Synopsis– Whiskey continues to play the role of a crown holder in the Indian alcohol market. Despite ups and downs in the consumption levels, the drink will continue to exist in India as a part of social, cultural, and economic life. By analyzing the consumption patterns that are based on states, socio-economic, and regulatory forces, the reasons that whiskey has remained a market leader in the Indian market can be more clearly understood.
There are registered sales of ₹40.17 crores of cases of whiskey in FY25 in the Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) segment. This slight fall of 1.4% was in comparison to the previous year, which was a sign of consumer demand optimization. Despite the market hitches, whiskey continues dominating the market, with southern states leading consumption as they make 58% of all sales in the nation.
Top 10 Whiskey-Consuming States in India
1. Karnataka
Karnataka emerged as the top player at a market share of 17% that consumes around 6.83 crore cases of whiskey in FY 2025. The location is supported by the presence of strong urban demand in Bengaluru and a well-established retail ecosystem.
2. Tamil Nadu
The state continues to be one of the biggest consumers, and the distribution systems there are state-controlled to enable the gradual flows contributing up to 13% of the market share, and consuming around 5.22 crore cases of whisky in FY 2025. It is kept in demand because of both cultural acceptance and the high population density.
3. Telangana
The state stands out as having the highest rate of whiskey per capita than any other state, and it is performing better than its size, with a market share of around 9% and consuming 3.61 crore cases of whisky in FY 2025. It is the expanding middle class of Hyderabad that makes premium category selling happen.
4. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is one of the consistently performing states and is still going with the culture of whiskey in its rural and urban belts, with a market share of 8%, and 3.21 crore cases of whisky in FY 2025.
5. Maharashtra
Maharashtra makes an average contribution of 7% of overall national sales and 2.81 crore cases of whiskey. It states a very robust consumption even in cases of complexities in rules and taxes. The Mumbai-Pune market in the urban area is a fine-performing market.
Also read: Top 7 Export Contributing States in India Driving Growth in 2025
6. Uttar Pradesh
U.P. has an economy of scale (the country shares 6%, and 2.41 crore cases), and it can be explained by the population and the growing urban consumer base.
7. Kerala
Kerala is also pitching in market share around 6%, and 2.41 crore cases, thus making it a combined factor of strong cultural tradition against alcohol, as well as shifting brand preference.
8. West Bengal
West Bengal has a market share of around 4% and 1.61 crore cases share, which is exclusive to eastern India because it is culturally oriented, and the location also benefits the high-end products in urban centers like Kolkata.
9. Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a potential destination with a market share of around 3%, with 1.21 crore cases consumed, and it walks along the fringes of the traditional and modern drinking behaviour.
10. Delhi
Delhi is overconsuming in terms of geographical location at an immense at 3%, with 1.21 crore cases. The urban demand in the city is high, and a well-established business in nightlife. The states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Puducherry have together contributed an estimated 23.18 crore cases to FY 25- more than 50% of the national level.
Economic Impact of the Whiskey Industry on India’s GDP
- Market Size and Growth: The Indian whiskey market is projected to reach USD 19.16 billion in 2024, and a promising CAGR of 16.8 is expected to be achieved by 2030.
- Alcoholic Beverage Sector contribution: The whiskey market in India would contribute nearly 67% of the total spirits market, which is projected to approach USD 60.11 billion in 2025.
- Excise Revenue Collection: In Uttar Pradesh, the alcoholic drinks segment is providing around INR 45,570 crore in excise revenue during the financial year 2023-24.
- Employment and Investment: The sector supports about 5.3 lakh livelihoods. In addition, the Uttar Pradesh Excise Investors Summit witnessed investments of INR 4,320 crore, thus depicting the significance of the industry in economic development.
- Export Potential: The UK-India trade accord, which will enable Scotch whisky to gain in terms of tariffs, will boost exports by £1 billion over five years, which will improve foreign exchange earnings.
| State | Market Share (%) | Approx. Consumed (crore) |
| Karnataka | 17% | 6.83 |
| Tamil Nadu | 13% | 5.22 |
| Telangana | 9% | 3.61 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 8% | 3.21 |
| Maharashtra | 7% | 2.81 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 6% | 2.41 |
| Kerala | 6% | 2.41 |
| West Bengal | 4% | 1.61 |
| Rajasthan | 3% | 1.21 |
| Delhi | 3% | 1.21 |
Final Thoughts
Whisky’s story in India is still one of survival and cultural assimilation. Karnataka is the obvious winner in 2025, but Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra speak up a case of diversity in the drinking patterns. The future of the great spirit lies in ensuring that it addresses the evolving consumer needs in the nation, in urban and rural India, as more than half of the whiskey market is concentrated in the south.
Written by Vijetha Gosi
