India has long been a connoisseur of whiskeys, so much so that the nation is among the largest consumers of this golden brown liquid. And among them, single malt has been gaining popularity. While there are a lot of international players, the quality of Indian single malt brands has matured over the past few years, with some of them being outrageously expensive. Tempted to splurge on it yet? Then read about 5 of the most expensive single malt whiskeys in India.
5 Of The Most Expensive Single Malt Whiskeys In India
- Rampur Signature Reserve Single Malt
- Amrut Greedy Angels 12 Years Old – Chairman’s Reserve
- Paul John Mars Orbiter
- Paul John Mithuna
- Amrut Spectrum 004
1. Rampur Signature Reserve Single Malt
What if we told you that you’ll get the taste of the Himalayan chill and the searing heat of the summers of North India in a whiskey? We’re talking about Rampur Signature Reserve Single Malt whiskey that is smoothened and matured at 44.5% ABV. This Limited Edition Whiskey is left for aging in American oak barrels. Then, it’s further set aside in top-quality Pedro Ximenez sherry cask from Spain for maturation.
What’s so special about this dark-colored whiskey? The very first sip will taste like creamy vanilla and toffee at the start. As you swallow it, you’ll soon get a smack of spicy cinnamon, dark dried fruits, Indian forest honey, and nutty tropical fruits. If you happen to have a whiskey palate, you’ll enjoy the layers of sultanas, toffees, Christmas pudding, and burnt cinnamon in this divine whiskey. Your taste buds will be left with a pleasing taste of spiciness that’ll last for a prolonged moment.
Distiller: Rampur Distillery
ABV: 44.5%
Price: Starting from INR 115,725 onwards.
Also Read: Know The Difference Between Single Malt And Blended Whiskeys
2. Amrut Greedy Angels 12 Years Old – Chairman’s Reserve
The first-ever 12-year single malt ever produced in India, this divine spirit was launched in 2016 to commemorate the 12th anniversary of Amrut Distilleries’ foray into the international market. The whiskey also proves Amrut’s mettle to produce premium aged whiskey.
The incredibly high price of the Amrut Greedy Angels cannot be attributed to vanity; the Indian climate isn’t as conducive for the creation of single malts and the long procedure contribute to it. Also, only 100 bottles of this whiskey were made, making Amrut Greedy Angels an incredible rarity.
Just like this unique whiskey-making process, the taste of this drink is unique too. A sip of this whiskey and you’ll get a taste of vanilla and barley at the beginning. That will immediately be followed by the flavor of oak and slightly spiced cocoa. The finish is tangy orange, spice, and barley oil, just enough to leave you in bliss.
Distiller: Amrut Distilleries
ABV: 60%
Price: Starting from approximately INR 70,000
Also read: 5 Best Gifts For Whiskey Lovers
3. Paul John Mars Orbiter
This limited edition whiskey was launched to commemorate the success of the Indian Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). An achievement like this is definitely worth a tribute that Paul John acknowledged by launching Paul John Mars Orbiter. Well, everything about Paul John Mars Orbiter, right from its packaging to its taste, exudes a space feel and a remarkable flavor. Whether you’re a whiskey person or not, its light-up packaging is sure to make you want to try it.
The second you open this whiskey bottle, you’ll love the pleasant aroma of honeyed orange blossom with a dash of Muscovado sugar tinged with smoked bacon and peat. Sounds tempting, right? Wait, there’s more to it than just the aroma! You’ll get a smooth and malty taste of dark cocoa, salted almonds, and sweet oak on your palate, just enough to make you yearn for another drink. The finish of this whiskey is absolutely sensational as you get a long and delightful spicy taste with toasted sugar laced with gorgeous tannic smokiness. All you space-obsessed folks, it’s time you try this whiskey and go over the moon!
Distiller: Paul John
ABV: 57.8%
Price: Starting from INR 27,978
Also Read: Top 8 Whisky Brands In India
4. Paul John Mithuna
Next on our list of the most expensive single malt whiskeys in India is Paul John Mithuna. The name itself is named after the zodiac sign Gemini which translates to ‘Mithuna’ in Hindi. This whiskey is a part of the second edition of the Zodiac Series. If you’re into astrology, you’ll probably know that Gemini is associated with being sophisticated. The sophisticated aromas of liquorice and gentle beeswax usher a luxuriant delivery of ulmo honey on crisp toast along with tender vanilla.
