At the 2026 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) in the United Kingdom, Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky took home three of the top prizes for Indian whisky from the Madhuca brand.

At the 2026 IWSC, Crazy Cock Madhuca III was the top-scoring Indian whisky, earning a gold medal and 95 points. Following closely behind with 93 points apiece were the Madhuca I and Madhuca II manifestations of the brand. The whiskies are aged in Mahura casks, a method that takes its cue from an old distillation technique in India, and are made by South Seas Distilleries. According to the distillery, its Madhuca line of single malt whiskies are the first of their kind to be completed in Mahura barrels.

Not only did Crazy Cock Rare and Crazy Cock Dhua receive the Gold Medal, but they also received Silver medals with 91 points each. In light of these findings, the portfolio is now one of the most decorated Indian whisky ranges competing this year.

One of the most prominent worldwide venues for judging spirits and wines, the International Wine & Spirit Competition has been running since 1969. Products are judged based on criteria such as quality, balance, complexity, character, and craftsmanship, and the evaluations are conducted through blind tastings.

Dawn Davies MW, Richard Paterson OBE, Ian Burrell, Joel Harrison, Olivier Ward, David T. Smith, Deano Moncrieffe, and Marie Cheong-Thon were among the esteemed members of the 2026 judging panel.

The outcomes mirror the growing appreciation for Indian single malt whiskies on a global scale. Indian distillers are making waves in the industry, because to their high-quality products and unique takes on classic spirits that are influenced by regional ingredients, weather, and ageing methods.

The results of the IWSC 2026 show that Indian single malts are becoming more visible in international competitions, as they compete with whiskies from more established countries.