At ₹5 Lakh Each, Godawan Launches India’s First Liqueur Cask Finished Single Malt, Bottled In Bespoke Jaipur Blue Pottery

Every once in a while, something comes along that completely changes how we see whisky. That’s exactly what Godawan 173: The Collector’s Edition is. This is no ordinary single malt. It is the world’s first Indian single malt finished in artisanal liqueur casks, and only 173 bottles exist in the world.

Godawan 173 Celebrates The Revival Of The Great Indian Bustard

What makes this whisky so special is that every bottle represents the survival of the Great Indian Bustard, one of the world’s most endangered birds. Last year, only 100 of them were left. Today, thanks to tireless conservation, there are 173. And to mark this powerful milestone, Godawan created 173 bottles, each one symbolising a bird, each one a story of survival. Each one of these bottles costs ₹5,00,000, but the price is only part of the story.

Most whiskies age in standard casks like bourbon or sherry barrels. But Godawan decided to do something the world had never seen before. After spending years in American oak and European sherry casks, the whisky was finished in Asha Liqueur Casks.

Now, what are those? Over 100 years ago, Thakur Karni Singh Ji of Mahanser crafted a royal liqueur for Rajasthan’s nobility. He used Sal wood vats that had been seasoned with 42 different ingredients. Imagine those flavours seeping into the wood for decades. Today, Godawan has used those same vats to finish their whisky, giving it a rich, resinous, almost luxurious character.

The result is a deep mahogany-coloured whisky that smells of roasted nuts, figs, raisins, and polished oak; tastes of dark chocolate, walnuts, and spices; and lingers with a warm, nutty finish that seems to stay with you long after the sip is gone.

Also Read: 18 New Menus Across India Bringing Fusion Plates, Local Ingredients, And More This September

Jaipur Blue Pottery Meets Rare Whisky

The whisky itself is rare, but the bottle is just as special. Inspired by Jaipur Blue Pottery, every single one of the 173 bottles is a piece of art. Instead of regular clay, Blue Pottery uses quartz, salts, and natural glazes, giving it a bright, delicate, and luminous finish. No two bottles are the same, making each one a true collector’s item.

This collaboration was brought to life with Butterfly Cannon and Leela Bordia of Neerja International, one of the biggest names in Blue Pottery. By choosing this art form, Godawan not only honours Rajasthan’s heritage but also supports the artisans who keep this centuries-old tradition alive.

The first bottle of Godawan 173 was unveiled in true style. It happened at The Savoy in London during London Fashion Week 2025. Bollywood star and fashion icon Sonam Kapoor presented it to the world. Along with Diageo India, Sonam also donated $50,000 towards bustard conservation.

This release is more than a luxury whisky. It’s a symbol of India’s rise in the world of craft spirits. For years, India has been seen as a big market for whisky, but not as a creator of rare, collectable malts. Godawan is changing that narrative. With 173, they’re showing that India can create whiskies that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the rarest bottles in the world.

Where: Bangalore Duty Free and at select premium outlets in London
Cost: ₹5,00,000

Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied