Solan: Whiskey drinking is no novelty in India, but the search for an authentic desi flavor persists. Many bottles labeled “Made in India” are blends of foreign spirits or come from brands with little connection to India beyond marketing. Enter Woodsmen Mountain Whiskey, a brand from Himachal Pradesh that is redefining Indian whiskey with a flavor and philosophy that is unmistakably desi.
Woodsmen is steadily winning over whiskey enthusiasts, proving that a spirit crafted in the cradle of the Himalayas offers a taste far distinct from those produced in the plains. This is no fluke but the result of meticulous planning and a deep bond with Himachal’s terroir. Founded by Delhi-based entrepreneur Shivam Ginglani, the brand’s heart and production hub lie in the valleys of Solan, where its distillery operates. This region, once known as British hill estates, carries a storied tradition of liquor-making.
Shivam highlights how Himachal’s unique geography shapes the whiskey’s character. Pure glacier-fed water, cool temperatures, and natural chill combine to elevate the spirit. The water used in distillation ensures a smooth, less harsh spirit, while months of maturation in oak barrels under the mountain’s crisp air infuse it with woody, natural aromas—qualities unattainable in warmer plains.
Woodsmen employs double distillation for greater purity. The base malt, crafted from local barley, carries herbal notes, and aging in oak barrels yields a premium yet distinctly Indian flavor. For Shivam and his team, whiskey is not just a drink but an experience, one rooted in Himachal’s soil, resonating nationwide.
A Spirited Start
Launched in 2020, Woodsmen sold 1.5 lakh bottles in its debut year—a remarkable feat in limited markets like Himachal and Delhi. Over the past three years, the brand has generated ₹125 crore in revenue, with a target of ₹80 crore this year. These numbers reflect more than business growth; they signal a shift in consumer mindset, with Indians increasingly valuing local quality over big names.
Woodsmen gained nationwide attention when Shivam pitched on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹1.5 crore for just 0.5% equity—a ₹300 crore valuation that stunned the sharks. Boat founder Aman Gupta quipped, “Have you been drinking your own whiskey?” The line went viral, catapulting Woodsmen’s visibility. Though no shark invested, Ritesh Agarwal noted, “If this were another industry, I’d chase you with a cheque.” Shivam emphasized that his goal was brand recognition, not just funding—a mission he accomplished with flair.
Post-show, social media buzzed with glowing reviews. YouTube channels tested Woodsmen, with fans praising its “mountain essence.” One reviewer wrote, “It’s like bottling Shimla’s winter.” Hashtags like #MountainWhisky and #HimachaliSpirit trended on Instagram. Demand surged in Delhi and Chandigarh’s hotels and upscale bars. The company is now targeting the HoReCa segment (hotels, restaurants, cafes) to establish Woodsmen as a premium, aspirational brand.
Beyond the Bottle
Woodsmen’s impact transcends business. It’s elevating Himachal’s brand value and creating jobs in farming, distillation, packaging, and marketing. The hills are gaining a new identity for mountain products, with whiskey joining apples, honey, and handicrafts. The company plans to launch Himachal Whiskey Trails, a tourism initiative where visitors can taste local whiskey, boosting brand building, tourism, and the local economy.
Shivam’s next goal is to launch a 100% single malt Himachali whiskey and begin exports. His focus remains on creativity, customers, and consistency. Above all, he has proven that with clear vision, uncompromising quality, and a connection to one’s roots, “Made in Himachal” can make a global statement.
Woodsmen is more than a whiskey—it’s the magic of Himachal’s soil, water, and air, bottled and ready to tell its story to the world.