When it comes to alcohol, we would gladly admit that we’re desi at heart. There’s a special bond we share between us and desi brands such as Kingfisher, Bira 91 and Old Monk.
And this connect goes a notch up when we speak about Whisky. We’re the second-largest consumers of whisky in the world and playing a crucial role in that are some domestic single malts that are ruling the roost amongst whisky lovers in India.
Here’s the lowdown on 4 Indian Single Malts that you need to drink.
1. Amrut
Single Malt in India isn’t a novel concept. I’m pretty sure our grandfathers relished the whiskeys from Amrut Distilleries, which was established way back in 1948. Decades of dominance followed and in 2004, they launched the country’s very first single malt – Amrut Indian Single Malt.
With select Indian barley specifically sourced from the Himalayas, Amrut’s attention to detail and perfection is brought on display as they preserve the natural aroma by maturing the malt in oak barrels.
When it comes to the main variants, what one gets with Amrut is the Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky (46%), Amrut Peated Indian Single Malt Whisky (46%), Amrut Fusion Indian Single Malt Whisky (50%), Amrut Cask Strength and Amrut Peated Indian Single Malt Whisky Cask Strength.
And if you’ve got the money to shell out, the Limited Edition won’t leave you disappointed. You’ll be spoilt for choice deciding between Amrut Raj Igala, Amrut Amalgam, Amrut Double Cask, Amrut Rye, Amrut Spectrum, Amrut Naarangi, Amrut Greedy Angels, Amrut Intermediate Sherry, Amrut Two Continents Single Malt Whisky, Amrut Portonova, Amrut Kadhambam, Amrut Single Cask and Amrut 100.
Taste test – What you get with Amrut is a rich barley-oat sweetness that gives you a long lingering finish with wonderfully layered oak and cream toffee at the end.
2. Paul John
Second on the list is some Indian whisky made right in the state of all things booze, Goa.
Having been launched in the UK back in 2012, Paul John Single Malt Whisky arrived at Indian shores a year later with the launch taking place in Goa.
They’re absolutely desi at heart as they too opt for using Indian barley from the Himalayas rather than giving the European grain a shot.
Paul John Single Malt Whisky has 10 variants – Brilliance, Edited, Bold and Nirvana form the Flagship category. One sees the Classic select cask, Peated select cask, Pedro Ximenez form the quartet in the Select Cask category. We have the Kanya as a part of the Zodiac, and lastly the Oloroso, Mars Orbiter and the Christmas Edition 2018 making the Rarity section.
Taste test – The touch of toasted cereal, barley and honey is evident right from the moment it hits your nose. If you’re looking for a good aftertaste, the chocolate mint packed with a slight dash of spices won’t leave you disappointed.
3. Rampur Single Malt
When it comes to having the tag of utmost heritage and royalty, few match up to Rampur Single Malt Whisky. After all, it boasts the title of being the ‘Kohinoor of Single Malts’. Having delighted one and all for more than a century, it was only in the 90s that they started producing malted barley and finally made their move into single malt three years ago.
Their single malt collection is filled with the best of the best that includes the Rampur PX Sherry, Rampur Select, Rampur Double Cask and the Signature Reserve.
Taste test – This is a creamy and malty whisky with notes of vanilla, apricot, apple and a touch of pepper.
4. Peter Scot Black
Time to talk about the new kid on the block.
It was a fabulous February for all single malt lovers as the House of Khoday, makers of the iconic premium blended whisky brand Peter Scot, launched the Peter Scot Black Single Malt.
Taste test – You’re going to get a mixed bag here as you have hints of orange and almond that end on a spicy note.
With Indian single malt whisky now finding its space, we could well expect one of these fantastic four to power their way to being India’s top whisky brand too.
