Indians love their whisky. In fact we’re the world’s largest consumer of whisky! Although most whisky that’s made in India is actually rum since it’s made from sugarcane and not barley, it was only a matter of time before someone decided to make the good stuff the right way. Today Indian Single Malts are going great guns and it is all thanks to two brands that have created quality, award-winning malts.
Amrut
The older of the two brands is Amrut which has been made in Bangalore since 2004. Instead of launching it locally, the brand released their whiskies internationally. In 2010 they shot into limelight when Jim Murray, author of the famed Whisky Bible mentioned Amrut Fusion as the Third Finest Whisky in the World, successfully planting India on the world whisky map.
Amrut is now available off the shelves in wine stores in India too. Three of Amrut’s 21 variants are available in Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Punjab.
Amrut Indian Single Malt 46% – the flagship single malt, with rich characters of spice, fruit and honey
- Bangalore Rs 2,500 / Goa Rs 1,900 / Mumbai 3,500
Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky 50% – Uses two barleys: Indian with a little peated Scottish barely. Spiced, oaky, with a hint of smoke.
- Bangalore Rs 2,900/ Goa Rs 2,350 / Mumbai 3900
Amrut Peated Indian Single Malt Whisky 46% – Rich, intense and surprisingly fruity.
- Bangalore Rs 3200 / Goa Rs 2600 / Mumbai Rs 4,100
Paul John
In the same vein is Paul John made by John Distilleries in Goa. After making blended whisky for decades, they launched their first single malt in the UK in 2012 and caught the attention of critics and connoisseurs immediately. Since then, they’ve been raking in one award after another, doing India proud.
Of Paul John’s six variants, two are available in Goa and Bangalore. Soon these will be joined by a third called Bold which is their heavily peated version.
Paul John Brilliance 46% – uses American oak barrels for a rich, floral and fresh palate.
Bangalore Rs 2,900 / Goa Rs 2,130
Paul John Edited 46% – partly peaty with a delicate sweetness. A winning combination!
Bangalore Rs 3,200 / Goa Rs 2,600
Recently a Japanese whisky was labelled the best whisky in the world. Who’s to say one of ours can’t be crowned the king someday?
So the next time someone scoffs at the mention of Indian whisky, you know how to put them in their place.
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