Amrut Distillers has set a new benchmark in the Indian single malt whisky industry with the launch of Expedition, the country’s oldest and most expensive single malt. To commemorate its 75th anniversary, the company has introduced this exclusive whisky, with only 75 bottles available worldwide. Priced at ₹10.5 lakh ($12,000) per bottle, Expedition is designed for connoisseurs and collectors who appreciate rare and premium spirits.
Aged to Perfection: India’s Longest Maturation Period
Expedition stands out due to its 15-year maturation, a feat never before achieved in Indian whisky-making. The whisky first aged for eight years in European sherry casks, enhancing its rich and opulent flavors, before spending another seven years in American ex-bourbon casks, adding depth and complexity to the expression. The aging took place in Bengaluru’s tropical climate, which accelerates maturation compared to temperate regions like Scotland.
Exquisite Packaging and Advanced Authentication
Beyond its exceptional liquid, Expedition boasts some of the most intricate packaging ever seen in an Indian whisky. Each bottle features a diamond-cut design with gold engravings forming a custom pattern. The packaging includes a handcrafted and hand-painted box with individually engraved and numbered bottles, and a silver peg measure crafted by a Bangalore silversmith. The entire packaging process took six months and five prototypes to perfect. Weighing 12 kgs with its box, this whisky is as much a collector’s item as it is a premium spirit.
To ensure authenticity, Amrut has incorporated NFC technology and a custom authentication card, allowing buyers to verify the bottle’s origin and details.
A Milestone for Indian Single Malt Whisky
With an alcohol strength of 62.8% ABV, Expedition is a powerful yet refined whisky, reinforcing Amrut’s pioneering role in Indian single malt production. According to Rakshit N. Jagdale, Managing Director of Amrut Distillers, the release of Expedition marks a major milestone for the company and the Indian whisky industry.
Ashok Chokalingam, Head Distiller and International Sales Head, compared the maturation process of Expedition to that of Scotch whisky aged in cooler climates. He emphasized that true luxury comes at a premium price, stating, “If you want a Rolls-Royce, you can’t have it at the price of a Maruti 800.”
Global Demand and Limited Availability
Despite its high price, Expedition has seen significant demand, with 60% of the 75 bottles already pre-booked, mostly by international buyers. The whisky is being launched in India, the USA, the UK, Europe, Dubai, Singapore, and Australia. Given its limited availability, collectors and whisky enthusiasts worldwide have shown keen interest in acquiring a bottle.
A Tribute to a Visionary Legacy
Expedition is more than just a whisky; it is a tribute to Late Mr. Neelkanth Rao Jagdale, whose vision put Indian single malt whisky on the global map. The launch of this historic expression is a proud moment for Amrut Distillers and a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy.
Summing Up
With Expedition, Amrut Distillers has not only created India’s oldest single malt whisky but also its most luxurious and exclusive. This launch cements Amrut’s position at the forefront of the Indian whisky revolution and sets a new benchmark for premium spirits in the country. As whisky enthusiasts rush to secure one of the 75 bottles, Expedition is already making history in the world of single malts.
