The Indian single malt scene has come alive in the past few years. While some of these distilleries had been around for many years (even decades), they produced only small quantities of malt distillate to blend with grain/ molasses distillate for their domestic ‘premium whisky’ brands. In the last 20 years, these old hands and a few new players, have all launched their single malt whisky brands in the domestic market. While my experience with Indian single malts, on the whole, has been a hit-or-miss, let us focus on the ones that I have loved.
Amrut Fusion (50% abv)
Amrut launched their single malt in Indian markets around 2010 (after its global launch a few years prior to that). For this fusion variant, they have used a combination of unpeated Indian as well as peated Scottish barley.
Nose: Earthy peatiness – sticky sweetness like figs or dates – funky tropical sour
Taste: Sweet fruits are muted – woody taste is prominent – lingering aftertaste is enjoyable
Feel: Surprisingly soft on entry – no harshness from 50% abv – coats the mouth satisfyingly well
Note: Add a few drops of water if you need to; it opens up better. The locally available 42.8% abv version is a pale shadow of this 50% abv export version.
Verdict: This is not like any scotch that you may have had. A refreshingly different single malt experience.
Indri Trini (46% abv)
I am skeptical of industry awards, and the spate of medals/ kudos awarded to this newcomer immediately at its launch made me hesitate before taking the plunge. This one is also called ‘Three Wood’ since it is a blend of whisky matured in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry (Pedro Ximenez), and ex-French wine (not specified) casks.
Nose: Malt sweetness – vanilla from ex-bourbon – dark fruits from ex-sherry – clear and layered aroma
Taste: Sweet and soft at entry – dark sweet fruit – sour & savoury notes – hint of wood lifts the sweet & sour elements
Feel: Smooth satiny texture – fills up the mouth well – no alcohol bite
Note: Some markets sell 46% abv and others sell 42.8% abv version. Even the low abv version will deliver a good experience, even if the intensity is a bit lower.
Verdict: This one deserves the love it gets. The influence of the different casks is well integrated for a great experience.
Paul John Edited (46% abv)
Like Amrut, Paul John too launched their single malt globally, before following it up with the domestic launch in early 2010s. Edited is lightly peated and the middle one in their core line-up; with Bold (peated) and Brilliance (unpeated) on either side of it.
Nose: Vegetal peat cloud first – then, bright fresh fruit – both aromas play together like a woven rope
Taste: Fruity sweet – earthy savouriness from the peat – bold flavours all the way
Feel: Some alcohol bite on this one – big mouthfeel – multidimensional and engaging
Note: Recommend adding a few drops of water after the first couple of sips; softens it and brings out the underlying malt sweetness.
Verdict: This one is multi-layered, and demands attention while sipping it. Then, it rewards that attention with a unique sensory experience.
These three single malts made me happy, without making any excuses for not being Scotch whisky. Whether you are hosting or visiting your family and friends, as you sit back with your loved ones this Sunday evening and raise a toast to cherished memories and shared hopes, try replacing your favourite scotch with one of these Indian alternatives.
Cheers and Happy Easter!
[Ravi Vyas loves sipping good whisky and writing about it (not at the same time). He is also co-founder at datavruti, a data talent solutions firm.]
