Indri Diwali Edition Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)

Matured in the subtropical climate of the northern plains of India, Indri's Diwali single cask selections are allocated around the globe. No. 89 was an Oloroso cask scheduled for 'Europe and the Rest of the World' (others may be drawn from PX). Gentle peat dominates the nose, of the sweet bbq sauce variety, leading into beach bonfire and nutty sherry. Similarities to PX-matured Caol Ila emerge, as the palate demonstrates a lovely balance between rich sherry and phenols, each fighting for centre stage, eclipsed by a surge of bitter peel and gingery heat. Peppers ricochet around the mouth and prickle the tongue before the peat re-emerges sweet and sooty with ginger biscuits and dark chocolate in tow. It's a powerhouse malt, initially aggressive and needing patience, but softens seductively after air contact - Pour early, let it breathe and reserve your glass for the end of the night. 600 bottles at 58.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 2024 edition tasted.

Other reviews... [2023 edition tasted] Peated malt matured in PX sherry casks serves up a nose of warming smoke, blackberry, red apple, dried raspberry, cranberry, citrus peel, sautéed almond, hazelnut, ground pepper, and cacao. Sweet red fruits, peppery spice, smoke, and chocolate broaden out to dried fruits, pear, dried apricot, and damson flavors. Water adds candied orange, leather, and musty chocolate, but dampens the smokiness. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com

... I've come to know Indri as a single malt with distinct tropical fruit notes. Granted, this is only based on two of their core range expressions. The Indri Diwali Collector's Edition 2024 is not that. Not much tropicality, instead something that leans towards a more typical peated single malt, yet with characteristics that betray maturation in an entirely different climate. - wordsofwhisky.com