GianChand, a single malt whisky by DeVANS Modern Breweries Ltd., has reached a new height in the international market after taking first place in both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2026 and the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2026.

The only Indian single malt whisky to win a double gold medal at SFWSC 2026 was GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky. This honour is bestowed upon the spirit when, on an individual basis, each judge ranks it as Gold, positioning it among the competition’s most esteemed expressions. Peated GianChand Manshaa, a version of the brand, won a Silver Medal.

Silver medals for GianChand Manshaa and GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky at the 2026 International Spirits Competition further solidified the recognition. An expert team of spirits industry specialists evaluates submissions in the International Spirits Competition (ISC), which is generally considered one of the most stringent global spirits competitions.

The Double Gold accolade is a huge deal for the brand, putting GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky in the exclusive club of world-renowned spirits.

The fact that GianChand received accolades at the International Spirits Challenge and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the same year fills us with enormous pride. The extraordinarily high criteria of the SFWSC judges and the rarity of this distinction make GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky’s Double Gold Medal win all the more remarkable. These accolades serve as a testament to our dedication to producing premium Indian single malts that are based on honesty, quality, and handiwork. This is more than simply a gold for GianChand; it proves that single malts from India are among the greatest in the world. The potential of our land, sea, and boats has always been apparent to us. Mr. Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director of DeVANS Modern Breweries Ltd., further stated that the world is now aware of it.

The GianChand range, made at the distillery in Jammu by DeVANS, showcases the local identity and production know-how. The smooth profile of GianChand Indian Single Malt Whisky is characterised by sweet, spicy, and fruity notes, while the smokey profile of GianChand Manshaa is characterised by malt sweetness and caramel undertones.

These accolades are the latest in a long line of global recognitions bestowed upon the brand. Other notable achievements include a 2025 Gold Medal at the Spirits Selection by the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in Belgium, a 2025 Platinum Medal at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards in the US, a 2025 International Whisky of the Year and Grand Gold honours at ISW in Germany, and a 2025 United States Best Indian Whisky and Best Single Malt Indian Whisky at IWC.

Image: The Whisky Wash