The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC), best known for creating limited-edition whiskies, has announced that it will be launching a new franchise in India. 

The group said that the expansion follows a rigorous review of the market. It also comes shortly after the UK-India trade deal, which was signed on 24 July 2025, making whisky cheaper to export to India from the UK. 

The ASC said that it had signed franchise agreements with PNM Tech Beverages and – subject to label registration – expects to dispatch the first shipment to India in the coming months. 

According to the group, the India franchise supports its international growth strategy and expansion into Asia. 

It follows the launch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) into Vietnam, owned by ASC. 

On expansion into India, a statement from the ASC said that it expects “marginal returns” initially, followed by a bevy of long-term opportunities as the Indian whisky market further develops. 

Andrew Dane, CEO of Artisanal Spirits Company said: “The Indian market, in particular, presents exciting potential for the group over the medium to longer term and we are delighted to welcome our new franchise partners, PNM Tech Beverages, to the wider SMWS family. We remain confident that the actions we are taking stand us in good stead to continue to deliver future growth.”