Jan
Whisky
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
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2. Amrut Rye Single Malt Indian Whisky
It stands as a distinctive and pioneering Indian whisky, distilled from malted rye sourced from Europe, matured for over 5 years in American oak barrels, and presented at a robust 50% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Nose: White peach, caramel, roses, bread dough, cassia buds.
Taste: Cherry, papaya, sauerbraten, cocoa, lemon, caramel bite candies. This tastes like it has been in a sherry cask. Or that it’s quite old and a bourbon and has big fruit.
Finish: Lemon, melon, dry sand, quince, honey, wood shavings, lime.
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3. Amrut Portonova Single Malt Whisky
The aroma and taste of this single malt are distinctive and vibrant. Despite its full cask strength, the blend of raisins, vanilla, cherry liqueur, and spices provides an exceptionally smooth experience on the palate. Amrut Portonova undergoes maturation in ex-bourbon and new American oak barrels before being transferred to initial-fill Portuguese Port pipes, adding a unique touch to its flavor profile.
Nose: A Thick pudding of a nose; fruit and caramel have merged into one slightly over-oaked soup; burnt apple pie.
Taste: This is essentially a port pipe sandwich…. and it shows. The spicy, jammy fruit is interwoven through any amount of caramel while the oaky saltiness gets the taste buds both salivating and puckering until you run dry.
Finish: Long, massive oak with quite evident traces of the virgin barrels now detectable. And more of a cocoa hue as it progresses. At last some muscovado sugars arrive to supplant the berry fruits.
Awards won – Best Cask Innovation (Premium) at The Malt Maniacs Awards, 2011
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4. Amrut Peated Indian Single Malt Whisky
Given the tropical climate of India, where peat cannot naturally develop, this variant utilizes peated Scottish barley. Distilled and aged at Amrut Distillery in Bangalore, the whisky matures in ex-Bourbon casks, reaching its peak expression. It is bottled at 46% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Nose: Unusually dry peat; not dissimilar to peat reek absorbed by an old leather armchair; a hint of citrus, too.
Taste: Despite the nose, the immediate sensation is one of being caressed by molassed sugar and then a ratcheting up of the peat notes. As they get more forceful, the experience becomes that little bit drier and spicier, though not without the molasses refusing to give way.
Finish: You can tell the quality of the distillate and the barrels it has been matured in by the crystalline depth to the finish. Everything is clear on the palate and the butterscotch vanillas wrap the phenols for a comfortable and clean finale.
Awards Won – Liquid Gold Award, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2010 and Bronze Award Winner at Malt Maniacs Award 2009
Buy Amrut Peated Indian Single Malt Whisky
5. Amrut Intermediate Sherry Single Malt Whisky
Initially aged in new American oak and ex-bourbon casks, followed by maturation in sherry casks, and finally, a subsequent aging in ex-bourbon casks for its ultimate character development. This distinctive method is responsible for the coined term “Intermediate Sherry,” highlighting the role of sherry casks as a pivotal intermediary.
Nose: Instead of the usual biscuit aroma, we now get moist cake. And my word: is it fruity and spicy!! Love the freshly waxed oak floor, too. Brain-exploding complex and multi-layered with one of the most intriguing sherry-style-bourbon-style marriages on the market.
Taste: Cracking delivery and entirely unique in form. The structure is decidedly oak-based, but acts as no more than a skeleton from which the juicy sultana and spices drape. Salivating, too, as the barley kicks in powerfully. But the liquorice-orangey-honeycomb bourbon theme quietly shapes the flavor profile; the spices pulse and glow.
Finish: Quite a chunk of natural caramel quietens the more exuberant characteristics; long and elegant.
Awards Won – Liquid Gold Awards 2011, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2011 and Indian Whisky of the Year, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2011
Buy Amrut Intermediate Sherry Single Malt Whisky
6. 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
Buy Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky
7. Amrut Indian Single Malt Cask Strength Whisky
Crafted from non-peated Indian barley grown in the Himalayan foothills of Punjab, malted in the capital city of Delhi, and finally aged and distilled at Amrut Distillery in Bangalore. Bottled at its cask strength.
