Scotch whiskey vs Indian spirit
India represents one of the world's largest whisky markets and the world leaders are all ready to flock in, but the budget was disappointing for them. India’s liquor baron Vijay Mallya has a grouse that Indian Whisky is not allowed to be sold in Europe and so he is said to be behind preventing cheap European whiskey hitting the Indian market. But they have a reason. Mallya’s whiskey is not considered to be whiskey in Europe. There it should be made from cereals and not molasses - and as such cannot be marketed in Europe as 'whisky' . It can however be called 'spirits' instead of 'whisky'. EU requires 'whisky' to be produced from cereals and aged for a minimum of three years, at a strength not less than 40 percent vol. All whisky produced or sold in the EU must be produced in line with the definition. In India, there are no mandatory definitions of spirit drinks and many Indian products labelled 'whisky' (and brandy and gin) are produced from molasses alcohol, and are not subject to a minimum ageing requirement.
That perhaps is the reason why there is a clamour for ‘phoren’ whiskey and tremendous clout for those who can supply it.