Monarch Legacy Edition has become the only Indian brandy to win at two major global spirits competitions this year. It won Gold in the Aged Speciality Brandy Category at the World Drinks Awards 2025, following its earlier win at the London Spirits Competition.
A historic first in a European-dominated category
In a category long dominated by European producers, Monarch’s back-to-back international wins mark a historic first for Indian brandy and a breakthrough moment in the growing dominance of Indian craft spirits.
Additionally, TI’s winning streak continued with their flagship Mansion House Brandy, which won two prestigious honours — Gold in the Unaged Specialty Brandy category and the title of World’s Best Specialty Brandy — further cementing India’s reputation as a rising force in the global brandy market.
Elevating Indian brandy’s global perception
Despite holding over 21% of India’s spirits market by volume, second only to whisky, brandy has largely remained absent from conversations around craft, luxury, and innovation. Monarch was created by TI with the goal to change that. By focusing on superior quality, storytelling, and standout design, TI set out to reframe how Indian brandy is perceived — and to reintroduce it as a refined, world-class spirit.
Recognition from the industry’s most prestigious competitions
Both the World Drinks Awards and the London Spirits Competition are among the most prestigious and globally recognised honours in the alco-bev industry. The World Drinks Awards, hosted by TheDrinksReport.com recognise excellence in taste and innovation across international beverage categories.
The London Spirits Competition, similarly, assesses entries based on quality, value, and design, judged by a panel of influential trade buyers, bartenders, and industry experts. Monarch competed against over 500 entries from 30+ countries at the London event alone, making these dual honours a notable achievement for a debut Indian luxury spirit.
A word from Tilaknagar Industries leadership
Amit Dahanukar, Chairman & Managing Director, Tilaknagar Industries Ltd., commented on the win, “For decades, Indian brandy has been widely enjoyed at home, but rarely recognised for its full potential — either in India or globally. As pioneers in this space, after more than forty years of innovation, we wanted to bring Indian brandy into a new light. Monarch marks our first step into the luxury segment, and to see it receive global recognition so early is incredibly special. Alongside Monarch, our flagship Mansion House Brandy also earned the highest honour at the competition, reflecting the strength and diversity of TI’s portfolio. These wins go beyond the product — they represent our broader mission at Tilaknagar Industries Ltd.: to lead Indian brandy into a bold new chapter and cement its place in the global conversation around Indian craft spirits.”
Sanaya Dahanukar, Marketing Manager, Tilaknagar Industries Ltd., said, “Brandy is a beautifully complex spirit, but it’s never had a voice in the luxury space in India until now. With Monarch Legacy Edition, we wanted to bring an expressive version of Indian brandy to the table that felt modern, elevated, and rooted in Indian craftsmanship. Being the only Indian brandy recognised at both the World Drinks Awards and the London Spirits Competition this year is incredibly exciting, and it marks a real turning point for the category.”
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Rich grape and fruit notes with subtle hints of apple, nutmeg, and tobacco.
- Palate: Velvety sweetness balanced by creamy oak and indulgent dried fruits.
- Finish: Long and warm with cinnamon, peach, and clove nuances.