Nose: Classic house style with glorious bourbon notes fused with the richest of barley statements; not entirely unlike caramelized biscuit dunked in coffee; oh, and a bit of spicy attitude, too.
Taste: There we go with that unique bitter-sweet overture where the oaks and barley appear joined at the hip; lovely soft oils and then a sharp jolt of blood orange citrus, which is removed by something more buttery and delicate.
Finish: Long, elegant with the most intricate of fades with the oaks showing various bourbon then buttery characteristics; there is a trace of dark sugar and cocoa to help it along its way.
Awards Won – Bronze Award Winner at IWSC 2008, London, Silver Award Winner at Malt Maniacs Awards 2008 and Gold Medal Winner (91 Points) “Exceptional” at The 2013 International Review of Spirits
Buy Amrut Indian Single Malt Cask Strength Whisky
8. Paul John Peated Select Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky
This special whisky from Goa surprises with unexpected flavors that blend perfectly. It’s a delightful drink that captures the essence of Goa in every sip. Whether you’re a whisky expert or just starting your journey, this Indian Single Malt is sure to impress with its distinct and wholesome character.
Nose: The smoky, sweet and earthy fragrances have mellow resonances of spice.
Taste: As the crisp Muscovado and Demerara sugars create layered nuances, the smokiness of the Single Malt sets in, creating a perfect balance. A hint of spice radiates from the hickory and Dominican-style cocoa.
Finish: The delicate finish of this Single Malt has notes of Dominican cocoa laced with the tart edge of marmalade.
Awards Won – Liquid Gold Award by Jim Murray, the Spirit Business Gold Award, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Award and Meininger International Spirit Award are just a few to be named.
Buy Paul John Peated Select Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky
9. Paul John Kanya Indian Single Malt Whisky
This unique unpeated whisky from sunny Goa captures a gentle innocence with hints of sweet fruitiness and a touch of spice.
Aged for 7 years in American oak casks, it has inviting scents of citrusy spice and tropical fruit, leading to a creamy, butterscotch sweetness when sipped. The finish, featuring toasted oak and subtle saltiness, is truly satisfying. With its rare complexities and well-balanced dryness, the Kanya stands out as one of the smoothest Indian whiskies ever bottled, offering a luscious and memorable experience.
Nose: A light citrus with manuka honey arrives early; an intense malt is infused with ripe peach, apricot and vanilla.
Taste: Superb mouthfeel of rich creaminess. The oak delivers a soft, sweet, delectable butterscotch.
Finish: Warm spices suffuse the toasted oak, and the slightest of saltiness ensures the friendliest of finishes.
Awards Won – Best Asian Whisky 2018 with the Liquid Gold Award by Jim Murray in Whisky Bible 2018.
Buy Paul John Kanya Indian Single Malt Whisky
10. Paul John Edited Indian Single Malt Whisky
The subtle peat flavor is carefully crafted from thoughtfully selected cask profiles, all for the pleasure of true whisky enthusiasts. Listen to the unedited tales of the sea off Goa, as it shares its own stories.
Nose: Honey and cocoa are laced with a hint of smokiness and a shot of espresso. A deeper whiff reveals fruity fragrances.
Taste: The grassy flavors of barley show up first, but gently make way for subtle peat notes. They slowly dissolve and pave the way for a rush of mint and mocha.
Finish: The finish is long and drawn out. You can sense a hint of spice and chocolate mint as it ends on gentle peat notes.
Awards Won – The Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Award, the Liquid Gold Award by Jim Murray, the Spirit Business Gold Award are just a few names in line.
Buy Paul John Edited Indian Single Malt Whisky
11. Paul John Classic Select Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky
Discover the tropical vibes of Goa in each sip of the Classic Select Cask. From the start, you’ll feel the lush and fresh taste of this Single Malt. To create this experience, it has been aged in carefully selected casks and bottled it without chill filtration, at its original strength. Enjoy the tropical rush, Goan style!
