Jan
The Best Indian Whiskies Worth Trying
Introduction
Explore the rich flavors and aromatic notes crafted by renowned distilleries from the heart of India. Discover new spirits with every sip as you embark on a journey through the diverse and captivating taste profiles of our carefully chosen collection. In this blog, we’ve shared the nuances of each brand, exploring their unique products and unraveling the delightful tasting notes that make them a must-try for every whiskey enthusiast.
1. Amrut Single Malt Indian Whisky
Distilled from barley grown at the North West of India, at an altitude that accelerates the aging process, this single malt exudes a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. Amrut ages their single malt in New American Oak and former bourbon barrels before it is ready for bottling.
Nose: Distinctly confidant liquorice-bourbon notes with near perfect bitter-sweet balance; burnt honeycomb and toffee also abound.
Taste: Outstanding richness and sheen to the enormous barley-oak sweetness; again there is a big bourbony cut to the cloth with all the liquorice and molassed sugar normally associated; but the barley adds that extra dimension.
Finish: Long, wonderfully layered oak offering variations of a sweet dry theme; a touch silky with some cream toffee at the death.
Awards won – Liquid Gold Award, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2010, Bronze Award Winner at Malt Maniacs Award 2008, 2009 and Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2012, USA, 88 Points, Very Good, Strong Recommendation
2. Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky
A tale of two barley types— a fusion of Eastern and Western varieties. One is grown in the Punjab, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, malted in Delhi, while the other is cultivated and peated in Scotland. The bottled expression boasts a 50% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Nose: Heavy, thickly oaked and complex: some curious barley-sugar notes here shrouded in soft smoke. Big, but seductively gentle, too.
Taste: The delivery, though controlled at first, is massive! Then more like con-fusion as that smoke on the nose turns into warming, full blown peat, but it far from gets its own way as a vague sherry trifle note (curious, seeing how there are no sherry butts involved) – the custard presumably is oaky vanilla – hammers home that barley – fruitiness to make for a bit of a free-for-all; but for extra food measure the flavors develop into a really intense chocolate fudge middle which absolute resonates through the palate.
Finish: A slight struggle here as the mouthfeel gets a bit puffy here with the dry peat and oak; enough molasses sweetness to see the malt through to a satisfying end, though. Above all the spices, rather than lying down and accepting their fate, rise up and usher this extraordinary whisky to its exit.
Awards Won – Third Finest Whisky in the World, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2010, Rated 97/100, Grand Master of World Whisky at the Spirits Business Awards in London, 2011, Best Natural Cask Daily Drams award at Malt Maniacs Awards 2009, World Whisky of the Year, Malt Advocates Whisky Awards 2011 and Master 2001 at the Spirits Business Awards in London, 2011
3. Rampur Double Cask Single Malt Whisky
This amazing whisky is made by blending American Bourbon barrels and European Oak Sherry casks. It gets its special taste from a mix of balsamic vanilla, sweet caramel, dried dark fruits, and a hint of spice. The result is a flavor that’s deep and unique, making this whisky truly special.
Nose: Full-bodied aroma of tropical fruits, smooth malty tones and oaky notes from double oak-wood barrels create an aurora of flavors.
Taste: Lustful elegance of sweet fruits; riding on rich sherry for a blissful nirvana.
Finish: Tantalizingly long, lingering and generous.
Awards won – Gold Winner in Barleycorn Awards 2023, Gold winner in fifty best Whisky 2023, 93 points in World Whisky Survey by Whisky Advocate Magazine in 2019 to name a few.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our curated selection of Indian whiskey brands brings rich and diverse flavors. Indulge in the exquisite craftsmanship and distinct profiles of these exceptional spirits, elevating your drinking experience.
