If you’ve ever thought great whisky only comes from Scotland, Ireland, or Japan, think again. Amrut Fusion whisky from Bangalore, India, is proof that world-class single malts can emerge from unexpected places — and make serious waves while doing so.

A Trailblazer in Indian Whisky

Amrut Distilleries, founded in 1948 by JN Radhakrishna Rao Jagdale, started out producing Indian Made Foreign Liquor. But by the 1980s, the team wanted to push boundaries. Instead of using molasses like most Indian distillers, they turned to malted barley — and not just any barley. They sourced high-quality grains from farmers in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

By the mid-1990s, Amrut had developed a surplus of maturing malt whisky. Some casks were left to age longer than usual — and the results were remarkable. The name Amrut fittingly translates to “Elixir of Life,” and it soon lived up to that promise.

Amrut built its distillery on Mysore Road, about 20 km from Bangalore, in 1987. What makes Amrut’s whiskies unique is how India’s intense climate accelerates maturation. While Scotch whiskies lose around 2% to the angels each year, Amrut loses a hefty 11–12%, but gains incredible depth in less time. According to Master Blender Surinder Kumar, a single year of ageing in India equals roughly three years in Scotland.

The Rise of Amrut Fusion Whisky

Launched in 2009, Amrut Fusion whisky put India on the global whisky map. Made from 75% unpeated Indian barley and 25% Scottish peated barley, the two spirits are matured separately in oak casks for around four years before being blended and married for three months in ex-bourbon casks.

The result? A complex and powerful single malt that Jim Murray famously hailed as one of the world’s best in his 2010 Whisky Bible.

Also Read: Paul John Bold Whisky

Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky Review

COUNTRY: India

ABV:46%

COLOUR:  A golden yellow.  It is quite an oily whisky and makes long fingers on the sides of the glass.

NOSE:  Subtle yet elegant. Expect notes of oak, barley, and gentle bourbon sweetness with a whisper of peat. Add a drop of water, and delicate floral notes bloom, bringing freshness and balance.

PALATE: Bold and full-bodied. Without water, it delivers a punch of oak, toffee and spice. Add a few drops, and Amrut Fusion whisky opens beautifully — revealing layers of toffee, vanilla, and gentle peat smoke. The sweetness builds with every sip, perfectly balanced by warm spice and malted richness. This full-bodied Amrut Fusion has a wonderfully complex palate. It is a warming whisky with amazing character.

FINISH: The finish is where Amrut Fusion truly shines. It starts spicy, builds in intensity, then fades into a long, satisfying sweetness. Think condensed milk, oak spice, and a creamy texture that lingers. Unlike most whiskies that finish sweet to spicy, this one flips the script — ending on a warm, dessert-like note that’s utterly addictive.

RATING: DIVINE

Amrut Fusion is a whisky of character — rich, warming, and full of life. It’s proof that India can produce a single malt capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the greats. Perfect for a chilli evening, a fireside chat, or impressing your whisky mates with something unexpected.

Final Thoughts

My hunt for Amrut Fusion whisky began years ago in Bangalore, but back then, it wasn’t even sold locally. Now, it’s a global icon — a whisky that embodies India’s spirit of innovation and craftsmanship. The next time I visit Bangalore, I’ll be sure to stop by Amrut Distilleries to see where this incredible whisky journey began.

Amrut Fusion whisky is more than a drink — it’s a statement. A bold Indian malt that proves excellence knows no borders.

The Amrut Fusion retail for in the affordable category and I have seen it on Amazon.

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