Today I look at a whisky from India, the Amrut Indian single malt whisky. Thirty-five years ago, most whiskies came from Scotland. The sacred place where whisky is distilled and aged as part of a nearly religious experience.
Chivas and Dimple were premium blends that epitomized everything Scottish and masculine. It was a man’s drink in a man’s world. Ronald Reagan was president, and the Cold War was a reality.
It was the time of the Falkland War, the launch of MTV and Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spenser. Chernobyl exploded, and the Simpsons were created.
A busy time in history. On a side note: I read about the 80’s history, and it reminds me of the uncertainty that we are currently facing. Bombings, terrorist attack and political instability characterized most of the 1980s.
Fast forward to today. The Cold War is over, MTV is still around, Chernobyl is still radioactive, and the Simpsons are on season 28. Bart has not aged much. Chivas and Dimple have stood the test of time. But there was a significant change – whisky is not only from Scotland any more.
Now great quality whisky is made all over the world from my local favourite Three Ships whisky in Wellington South Africa to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Taiwan.
Most of Europe has whisky distilleries that release quite decent bottlings regularly. Some whisky releases from Japan cost an arm, and a leg and India has surprised everyone with some award-winning releases from their Amrut distillery.
India is one of my favourite counties to travel in. The mix of colours and spices, the rich history and vast nature is a combination that you don’t get anywhere in the world. I loved the Amrut Fusion and the Amrut Two Continents. I have written about the Bangalore based distillery history extensively in these posts.
Also Read: Signature whisky
Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky Review
I have a bottle from Batch No 23, October 2010.
COUNTRY: India
ABV: 46%
COLOUR: Golden Yellow
NOSE: Spices, bits of wood with fruity notes.There are notes of sweet candy floss, malt and ripened plum with vanilla. It’s a dram that needs to breathe a bit to let some of the alcohol blow off.
PALATE: Loads of wood and spice. Faints hints of dried citrus peel and dried cranberries. It has a spicy black pepper bite with cloves and a bit of fruity dried apricot sweetness. It is quite oily and has an alcohol burn if you don’t add a bit of water to smooth the Amrut single malt out.
FINISH: Spicy with a dried citrus peel.
RATING: VERY GOOD
An enjoyable dram, but not my favourite from the Amrut range. It does not have the same complexity and richness that a Fusion or a Two Continents have. Karen paired the Amrut single malt with some coffee and cardamom flavoured chocolate. Thank you for joining me on this cold Friday afternoon, Karen. It was lots of fun to share this exciting world whisky with you.
Lately, it seems like when I try an Amrut, I end up sharing it with a friend. I had my good friend Zee visiting when I tried the Amrut Intermediate Sherry and this Amrut single malt whisky I shared with Karen. Whisky is really made for sharing.
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