Holi unfolds in chapters — a riot of colour under the sun, languid afternoon lounging, golden-hour reunions, and finally, an elegant evening of music, food, and conversation. The ideal celebration calls for pours that evolve with the mood: lighter, approachable drams for daytime hosting and richer, contemplative whiskies for the night.
Here’s a curated progression of standout single malts — primarily Indian, with one global icon — matched to every phase of a refined Holi celebration.
Late Afternoon Reset: Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky
After the colours fade and guests freshen up, the first pour should be welcoming yet characterful. Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt fits this transition beautifully.
Matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, it delivers warm spices, vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits wrapped in a velvety texture. Its balanced richness makes it ideal for re-gathering the group without overwhelming the palate.
For hosts seeking something distinctive, the Madhuca: The Heritage Editions — finished in Mahura (Mahua) casks — introduce floral sweetness and gentle spice, offering a uniquely Indian twist that sparks conversation.
Golden Hour Conversations: GianChand Adambaraa
As the sun dips and conversations deepen, an elegant, unpeated dram shines. GianChand Adambaraa, crafted in Jammu’s Himalayan foothills, offers precisely that.
Aged in imported ex-bourbon barrels, it opens with dried apricot, honey, caramel, and softly toasted spice. Smooth and warming without heaviness, it pairs beautifully with light snacks and the mellow energy of early evening.
For guests who prefer subtlety over smoke, this is an effortless crowd-pleaser.
Pre-Dinner Sophistication: DŌAAB India Craft Single Malt
As the celebration shifts toward a more curated dinner setting, DŌAAB India Craft Single Malt brings narrative depth along with flavour.
Its inaugural release, 01 Six Blind Men and the Elephant, matured exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels and limited to just 500 casks, adds a sense of exclusivity. The Rajasthan-inspired Mandana art packaging reinforces its cultural roots.
This is the bottle to pour when the conversation turns reflective — about travel, craft, or the evolving identity of Indian spirits.
Dinner Companion: Peter Scot Black Single Malt Whisky
A hearty festive meal calls for a whisky with enough structure to complement rich flavours without dominating them. Peter Scot Black Single Malt strikes that balance.
With notes of orange zest, toasted almonds, subtle spice, and gentle peat, it is smooth yet layered — approachable for mixed company while still offering complexity for enthusiasts.
Its legacy lineage adds a touch of familiarity, making it an ideal table whisky for diverse palates.
Nightcap & Intimate Soirée: GianChand Manshaa (Laggerbach) or Laphroaig Select
As the evening winds down and only the closest circle remains, bolder, smoky whiskies take centre stage.
GianChand Manshaa (Laggerbach) offers medicinal peat balanced with citrus brightness and nuanced spice — evoking the comfort of a fireside gathering.
For those who prefer a classic global benchmark, Laphroaig Select delivers Islay’s signature maritime smoke layered with vanilla sweetness, fruit, and fudge from its multi-cask maturation.
These are contemplative drams — meant for slow sipping, quiet laughter, and lingering conversations.
A Final Toast
Holi is more than a single moment; it is a progression from exuberance to elegance. Choosing whiskies that mirror this journey transforms a simple gathering into a curated experience — one that honours both tradition and contemporary taste.
From welcoming afternoon pours to smoky midnight reflections, these expressions ensure that every phase of the festival is matched with a dram worthy of the occasion.
