich and complex character. Rajasthan’s arid climate contributes to a higher Angel’s Share (the amount of liquid that is lost to evaporation) - leaving behind a whisky with captivating taste profiles.
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Finished in specially treated casks infused with Indian botanicals - The liquid is aged in barrels treated with two unique botanicals, Rasna and Jatamansi, carefully selected from among 5000 options for their ability to complement the whisky’s flavour profile.
Design
The label design beautifully honours Rajasthan’s vibrant community of artisans and craftspeople, showcasing how extraordinary beauty can bloom amidst the desert’s extremes. The handcrafted wordmark is a modern twist on traditional Rajasthani typography, emerging from a colour-blocked ‘line of origin’ that conveys the expansive essence of the desert landscape. Inspired by the local 6-row barley integral to the product’s creation, a bespoke pattern adorns the label, complemented by refined textures reminiscent of natural sandstone and accentuated by pops of colour drawn from local fabrics. The label is printed on FSC-certified paper with recycled content and finished with a stunning hand-drawn illustration of the Godawan bird. It is surrounded by the phrase ‘born and nurtured in Rajasthan’ serving as a symbol of the brand’s commitment to conservation and sustainability
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The Story of Godawan:
India’s Artisanal Single Malt Whiskey
Personifying the very pillars of conservation, sustainability, and conscious consumption, Godawan is a creation of mindful luxury that pays tributes to its roots, its heritage, and most importantly, its environment.
When one thinks of single malt whiskies, the landscapes of Scotland or the craftsmanship of Japan often come to mind - with their idyllic climates, crystalline streams of water, and centuries-old distilleries. Yet, Rajasthan, a desert without water or greenery, was selected precisely because it is devoid of these factors. This unconventional choice made it the ideal canvas to craft a distinctive single malt that challenges perceptions, defies traditional whisky making norms, and positions India as a frontrunner in exceptional whisky craftsmanship.
Launched in 2022 and distilled in the town of Alwar in Rajasthan, Godawan Artisanal Single Malt Whisky prioritizes innovation in every step by pushing the boundaries of whisky production to reveal incredible depths of flavour. Recognized for its innovation, exceptional taste, and design, Godawan is India’s most awarded single malt whisky in recent times – with 70+ national and international accolades.
Conscious Consumption
Rajasthan’s people are true artisans. The region’s scarcity of resources has led to a culture of ingenuity, creativity, and meticulous skill in every discipline. For centuries, it has crafted renowned jewellery, architecture, textiles, art, and more of the finest quality.
This culture of dedication is a cornerstone of Godawan’s own whisky-making ethos, and it aims to represent this spirit in everything it does.
By elevating local artisans and showcasing their rich heritage, Godawan is a proud steward of the arts and crafts of Rajasthan. It also works with local communities in reviving rare handicrafts, like Kavad - the unique story telling box of Rajasthan.
Crafted for Good
India’s Most Awarded Single Malt in recent times - with 85+ national and international accolades
A brainchild of The Good Craft Co. from Diageo India, Godawan is purposefully rooted in three core pillars - Conservation, Sustainability, and Conscious Consumption.
The Good Craft Co. is Diageo India’s craft and innovation hub. It was set up in 2022 to accelerate transformational innovation and strengthen the brand’s craft and premium drinks portfolio. It also acts as an incubator to accelerate the alco-bev start-up ecosystem.
Conservation
The Great Indian Bustard symbolizes Godawan’s legacy, heritage, and home. A majestic one-metre-tall bird, it was once the national bird of India and could be found across the country. However, modern expansion has rapidly shrunk its natural habitat and pushed it to the brink of extinction.
Today, it is marked Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List. With only around 150 left in India, these regal creatures have taken their last refuge in Rajasthan. Godawan’s land is the only place where the bird is beginning to thrive again. Thus, with every bottle of Godawan sold, the company contributes to conserving the habitat of these birds, allowing them to flourish.
Sustainability
Established in 1977 and nestled in the Aravali Hills, Godawan’s state-of-the-art distillery embodies transparency and authenticity in every step. Each bottle of Godawan is produced using only locally sourced ingredients and can be traced back to a cluster of barley farms in Rajasthan. Situated in the heart of a barley-rich region, the distillery is Asia’s first spirit distillery to attain the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Core Certification and is Platinum Accredited. It is also Diageo India’s first site to install Hydro Panels – an innovative solution that draws moisture from the air to deliver demineralized water ready for use across blending and bottling processes.
Additionally, the company works with local communities to offer training in barley production and rewards individuals who adhere to its standards – helping overcome the challenge of water scarcity. The distillery is also home to a 406 KWP solar rooftop system, and 55% of the total consumption at the distillery is powered by the sun.
Case Study
We began working with 30BestBarsIndia when the platform was in its third year, though it lacked widespread recognition. Our primary goal was to ensure that every story and conversation about the top bars featured their 30BestBarsIndia ranking. Over the past three years, the platform has grown to a celebration of the rising standards of Indian bars and beverages – both nationally and internationally.
Approach
Our strategy focused on positioning 30BestBarsIndia as the most prestigious bar ranking platform while building recognition and advocacy for Vikram Achanta as a leading expert in the bar and beverage industry. This was achieved through a communications plan that hinged on the following:
Industry Insights and Thought Leadership:
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Hosted annual knowledge-sharing sessions covering key trends in India's bar landscape—sustainability, bar takeovers, ice programs, glassware innovations, and more.
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Supplemented these with insight notes and expert quotes, positioning Vikram Achanta as an authoritative voice in the industry.
Experiential and On-Ground Engagement:
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Organized bar crawls in key cities, engaging journalists and alco-bev advocates beyond conversations—immersing them in India’s best bar experiences.
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Hosted media at the finale weekend, featuring an exclusive bar crawl in the host city, culminating in the awards night.
Regional Amplification:
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Highlighted city-wise rankings and trends through tailored media outreach, ensuring local relevance and engagement.
Awards-Specific Amplification:
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Created focused communication around the lists (Top 100, Top 50, and Top 30) as well as new categories, driving visibility across trade and lifestyle media.