South Seas Distilleries, one of India’s oldest malt distilleries, expands its flagship Indian single malt brand, Crazy Cock, to three key travel retail markets. Launched in December 2023, Crazy Cock has two exquisite expressions, “RARE” and “DHUA,” which are now available in duty-free outlets in Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad.


As a premium supplier to Indian and global whisky makers, South Seas Distilleries has a rich legacy in the malt industry. Located in the coastal town of Dahanu, Maharashtra, the distillery leverages the region’s unique microclimate, resulting in the tropical maturation of their malts. With over a century of distilling wisdom, the family-owned establishment also houses India’s largest maturation warehouse.

Rupi Chinoy, Director of South Seas Distilleries, says, “Although South Seas Distilleries has been renowned in the malt industry for decades, we took our time to enter the consumer market. We felt this was the right time as we believe today’s consumers are more evolved, and there is premiumisation within the category. Crazy Cock reflects the exceptionalism that Indian single malts have to offer, and it’s exciting to see more consumers explore the luxury Indian single malt market. We are thrilled to set foot into India duty-free and look forward to introducing our unique whiskies to a broader audience.”

South Seas Distilleries has a holistic production process, from mashing to bottling. The distillery is home to some of the largest copper pot stills in the country. Their unique shape has been retained since the distillery’s inception, ensuring consistency in every batch. The distillery’s expansive liquid library is matured in rare oak barrels, which have been integral to the family’s malt journey that began in 1984.

Hamavand Chinoy, Director of South Seas Distilleries, comments, “The most unique aspect of our distillery is the vast liquid library it houses. We selected RARE and DHUA as our initial expressions for consumers who enjoy unpeated or mildly-peated varieties. These two expressions, from bourbon and sherry casks, will resonate well with consumers as their distinct character truly stands out.”

The Crazy Cock Single Malts – Crafted with a century of distilling wisdom

Crazy Cock is available in two exquisite expressions — RARE and DHUA. The term “Crazy” in the name pays homage to the founder’s bold vision in 1984 to establish a world-class malt distillery and maturation warehouse, foreseeing global acclaim for Indian single malts. The name “Cock” is derived from the crowing of the rooster, symbolising the beginning of a new chapter for South Seas Distilleries as they venture into the consumer market.

Crazy Cock RARE – The first expression under the Crazy Cock label, this exquisite luxury single malt whisky is matured in two types of oak casks: bourbon and sherry. The full-bodied and unpeated whisky is crafted from six-row Indian barley. The aged liquids from first fill casks offer a rich sherried flavour profile, a warm palate, and a deep amber appearance. Distilled in some of India’s largest and oldest copper pot stills, Crazy Cock “RARE” is a testament to the family’s dedication to tradition and excellence. This expression caters to discerning consumers who prefer a sweeter palate.

Tasting Notes:
Nose: Bold with floral notes laced with honey, pears, chocolate, raisin, cinnamon, spices, vanilla and oak.
Palate: Robust with warm spicy notes, bouquet of summer fruits, raisins and a smooth texture.
Finish: Lingering

Product Details & Availability (Duty Free):
Size: 750ml
ABV: 46 %
Price: ₹ 8,000 – 8,700
Availability: Duty free outlets in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai

Crazy Cock DHUA – Crazy Cock “DHUA” is the brand’s second expression which showcases remarkable age and mellowness. The name “DHUA,” meaning smoke, reflects this whisky’s rich and full-bodied nature, which brings out a balanced and mildly peated liquid with sherried sweetness. Crafted for connoisseurs who appreciate a peated, richer whisky, it draws on the unique tropical maturation of Dahanu with generations of distilling mastery associated with the family. This expression includes considerably aged liquids from first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, offering a smooth, smoke-laced profile and a deep amber appearance.

Tasting Notes:
Nose: Gentle peat and smoke on the nose with warm notes of raisin, dark chocolate, spicy cinnamon, vanilla, mandarin, oak, sweet peat and a summer barbeque.
Palate: Smooth, smoke laced with spice, raisins, touch of cinnamon with top notes of balanced sweetness.
Finish: Warm and lingering

Product Details & Availability (Duty Free)
Size: 750ml
ABV: 46 %
Price: ₹ 11,800 – 12,500
Availability: Duty free outlets in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai