49 products

Indian Whisky

Like other upstart whisky industries, India faced difficulties convincing consumers to try a locally produced product. Most believed that a good single malt could not be produced in India. To deal with the understandable prejudice, early strategies targeted international markets, that would then, in theory, go on to ignite local demand given positive feedback. Companies like Amrut passed the test in the toughest location: Scotland, the home of Whisky, where they garnered fantastic praise early in the game. Others, like Paul John and Rampur have followed with impressive ratings from whisky writer, Jim Murray. Typically big-boned, full throttle styles, the Indian Single Malt category promises some of the most exciting young whiskies on our shelves.
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    Amrut Rye Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $230. 00
    Bottle
    $2760.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    Originally released in 2016, this is the first-ever Indian single malt rye. A subsequent batch followed in 2023, also limited to around 1200 bottles. It is malted, making this - although not technically in all countries - a single malt whisky. European rye was used with maturation taking place in American oak casks. Our tasting revealed a beautifully balanced whisky that departs from the intense spice and muddled mint character of many high proof American standards. This is more like chewing rye bread studded with dried peach or mango and is close to a sherried Scottish single malt in terms of mouthfeel. The finish brings forward a slightly oily aspect before turning drier and vaguely herbal with cocoa and the spiciness of the grain adding a closing zing. While it doesn't stand out in any particular way, it is an original and noteworthy addition to the category. 50% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... This is initially creamy to nose, but enticingly spicy on repeat visits, with aromas of cereal grains, rye bread, macadamia nuts, burnt bread crust, and hints of coffee bean. The flavors are delicious, and include caramel popcorn, apple, a snap of rye spices, toasted rye bread, dark chocolate, black tea, and a toffee sweetness that accompanies the spices into the finish. A compelling rye whisky that is definitely worth tracking down. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    ...Didn't expect to see this, I have to admit. Though glad I did. No mistaking the grain, which is intense and deep. But Amrut have certainly carved their own personality onto this which is similar to some better North American ryes, Alberta being the closest. But there is a barely perceptible slant away from that into wholly new territory. 91.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2024

    Notes from the producers... Aromas and flavours of freshly baked bread and something tropical seque into floral and spicy notes.

    Amrut Raj Igala Sherry Finish Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $79. 99
    Bottle
    $959.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    Apart from a change to the colour of the label, the liquid inside is a slight departure from the Raj Igala we've previously offered. The importers explain, "We felt that early samples of this value whisky would benefit from an increased sweetness to suit our target audience. So Amrut consigned our first shipment to finish in Oloroso casks (unknown duration) before bottling". All labels had already been printed before this was done, so the words 'Oloroso finished' unfortunately do not appear on the label. 40% Alc./vol.

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    Amrut Greedy Angels Chairman's Reserve 2019 Release 10 Year Old Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $1299. 00
    Bottle
    $15588.00 Dozen
    ABV: 55%

    The 2019 release of Greedy Angels was matured in oak for a decade before bottling at a generous 55% ABV. Named after 'the angel's share', in reference to the whisky that evaporates during time in barrel, the liquid comes presented in an elegant decanter, complete with glass stopper. Numbers are down on some previous editions with just 900 on offer for 2019.

    Other reviews... An intense and enthralling whisky on the nose, with honey, brown sugar, and caramel, then molasses, cooked fruit, vanilla, shredded orange peel, chocolate, and baking spices, yet it still retains a barley freshness. This elegantly carries its potent ABV with aplomb, producing a palate of baked orange, dried pineapple, malt, milk chocolate, and a cascade of spice, sugar, caramelized fruits, and toasted oak. Simply incredible. (900 bottles, 300 for U.S.) Collectible. 95 points - whiskyadvocate.com

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    • Hot Item
    2015 Amrut Single Cask #3897 Australian Exclusive Ex-Oloroso Sherry Butt 7 Year Old Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 60%

    In countries of warmer climes you don't have to wait too long for good whisky to mature. That doesn't mean great whisky is easily come by. Every barrel is different. Only a handful attain a singular classification - and that's if you can find and bottle them at just the right time. When Amrut's Head of Distilling, Ashok Chokalingam visited with a sample of 'Sherry butt #38977', it was clear it had become something of a pet project. Mollycoddled until the end, he didn't want to filter the whisky but didn't want all of the sediment either, so he 'dripped in' the required amount of water to cut it to 60%, one drop at a time over three days. The water pulled the sediment to the bottom and the liquid was syphoned into bottles. Utmost care was taken to retain all of the fats and oils that would have been lost via filtration, which is what gives this such a terrific mouthfeel. The rest is down to an extraordinary barrel. One taste and it dawns on you why Ashok and the importers fell in love with this particular cask: Sherry almost hits perfection. The aroma opens with classic Oloroso notes of fig and raisin before roasted nuts and cocoa become palpable as the fruit sweetness fades. The flavour explosion happens in slow motion, with Oloroso carried on a wave of creamy malt, capped off by mixed peels, orange chocolate, leather, walnut cake and a fanfare of allspice. A biscuity-saline edge adds interest (possibly from the lightly peated barley) before the sherry gets a second wind, significantly extending the aftertaste. Not only encapsulating the general excellence of this distillery, Butt #3897 demonstrates how some single casks - regardless of age - justify a premium when they outperform bottlings with much bigger age statements. Filled in July 2015 and decanted in December 2022, 216 bottles are on offer exclusively to Australia. 60% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

     

    Amrut Triparva Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    This is India’s first-ever foray into triple distilled single malt equating to just 5400 bottles worldwide. Of the global allocation, just a few hundred bottles have arrived to meet the demands of connoisseurs and collectors in Australia. Ashok Chokalingam, Head Distiller at Amrut comments, “Amrut has pretty much produced a range of uncompromisingly innovative single malt whiskies such as the Amrut Spectrum (multiple oak wood barrel single malt), Naarangi (a single malt with orange influence), Rye Single Malt to name a few. This latest addition of Triparva, triple distilled single malt, kind of completes the course. I think, for any distillery to come and do what Amrut has done in India will take a long time and the depth and variety of what Amrut has is unmatched. We are proud of what we have done so far and cemented our position as the ‘pioneers’ of single malt making in India.” Triparva is Hindi for "in three parts". Very limited stocks. 50% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Nose: really fruity, as expected. Pineapple on syrup, banana, nectarine and guava. Close to Irish whiskey of course. There’s more than a hint of vanilla from the wood as well, with some ginger, mint and creamy coconut too. A luscious fruitiness and a classic ‘exotic’ whisky style further highlighted by the triple distillation. Mouth: same comments. Melons, bananas, mirabelles, then more tropical fruits like mango, guava and passion fruit. Pink grapefruit. Behind the fruits I find vanilla biscuits and cake, with hints of butterscotch and honey. A lightly earthy note in the background, as well as something that holds the middle between oaky and herbal. Finish: long, with this earthy and now slightly bitter wood influence becoming more noticeable now, alongside citrus and unripe banana. A tropical fruit bomb that could have been made in Ireland. If you like the old Teeling (Bushmills) casks, be sure to check this out. 90 points - whiskynotes.be

    Amrut Single Malts of India Kurinji Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    Kurinji, from the Single Malts of India label, is the second release from India's first-ever Independent bottler - Amrut. Eponymously sourced from a Kurinji or Mountainous region, it exhibits traits that uniquely spring from the locale and the purple-blue Kurinji flower that blooms once every twelve years. In short, sweet and floral with wafts of jasmine and honeysuckle. 50% Alc./Vol.

    Notes from the producers.... NOSE: Floral and flowery notes with pear and melon, muscovado sugar, vanilla with an oak tone and a bit of toffee. TASTE: Honey and sherbet transcending to peat and melon with a very floral middle ground. FINISH: The finale is remarkable with a sweet and floral finish and a dusting of cracked pepper.

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    Amrut Single Malts of India Neidhal Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Amrut's new umbrella brand, ‘Single Malts of India’, sails into the unchartered waters of local independent bottlings to showcase some of the country's hidden gems. 'Neidhal' is the first in the series, and is a limited release of 12,000 bottles with 1200 bottles being allocated to India. The name references ancient Tamil texts, dating back to the Sangam period (300 BC – 300 AD), in which earth is classified into five regions called 'Tinais', each being associated with its own distinct literary style, grammar, mood, romance, culture and even cuisine. Neidhal comprises all oceans and neighbouring regions and the way of living associated with them.

    Matured & bottled at Amrut, the source of the whisky is not disclosed. Whoever distilled it could well have taken inspiration from Ardmore, as this presents in a Highland smoke-guise while retaining a sparkle of coastal freshness. The aromas are mirrored on the palate where sweet smoke melts into even sweeter malt; super pure, the finish balances out with hints of mint chocolate, medicine chest, pepper and sooty peat. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Notes from the bottlers... tropical fruit and vanilla punctuated by soft phenols and sea salt on the nose. On the palate, a fruit cocktail with a touch of iodine. The middle ground is an essay in chewability and a finish that is phenolic with a touch of sweet vanilla.

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    Amrut Portonova Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $220. 00
    Bottle
    $2640.00 Dozen
    ABV: 62.1%

    As the name suggests, this is a port version of Amrut’s Intermediate Sherry. The spirit is matured in both unused casks and bourbon casks, then spends a few months in port pipes, and then returns to bourbon casks. Described by Malt Advocate as a "port pipe sandwich...resulting in a Pink Floyd show of a whisky." A penetrating, gently prickly bouquet offers up aromas reminiscent of prune, pipe tobacco then sweeter scents of dates and dried red berries. Gently bittersweet entry. Peppery with a delicious sweet flourish of fruit cake and dark chocolate rounded off by cigar box through the fade. Huge. Easily one of the most compelling Port-finished whiskies we've tasted to date. 62.1% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... ...vibrant, colorful, complex, and nearly too much. A blackcurrant and wispy, smoky nose gives way to an intense and bittersweet mix of chili, blackcurrant, oak, damson, dark chocolate, and peat. Astounding. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com, (Fall 2011) Reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow

    ....I have never come across such a flavour profile as this anywhere in the world. But my word, what a statement this makes... Unique. 62.1% Alc.Vol.
    93 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2015

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    Amrut Intermediate Sherry Matured Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $220. 00
    Bottle
    $2640.00 Dozen
    ABV: 57.1%

    Note: Slight bruising to the top of the gift box.

    Prejudice usually breeds ignorance, and admittedly, there was a time when even we found the idea of a distillery in India entering the domain of luxury spirits implausible. Now seven years on, perhaps more than any other world whisky, Amrut has changed the way people think about this category - mostly because the quality is simply impossible to ignore. The best examples from this distillery surpass your expectations at every level.

    We'd been following the development of Amrut through the tasting notes of Jim Murray for some time, as the 2007 bottling earned 89 points with the closing statement "as 40% abv malts go - from any country - this is pretty spot on." In 2008 Amrut increased the ABV to 46% and much to Murray's delight ceased the use of caramel colouring, subsequently the whisky earned 91.5 points to cap off a salivating review. Amrut had our attention.

    A selection of cask strength expressions have recently become available for Australian whisky enthusiasts, and the quality is first rate, to the extent that these stand out as bargains on the world whisky stage. They are a revelation to almost anyone who tastes them.

    The present situation we're witnessing in India is in some ways akin to the early Japanese whisky industry. It remains a work in progress, and there are good reasons why it's taken decades to get this far.

