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Whisky · IMFL Whisky

McDowell's No.1 Whisky

Name: McDowell's No.1 Whisky
Brand: United Spirits — Diageo India
Price: 95.00 INR
Availability: InStock

A legacy blend from India's oldest spirits company — consistent, affordable and everywhere

United Spirits — Diageo India

Distillery

India

Country

42.80%

ABV

Price in India · 750ml

Telangana

₹495

Uttar Pradesh

₹425

Haryana

₹395

Kerala

₹625

Multiple States Est. 1826 42.80% ABV

Tasting Notes

Colour & Appearance

Amber gold

Nose & Aroma

Grain spirit, warm vanilla, mild spice and a little wood character

Palate & Taste

Medium bodied with grain character, vanilla, mild spice and a clean finish. More body than most IMFL whiskies at its price

Finish

Short to medium with warm vanilla. Cleaner than most at this price point

History & Background

McDowell and Company was established in Madras in 1826 making it one of India's oldest spirits companies. The No.1 Whisky was launched to target the growing middle-class market and became one of the most recognised bottles in Indian homes. Now owned by Diageo through United Spirits, it maintains its position as one of India's best-loved everyday whiskies with better quality consistency than most price-point competitors.

Production & Maturation

Production Method

Blend of grain spirit and malt whisky. Higher malt content than many IMFL competitors which contributes to slightly more complex flavour.

Aging & Maturation

Matured in used oak casks at facilities across India.

Distillery

United Spirits — Diageo India

Founded

1826

McDowell's No.1 Whisky Price Guide 2026

Prices are indicative and may vary by retailer, store, and current stock. Last verified: July 2026.

India Prices

Telangana ₹495

Uttar Pradesh ₹425

Haryana ₹395

Kerala ₹625

Tamil Nadu ₹605

Karnataka ₹530

Goa ₹375

Mumbai ₹380

Delhi ₹440

Odisha ₹740

About These Prices

Prices are indicative, not quotations. They are compiled from publicly available retail listings and state excise price lists, and are provided for reference only.
Alcohol pricing in India is set state by state. Excise duty, VAT and retail margins differ in every state and union territory, so the same bottle can vary by 40% or more between Goa and Kerala. Always check the price where you are buying.
Prices change without notice. State excise policies are typically revised annually, and retailers may price above or below the listed MRP depending on stock and demand. The figures above were last reviewed in July 2026.
We do not sell alcohol. The Spirit Atlas is an independent reference site. We take no orders, hold no stock, and have no commercial relationship with the distilleries or retailers documented here. Nothing on this page is an offer to sell.
Tasting notes and ratings are editorial opinion. They reflect the reviewer's assessment and are not endorsed by the producer.
For readers of legal drinking age. The legal drinking age in India varies by state, from 18 to 25. Please respect your local law and drink responsibly.

Spotted a price that looks wrong? Tell us and we will re-check it.

Cocktail Recipes with McDowell's No.1 Whisky

McDowell''s No.1 Whisky and Coke

Easy

Ingredients

· 60ml McDowell''s No.1 Whisky

· 150ml cold cola

· Ice cubes

· Lemon wedge

Method

1. Fill a highball glass with ice. 2. Add McDowell''s No.1. 3. Pour cola gently over ice. 4. Add lemon wedge. Stir once if desired.

Garnish

Lemon wedge

🥂 Serve in: Highball

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of McDowell is No.1 whisky?

McDowell and Company was established in Madras in 1826 making it one of India is oldest spirits companies — predating many famous Scottish distilleries. The company was founded by Angus McDowell, a Scottish entrepreneur, and built its reputation through consistent quality and wide distribution. The No.1 Whisky brand was created to serve India is growing middle-class market and became one of the most recognised bottles in Indian homes. The company was eventually acquired by United Spirits which was subsequently taken over by Diageo, giving McDowell is the backing of the world is largest spirits company.

McDowell is No.1 vs Antiquity Blue — which IMFL whisky is better?

Antiquity Blue is meaningfully better than McDowell is No.1 and the price difference of around Rs 260 in Delhi reflects this. Antiquity Blue at Rs 880 has noticeably more oak character, better ageing and a more rounded, complex flavour profile. McDowell is No.1 at Rs 620 is an honest, consistent everyday whisky but it lacks the depth of Antiquity Blue. If you drink your whisky primarily with cola, the difference matters less. If you want to occasionally drink neat and appreciate more character, Antiquity Blue is the better spend.

Is McDowell is No.1 available across all Indian states?

Yes, McDowell is No.1 is one of the most widely distributed whisky brands in India. It is available in virtually every state with legal liquor sale, from major metros to smaller towns. Owned by United Spirits under Diageo, it benefits from one of the best distribution networks in the Indian spirits industry. Prices vary by state — Goa at Rs 500 is typically the cheapest, Delhi at Rs 620 and Mumbai at Rs 700 are mid-range, and states with higher excise duties can price it higher. It is the rare Indian whisky that is genuinely available everywhere.

What does McDowell is No.1 taste like neat?

McDowell is No.1 neat has a warm amber grain character with mild vanilla, subtle wood spice and a clean finish. It is more interesting neat than Imperial Blue or Officer is Choice due to its slightly higher malt content and better ageing. The oak influence is noticeable without being overpowering. It is not a complex whisky by any measure but it is honest and consistent. Served with a large ice cube in a rocks glass it is a perfectly pleasant evening drink that delivers more character than most whiskies at its price point.

Is McDowell is No.1 a Scotch whisky?

No, McDowell is No.1 is not a Scotch whisky. It is an IMFL — Indian Made Foreign Liquor — blended whisky. The base is Indian grain spirit produced domestically. This is blended with a small proportion of imported Scotch malt whisky to add character. The final product is an Indian whisky, not a Scotch whisky. Genuine Scotch whisky must be made entirely in Scotland from Scottish ingredients. McDowell is does not claim to be Scotch — it is marketed as an Indian whisky and the price reflects that positioning.

Similar to McDowell's No.1 Whisky

royal-stag,imperial-blue,officers-choice

About the Author

Shivam Sharma

I am the founder and editor of The Spirit Atlas. With a deep appreciation for fine spirits, I built this platform to be the most helpful and honest spirits guide for Indian readers — covering everything from Scotch and Indian single malts to rum, gin and tequila, along with prices across every major Indian state. My goal is simple: to make the world of spirits a little more approachable for everyone.

Website Last updated: July 2026