Teacher’s Reserve has won Silver in the Blended Whisky (Taste) category at the World Whiskies Awards 2026, cementing its place among leading global Scotch whiskies available in India. The accolade highlights its peated Ardmore backbone, 12-year maturation, and distinctive cask finishing, reinforcing its premium appeal in India’s whisky market.
Teacher’s Reserve has added another feather to its cap by securing a Silver medal in the Blended Whisky (Taste) category at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards 2026. The recognition places the brand firmly among the world’s leading blended Scotch whiskies and underscores its growing relevance in India’s premium whisky segment. For a label that has consistently sought to balance tradition with contemporary craftsmanship, the award is both a validation of its quality and a signal of its rising global stature.
The World Whiskies Awards are widely regarded as one of the most authoritative platforms for evaluating excellence in whisky. Winning a medal here is not merely about taste but about standing shoulder to shoulder with the finest expressions from across the globe. For Teacher’s Reserve, the Silver medal is a testament to its distinctive character, shaped by a fully peated Ardmore backbone, a maturation period of 12 years, and finishing across American, European, and ex-Islay casks. This combination has given the whisky its signature profile—warm smokiness, honeyed malt richness, and a layered complexity of fruit and spice—that continues to resonate with discerning consumers.
In India, where whisky is more than just a drink but a cultural marker of celebration and status, Teacher’s Reserve has carved a niche for itself. The brand’s ability to deliver depth and character while maintaining accessibility has made it a favourite among consumers seeking premium experiences. The award reinforces this positioning, offering Indian whisky enthusiasts a sense of pride in choosing a globally recognised label. It also strengthens the brand’s legacy of consistency and quality, which has been central to its identity for decades.
Prithvi Handa, Category Head – Scotches and Malts at Suntory Global Spirits, expressed his delight at the achievement. “Teacher’s Reserve winning this prestigious accolade is a strong validation of the depth, craft and character we set out to deliver with this expression. It reflects our commitment to creating whiskies that resonate with today’s Indian consumer: bold, well-made and uncompromising in flavour. We’re proud to see Teacher’s Reserve recognised on a global stage,” he said. His words capture the essence of the brand’s journey—one that is rooted in tradition but constantly evolving to meet the expectations of modern consumers.
The timing of this recognition is significant. India’s alcoholic beverages industry is at a crossroads, with the recent India–EU Free Trade Agreement promising to reshape the landscape by reducing import duties on wines, spirits, and beer. While the agreement has elicited cautious optimism from domestic producers, it is expected to accelerate premiumisation and broaden consumer choice. In such a context, Teacher’s Reserve’s global accolade provides a competitive edge, reinforcing its credentials as a premium offering that can stand tall against imported labels. For Indian consumers, it is a reminder that quality and craftsmanship are not confined to foreign brands but are equally embodied in whiskies available in their own market.
The award also highlights the growing sophistication of Indian whisky drinkers. No longer content with mass-market blends, consumers are increasingly seeking expressions that offer complexity, character, and authenticity. Teacher’s Reserve, with its smoky depth and layered flavours, fits neatly into this evolving palate. Its availability across key markets such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, and Telangana ensures that it remains accessible to a wide base of consumers while retaining its premium positioning.
Industry observers note that accolades such as the World Whiskies Awards play a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions. In a market where brand loyalty is strong but competition is intensifying, global recognition can be a differentiator. For Teacher’s Reserve, the Silver medal is not just a marketing asset but a reinforcement of its promise to deliver quality consistently. It also signals to international audiences that India is a market where premium whiskies are not only consumed but celebrated.
The broader narrative of India’s alcobev industry adds another layer of significance to this achievement. With import duties set to fall and premium European labels expected to become more affordable, domestic and bottled-in-India brands will need to compete on quality and innovation rather than price. Teacher’s Reserve’s recognition on a global stage positions it well to meet this challenge, offering consumers a blend that is both world-class and locally relevant. It also underscores the importance of investment in craft and character, qualities that are increasingly valued by consumers and critics alike.
For whisky enthusiasts, the award is an invitation to rediscover Teacher’s Reserve. Its smoky warmth, honeyed richness, and fruit-and-spice complexity are not just tasting notes but reflections of a philosophy that values depth and authenticity. In a market where trends often shift rapidly, such qualities provide a sense of continuity and trust. The Silver medal at the World Whiskies Awards is therefore more than an accolade; it is a reaffirmation of the brand’s enduring appeal.
As India’s whisky market continues to evolve, Teacher’s Reserve stands as a symbol of how tradition and modernity can coexist. Its recognition at the World Whiskies Awards 2026 is a milestone, but also a reminder that the journey of craftsmanship is ongoing. For consumers, it offers the assurance that every sip carries not just flavour but a legacy of quality. For the industry, it is a benchmark of what Indian whisky brands can achieve when they commit to excellence. And for Teacher’s Reserve itself, it is a moment of pride that will inspire future expressions, ensuring that its story continues to resonate both in India and across the world.
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