    "You have seen and understand India," a local observed to one visitor who recently toured Amrut. "We need grain to feed people. Whisky is not important and rightly it's not a priority. We use what we have."
    He was indirectly referring to the vague and permissive laws which historically, saw almost 90% of Indian spirit produced from molasses. Blended malt styles often contained as little as 4% actual malt whisky. When Amrut was originally established in 1948 under the name of "Amrut Laboratories", it produced "rum" & "brandy" during the 50's and 60's. India was a huge market, but primarily at the lower end. Post-independence and with the liberalisation of licensing laws, Amrut's founder, Radhakrishna N. Jagdale, sensed an opportunity. “This is when he diversified into Amrut Distilleries, while also continuing with a division in the pharma industry,”recollects son, Jagdale who initiated the production of malt whisky during the 1980s.

    Amrut turned the traditional Indian approach on its head. "We understood the importance and complex chemistry of [barrel] maturation, thanks to our chemists’ background,” adds Jagdale. They near perfected the production process, ironically, with guidance from the Scots.

    But the company faced difficulties convincing consumers to try the product. Most believed that a good single malt could not be produced in India. To deal with the understandable prejudice, the company's early strategy targeted international markets, that would then, in theory, go on to ignite local demand given positive feedback. "We were confident of our single malt. From a marketing perspective, we thought if our product had to pass the test, why not do so in the toughest location. Scotland is the home of Scotch. If they acknowledge our single malt, then that’s good enough for me"said Jagdale. The group debuted its piece de resistance, Amrut Indian Single Malt, in Glasgow in 2004.

    "It was all worth it", recalls executive director of the company, Jagdale Junior, "... We had our jaw-dropping moment when the host at Glasgow's famous Pot Still whisky pub served Amrut to a group of connoisseurs, without telling them where it was from. Each person named a different region of Scotland as the likely place of origin, but they were unanimous in their appreciation."

    By the time Amrut launched in India in 2010, they were already selling fifteen variants of single malt to leading world retailers (Harrods, Selfridges across the UK,and Park Avenue Liquor Shop in New York, to name a few). It was risk that paid dividends on the brand's home ground.

    Amrut is situated in Bangalore, India, 3000 ft above sea level with the water and barley being sourced from Punjab and Pajasthan. Though the maturation takes place high up above the city, hot weather makes whisky mature faster in India than it does in Europe or the United States. The fraction lost to evaporation during ageing, known as the angels' share, is also higher in India, at 11–12%, as opposed to Scotland, where the annual evaporative loss is about 2%. Most Amrut whiskies are reportedly less than 6 years old, yet a steady stream of awards have been left in their wake. The company is now in the envious position of keeping up with demand, without compromising their down to earth philosophy of always exceeding customer expectations. (Is their any other formula to successfully break into new markets?)

    Fusion and Portonova remain the most popular whiskies in the portfolio. But at around 10,000 cases of malt whisky per year, Amrut is a relatively minor player. Demand from over 22 countries means allocations remain small. That may change. Let's hope the staggering quality currently on offer does not.

    "Intermediate" is created by initially maturing Amrut spirit in a combination of ex-bourbon and new American oak casks, followed by a brief maturation in sherry casks before returning to ex-bourbon casks for its final stint - hence the name 'Intermediate Sherry'. No shortage of rave reviews, including a whopping 96.5 point score from Jim Murray. We have to agree on this one.

    A full throttle, sherry-bourbon extravaganza!

    Tasting note: Deep copper. Is this Sherry or Whisky?! Stunning purity in the complex, wound up layers of orange rind and fruit cake - even nutty, rancio like qualities - as close as you can get to an old-style Sherry bomb sans sulphur. Sensory magic as this continues to unravel a dense sweet core and the subtle spices add further complexity (cardomom / wasabi?) Creamy satiny entry introduces a barely bittersweet mid palate with a superbly balanced amalgam of dried fruit; Juicy raisin cake enters late followed by a drying, spicy finale that goes on and on...Fig cake and walnut laced vanilla carry the fade. A triumph. If you buy top shelf Sherried malt at two or three times the price but ignore this we don't know what to say. Undeniably a bargain on the world whisky stage.57.1% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews...96.5 Points - (n24.5); (t24); (f23.5); (b24.5) how do you get three freshly emptied oloroso butts from Jerez to Bangalore without the casks spoiling, and not use sulphur? Answer: empty two cases of Amrut cask strength whisky into each of the butts before shipping them. Not a single off note. No bitterness whatsoever. And the fruit is left to impart its extraordinary riches on a malt matured also in American Oak. Amrut is spoiling us again. - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2013