Nose: Fruity, malty aromas are intertwined with honey. A hint of bourbon teases your senses.
Taste: With the very first sip, flavors of malted barley greet you. A heady mix of bourbon and manuka honey-liquorice makes for an attractive spine. And while you relish this experience, the unexpected flavor of toasted honeycomb takes you by surprise.
Finish: This Single Malt has an absolutely elegant finish, with juicy Demerara tones ensuring a soft, friendly finish.
Awards Won – The World Whisky Award: Best Indian Single Cask and Single Malt, the Liquid Gold Award by Jim Murray and the Spirit Business Gold Award just a few names in line.
Buy Paul John Classic Select Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky
12. Paul John Brilliance Indian Single Malt Whisky
Straight from the shores of Goa, India, comes this unpeated Indian Single Malt Whisky. It has a beautiful sparkling copper color and offers sweet notes with a hint of spice. The smooth, honey-like taste is complemented by a rare cocoa crispiness, leading to a deep woody finish with creamy hints of intense vanilla from American oak. It’s a handcrafted, non chill-filtered brilliance that promises a delightful tasting experience.
Nose: The Demerara sugars give off a whiff of sweet fragrances, with a hint of cinnamon, dash of honey and faint spices.
Taste: Sweet and spice and all things nice, make this Single Malt. The honey-like smoothness is offset by the crunchy-bar-like crispness. Somewhere, there is also a tinge of cocoa.
Finish: Brilliance has a smooth and beautifully relaxed finish, with a hint of mild spices and deep intense vanilla.
Awards Won – The Liquid Gold Award by Jim Murray, the Spirit Business Gold Award and the Òran Mór Award are just a few to name.
Buy Paul John Brilliance Indian Single Malt Whisky
13. Paul John Bold Indian Single Malt Whisky
Bold takes you on a journey through the undiscovered and unknown parts of Goa. It reveals the best-kept secrets bit by bit, encouraging you to step off the usual path and dive into the delicious depths of Goa.
Nose: After the slightest whiff of smoke, a dizzying array of Manuka honey, prickly spice and bourbon que red liquorice takes over.
Taste: This melt-in-the-mouth malt has the most profound flavors crashing in like waves. At first, the delivery feels sublimely silky and studded with oak-like honey. And just when you think you’ve savored it all, you are surprised by a hefty second wave of spice. This is followed by a cloudy, smoky feel that coats the roof of the mouth and leaves a tidal wave of dry molasses, peaty soot and a degree of copper in its wake.
Finish: Bold has a light finish with a tinge of copper slowly making its presence known. You can also sense a gorgeous smoked mocha shaped by delicate and intricate spices.
Awards Won – The Meininger International Spirit Award, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Award and the Liquid Gold Award by Jim Murray are just laurels to be named.
Buy Paul John Bold Indian Single Malt Whisky
14. Indri Single Malt Indian Whisky
Indri Single Malt is crafted in Indri, Haryana, close to the Himalayan foothills and the Yamuna basin. This exceptional single malt is created using special barley that has been grown in Rajasthan for centuries. Aged with precision since 2012, Indri-Trini holds the distinction of being the first Indian whisky aged in three types of barrels: ex-bourbon, ex-wine, and px-sherry casks.
Nose: Gentle and mellow. Black tea, caramelized pineapple, oak, vanilla, honey, raisin, sweet cherry.
Taste: Smooth and warm. Gently spiced, woody, nutty, a slowly deepening, full-mouthed feel. Sight Earthy and subtle, no added color. Amber, golden, sunset.
Finish: On the tongue. Velvety, complex, long-lasting warm.
Awards Won – Gold Winner of Tokyo Whisky & Sprits Competition 2023, Platinum winner of Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards 2022, Category winner of World Whiskies Award 2022 to name a few.
Buy Indri Single Malt Indian Whisky
15. 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.
Buy Rampur Double Cask Single Malt Whisky
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.
