Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky born out of Rajasthan, has secured three accolades at the prestigious Icons of Whisky India 2024 – a renowned awards platform by the Whisky Magazine that recognizes excellence and innovation in whisky. Hosted annually, the awards celebrate significant achievements by distilleries, bars, and retailers in the global whisky industry. Godawan was awarded 'Distiller of the Year,’ ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year,’ and 'Craft Producer of the Year’ for its whisky making innovation and commitment to conservation, sustainability, and conscious consumption.

Godawan is the brainchild of The Good Craft Co., Diageo India’s craft and innovation hub. The Good Craft Co. 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.

Distiller of the Year | Diageo India

With Godawan, Diageo India is crafting a distinctive single malt that challenges perceptions and defies traditional whisky production norms. Distilled in Alwar, a region devoid of conventional whisky making terroir, Godawan leverages Rajasthan’s elevated temperatures, heritage techniques, and unique botanicals to bring to life a range of Indian single malts that will cater to every palate - Light and Floral, Fruity and Spicy, Rich and Rounded, Full bodied and Smoky. It achieves this by crafting a mother liquid that is flexible enough to manifest itself across each flavour profile. Currently, the brand has launched two unique expressions – 01 Rich and Rounded and 02 Fruit and Spice - priced between INR 2800 to INR 6000 and available in 12 markets across India: Delhi, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Telangana, Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Sustainable Distillery of the Year | Alwar Distillery

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.

Craft Producer of the Year | Alwar Distillery

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.

Speaking on the occasion, Prathmesh Mishra, chief commercial officer at DIAGEO India, said, "These awards underscore our deep-rooted commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Godawan, our “Made in India for the world brand”, has not only garnered immense love and growth but also stands as a beacon of our dedication to giving back and preserving our natural heritage, such as the habitat of the Great Indian Bustard. These achievements reflect our unwavering focus on delivering exceptional quality spirits while adhering to our ethos of 'Drink Better, Not More.' We are proud to be water positive and continue to invest in sustainable practices that benefit the environment. These awards are a testament to our team's relentless efforts to ensure that every sip of Diageo India's spirits is an experience worth savoring.”

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.