Royal Stag was launched in 1995 by Seagram's India, which was later acquired by Pernod Ricard in 2001. It was the first major Indian whisky to explicitly avoid artificial flavours — a significant marketing point at a time when most IMFL used flavour concentrates. The name references the red deer species (Cervus elaphus) depicted on its logo. Royal Stag grew from 1.12 million cases in 2001 to 31 million cases in 2024, making it Pernod Ricard's best-selling brand globally by volume. It sold 31 million cases in 2024, placing it second only to McDowell's No.1 among Indian whiskies and firmly in the top five selling spirits globally.
Royal Stag Deluxe Whisky
India's fastest-growing whisky at launch, still one of its biggest.
Pernod Ricard India
Distillery
India
Country
42.80%
ABV
Price in India · 750ml
Delhi
₹600
Mumbai
₹460
Goa
₹510
Karnataka
₹720
Multiple States
Est. 1995
42.80% ABV
Tasting Notes
Colour & Appearance
Light golden amber, bright and clear
Nose & Aroma
Vanilla sweetness, light oak, subtle peppery spice, and a faint fruity note from the Scotch malt component
Palate & Taste
Soft entry with vanilla and mild oak. The grain character is prominent but never sharp. A light peppery warmth develops mid-palate. Noticeably smoother than McDowell's No.1 at the same price point
Finish
Clean, medium-short, slightly warm with lingering vanilla and a mild peppery tail
History & Background
Production & Maturation
Production Method
A blend of Indian grain spirits and imported Scotch malt whisky. Unlike many IMFL brands, Royal Stag uses no artificial flavours — the flavour profile comes entirely from the grain spirits, Scotch malt contribution, and blending. Available in 60ml, 90ml, 180ml, 375ml, 750ml, and 1L formats.
Aging & Maturation
The Scotch malt component is aged in Scotland. Indian grain spirits are distilled domestically. The blend is rested before bottling at 42.8% ABV.
Distillery
Pernod Ricard India
Founded
1995
Royal Stag Deluxe Whisky Price Guide 2026
Prices are indicative and may vary by retailer, store, and current stock.
Last verified: July 2026.
India Prices
Delhi
₹600
Mumbai
₹460
Goa
₹510
Karnataka
₹720
Tamil Nadu
₹830
Kerala
₹850
Haryana
₹540
Uttar Pradesh
₹580
Telangana
₹670
Cocktail Recipes with Royal Stag Deluxe Whisky
Royal Stag Deluxe Collins
Easy
Ingredients
·
60ml Royal Stag Deluxe
·
20ml fresh lemon juice
·
10ml simple syrup
·
Soda water
Method
1. Combine whisky, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake briefly.
3. Strain into a highball glass over ice.
4. Top with soda water and stir gently.
Garnish
Lemon slice
🥂 Serve in: Highball
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Royal Stag and who makes it?
Royal Stag is an Indian blended whisky made by Pernod Ricard India, launched in 1995. It is a blend of Indian grain spirits and imported Scotch malts, with no artificial flavours. It sold 31 million cases in 2024, making it Pernod Ricard's largest-selling brand by volume globally and India's second-largest whisky after McDowell's No.1.
What is the price of Royal Stag in India?
Royal Stag is priced at approximately Rs 600 in Delhi, Rs 780 in Mumbai, Rs 520 in Goa, and Rs 850 in Karnataka for a 750ml bottle. In Kolkata it's around Rs 780. Goa is consistently the cheapest state. Available in 60ml, 90ml, 180ml, 375ml, 750ml, and 1L formats.
What does Royal Stag taste like?
Royal Stag has a smooth, vanilla-led profile with soft grain sweetness and a light peppery warmth. The aroma is gentle — vanilla, mild oak, and a faint fruitiness from the Scotch malt. It's noticeably smoother than many competitors in its price range, which is partly why it grew so fast after launch. Best enjoyed neat with ice or with soda.
Does Royal Stag use artificial flavours?
No — Royal Stag was the first mainstream Indian whisky to explicitly use no artificial flavours, which was a key marketing point when it launched in 1995. The flavour profile comes from the Indian grain spirits, Scotch malt contribution, and blending process only. This distinguishes it from many older IMFL brands that relied on flavour concentrates.
What is the difference between Royal Stag and Royal Stag Barrel Select?
Royal Stag Barrel Select is a premium extension of the standard Royal Stag, using Indian grain spirits and Scotch malts aged in selected oak barrels for a richer, more complex flavour. It has more caramel, vanilla, and subtle smokiness compared to standard Royal Stag, which is lighter and more neutral. Barrel Select is priced at Rs 820-1,300 for 750ml vs Rs 580-900 for the standard.
Which states have the best Royal Stag prices?
Goa has the lowest Royal Stag prices at around Rs 520-550 for 750ml. Haryana is also affordable at Rs 570-610. Delhi is around Rs 600. West Bengal and Punjab fall in the Rs 620-700 range. Mumbai and Pune are Rs 780-830. Karnataka is the most expensive at Rs 850+.
Is Royal Stag a good whisky for beginners?
Royal Stag is one of the best entry points for new whisky drinkers in India. The smooth, vanilla-forward profile with no harsh edges is approachable without being bland. It works well neat, on the rocks, or in a simple highball with soda. It is consistently recommended over McDowell's No.1 for those who want to sip it neat rather than mix heavily.
Similar to Royal Stag Deluxe Whisky
mcdowells-no1-reserve-whisky,imperial-blue-whisky,royal-stag-barrel-select-whisky
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
Advertisement
Quick Facts
Name
Royal Stag Deluxe Whisky
Category
Whisky
Type
IMFL Whisky
Country
India
Region
Multiple States
Distillery
Pernod Ricard India
ABV
42.80%
Founded
1995
More Whisky to Explore
Rate This Spirit
Your Rating
Click a star to rate Royal Stag Deluxe Whisky