Indri Single Malt Indian Whisky has secured a landmark global recognition as its Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 won the “Best Special Edition Design” award in the World’s Best Design category at the World Whiskies Awards 2026. The achievement marks the first time an Indian brand has received this prestigious design accolade.
A Milestone for Indian Design on the Global Stage
The win highlights a growing global appreciation for Indian design sensibilities rooted in culture and storytelling. Competing against leading international whisky brands, Indri’s entry stood out for its strong narrative and visual identity, signaling a shift in how Indian brands are perceived globally—not just for product quality but also for design excellence.
Design Rooted in Indian Heritage
Conceptualised by Krsnaa Mehta, Founder of India Circus, the Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025 draws inspiration from India’s royal heritage. The design reflects lush palace gardens, intricate arches, and regal motifs, featuring elements such as elephants and birds that evoke serenity, grandeur, and timeless elegance.
The packaging incorporates traditional patterns, symbolic detailing, and heritage-inspired textures, transforming the bottle into a collectible piece of art. The design aims to capture the festive spirit of Diwali—vibrant, expressive, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Storytelling Through Packaging
Beyond aesthetics, the edition emphasizes immersive storytelling. Each element of the design has been carefully curated to reflect India’s artistic legacy, blending cultural symbolism with contemporary expression. The use of rich colours and intricate detailing elevates the product into a cultural artifact rather than just a commercial offering.
Designer Krsnaa Mehta noted that the concept was driven by a desire to capture “Indianness” through visual storytelling, combining heritage elements with a sense of quiet grandeur.
Strengthening India’s Position in Global Whisky Market
The recognition also underscores the evolving position of Indian single malts in the global market. Once considered niche, Indian whisky brands are now gaining international attention for both quality and innovation.
According to Shalini Sharma, Head of Marketing at Piccadilly Agro Industries Limited, the award validates the brand’s effort to celebrate India’s cultural identity through modern design.
A Growing Legacy of Collector’s Editions
Indri’s Diwali Collector’s Editions have steadily built a reputation as highly anticipated annual releases, each showcasing a unique theme and design language. The 2025 edition further strengthens this legacy by setting a new global benchmark in design excellence.
A Broader Industry Shift
The win reflects a larger trend in the global spirits industry, where storytelling, design, and cultural authenticity are becoming key differentiators. Indri’s success demonstrates that heritage-led design, when executed with precision, can resonate with audiences worldwide.
With this recognition, the brand not only elevates its own positioning but also reinforces India’s growing influence in the global premium spirits landscape.