This whiskey’s maturation process is also very fascinating. Top quality American oak casks are used for the maturation process and then the final aging process is done in ex-bourbon casks. If you’re a fan of subtle spicy flavor, then this sophisticated whiskey will certainly make it to your home bar.
Just one sip and you’ll discover the whiskey’s packed flavors of coffee mocha, orange peel, delicate spice float on active tannins, and gentle oils with gists of dark cocoa tones. The whiskey’s finish is long with flavors of multi-toned sugars and honey that’ll give you a smooth experience. With all these, it comes as no surprise that Paul John Mithuna was named the third-best whiskey in the world by ‘Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2021’.
Distiller: Paul John
ABV: 58%
Price: Starting from INR 20,934
Also read: 6 Of The Best Cheap Whiskeys
5. Amrut Spectrum 004
Another recent addition to the club of whiskeys is Amrut Spectrum 004, the third release of the Amrut Spectrum series, launched in 2021. Just so you know, it’s the world’s very first multi-wood barrel single malt whiskey. Let’s first get you acquainted with this whiskey’s making process. The initial process starts with ex-bourbon casks that are used for the aging process. It is further transferred to a custom-made cask. What’s more astounding is the fact that four more hand-picked staves – New American, French limousin, ex-Oloroso sherry, and ex-PX sherry staves are used for further maturation of the whiskey.
(A stave is a wooden block from the barrel that a spirit was originally aged in. It’s used to further age the spirit and enhance its flavor.)
This single malt whiskey has a dark amber-brown color. On the nose, you’ll initially be greeted with spicy notes of caraway, musk, toast, and sweet vanilla. In terms of the palate, you’ll get a taste of tingling spice right at the tip of your tongue. This taste will fade into a melange of orange, vanilla pudding, raspberry jam, and tannic oak flavors. What’s more interesting is the finishing taste of this whiskey that’ll leave a minty and sweet sensation on your tongue.
Distiller: Amrut Distillery
ABV: 50%
Price: Starting from INR 15,652 onwards.
Also read: Over INR 74,000! What Makes Amrut Greedy Angels So Expensive?
Summing Up
With the increase in popularity of single malt whiskeys, brands are now improvising on their quality and sales. So, if you’re up for a high-end drink, go ahead and check out these 5 of the most expensive single malt whiskeys in India. We wouldn’t be surprised that after reading our blog, you’d like to have a whiskey collection of your own!
FAQs
Is Chivas Regal Single Malt?
Chivas Regal is a blended whisky that is a combination of single malt and grain whiskey. This whisky is made from neutral grain spirits and whiskeys sourced from multiple distilleries like Stratchclyde, Longmorn, and Strathisla.
Is Johnnie Walker A Single Malt?
Johnnie Walker is a blend of single malt and grain whiskeys from Scotland that’s matured for 12 years. This whiskey will give you that classic depth of flavor, especially when you have it neat.
Why Is Single Malt Costly?
The entire process and technique of storing the whiskey in casks for many years in a warehouse is one of the main reasons as to why single malt is costly.
Which Single Malt Whisky Is Best In India?
There are ample options of single malt whisky available in the Indian market for you to choose from. Some o the best ones you can find are:
- Paul John Mithun
- Amrut Greedy Angels 12 Years Old – Chairman’s Reserve
- Amrut Spectrum 004
Which Is The Costliest Whisky In India?
Single malt whiskeys are expensive and there are plenty in the market that range on the higher end of the scale. Some of the costliest whiskeys in India are Rampur Signature Reserve Single Malt, Amrut Greedy Angels 12 Years Old – Chairman’s Reserve and Paul John Mars Orbiter.
Where Is Alcohol Most Expensive In India?
In India, every state has different rates of taxes on alcohol. In states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the tax rates are higher so alcohol costs a little expensive as compared to states like Goa where the taxes are minimal and alcohol is affordable.
What Is The Price Of Amrut Whisky?
A bottle of Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky costs about INR 3,400 for 750 ml in Maharashtra.
