India, 17 June, 2026: Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky has emerged as one of the standout performers at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) UK 2026, with Crazy Cock Madhuca III earning a Gold Medal and 95 points to become the highest-scoring Indian whisky at this year’s competition.
In a further endorsement of the range, Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Madhuca II secured 93 points each, giving South Seas Distilleries the three highest-ranking Indian single malt positions at one of the world’s most respected blind-tasting competitions.
Crafted at South Seas Distilleries, India’s oldest single malt distillers, the award-winning Madhuca expressions are recognised as the world’s first single malt whiskies finished in Mahura casks. The range reflects a uniquely Indian approach to maturation, drawing inspiration from one of the country’s oldest indigenous distillation traditions while showcasing the growing confidence and innovation within India’s single malt whisky category.
Further strengthening the portfolio’s performance, Crazy Cock Rare and Crazy Cock Dhua were also awarded Silver medals with 91 points each.
The results place Crazy Cock among the most awarded Indian whisky portfolios at IWSC 2026 and underscore the growing recognition of Indian single malts in international blind tastings judged against some of the world’s finest whiskies.
Established in 1969, the International Wine & Spirit Competition is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and influential awards platforms in the global beverage alcohol industry. Unlike competitions that incorporate branding, packaging or marketing into the evaluation process, IWSC medals are awarded through a comprehensive blind-tasting methodology, where spirits are assessed solely on their quality, balance, complexity, character and craftsmanship.
This year’s judging panels featured some of the most respected names in the global spirits community, including Dawn Davies MW, Richard Paterson OBE, Ian Burrell, Joel Harrison, Olivier Ward, David T. Smith, Deano Moncrieffe and Marie Cheong-Thon. Collectively, the panel represents decades of expertise spanning whisky production, spirits education, blending, criticism and international judging.
The results are indicative of a broader evolution underway within Indian whisky. Increasingly, Indian distillers are being recognised not only for quality but also for their ability to create distinctive expressions rooted in local ingredients, climate and maturation traditions. As international judging panels become more familiar with the category, originality and authenticity are emerging as important differentiators alongside technical excellence.
The IWSC 2026 results suggest that Indian single malts are not merely competing on the world stage but are increasingly helping shape the future direction of the category.
IWSC UK 2026 Results – Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky
• Crazy Cock Madhuca III – Gold Medal, 95 Points
• Crazy Cock Madhuca I – Silver Medal, 93 Points
• Crazy Cock Madhuca II – Silver Medal, 93 Points
• Crazy Cock Rare – Silver Medal, 91 Points
• Crazy Cock Dhua – Silver Medal, 91 Points
As Indian whisky continues to gain global recognition, the IWSC 2026 results reinforce a broader trend: the future of the category will increasingly be shaped by distillers that embrace their own identity, heritage and innovation.
About Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky
Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky is a premium whisky portfolio crafted by South Seas Distilleries, one of India’s oldest distilleries. Built on an ethos of passion, perseverance, patience, and innovation, the brand blends traditional whisky-making expertise with a relentless pursuit of excellence, while showcasing distinctive maturation techniques and a strong commitment to quality. Beyond craftsmanship, Crazy Cock is a brand defined by curiosity and bold exploration, unafraid to step beyond the tried and tested. It carries a deep drive to discover the rare and extraordinary, constantly pushing boundaries to create unique expressions and experiences. In doing so, it continues to strengthen India’s presence on the global single malt whisky stage, earning recognition at some of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions.