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    Amrut Peated Indian Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $110. 00
    Bottle
    $1320.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Established in 1948 by Radhakrishna N Jagdale under the initial name of Amrut Laboratories (a company which produced various alcoholic beverages for the Indian armed forces as well as the general market during the 50's and 60's, namely rum and brandy.)

    The company was later passed on in 1976 to Radhakrishnas son, Neelakant Jagdale who initiated the production of malt whisky during the 1980's. At that time, whisky production in India was constituted by vague and permissive laws which saw almost 90% of the product consisting of molasses. Blended malt styles often contained as little as 4% actual malt whisky.

    Over the years, Amrut turned this approach on it’s head, intent on creating a world class whisky that would compete with the likes of whisky from Scotland, and ironically with guidance from the Scots, they came to perfect the process. Award winning malts, such as the highly acclaimed ‘Amrut Fusion’ are the result.

    The distillery itself is situated in Bangalore, India, 3000 ft above sea level with the water and barley being sourced from the Himalayan Mountains. Though the maturation takes place high up above the city, the warmer, tropical climate matures Amrut spirits far more quickly than in Scotland. Most Amrut whiskies are reportedly less than 6 years old. Along with award winning whiskies, the distillery also produces brandy, rum, vodka and gin.

    Amrut peated malt is made with barley peated and malted in Scotland, but distilled in Bangalore and aged in a combination of new and old American oak barrels.

    Other Reviews...
    ...absolutely everything you could ask for a peated malt at this strength. The length and complexity are matched only by a train journey through this astonishing country.
    94 Points - Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2015

     

    Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $94. 99
    Bottle
    $1139.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Amrut is situated in Bangalore, India, 3000 ft above sea level with the water and barley being sourced from Punjab and Pajasthan. Though the maturation takes place high up above the city, hot weather makes whisky mature faster in India than it does in Europe or the United States. The fraction lost to evaporation during ageing, known as the angels' share, is also higher in India, at 11–12%, as opposed to Scotland, where the annual evaporative loss is about 2%.

    Most Amrut whiskies are reportedly less than 6 years old, yet a steady stream of awards have been left in their wake. The company is now in the envious position of keeping up with demand, without compromising their down to earth philosophy of always exceeding customer expectations. (Is their any other formula to successfully break into new markets?)

    This introductory expression is comprised of whisky matured in ex-sherry (10%) and ex-bourbon barrels (90%).  

    Other reviews... [Batch 41 Apr 12]  
    Just another Amrut bottling. Just another reminder of how whisky should be. - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2015

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    Amrut Kadhambam Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $240. 00
    Bottle
    $2880.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    In the Tamil dialect, Kadhambam means 'mixture' or 'combination'; Aptly named given this is matured in rum, sherry and brandy barrels resulting in a singular whisky. Polished copper. A densely packed aroma, as you come to expect from this distillery; a fusion of sweet spices, charry oak and nuttiness on the nose. Quite bound up. 3-4 minutes draws out a peaty aspect as smouldering cedar and burning pine cone (?) develop. Big but not overbearing with the weighty malt supported by lively peppers and dried fruit characteristcs in the mouth. Ends lightly acidic, tannic and chewy with woody cigar box notes and flashes of dried fruits in the fade. With everything seemingly happening at once, perhaps the definition is obscured. One barrel too many in the mix? 50% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Proof, if it were still needed, that Amrut intends to cement its position as the leading innovator in world whisky. Kadhambam is the sweetest of Amruts, as a result of a complex maturation process that has seen peated Amrut matured in local brandy and rum casks. There's a liqueur-like edge to it as a result, but it's a complex malt, with cherry blossom, peppercorn, and apple peel in the mix. Not the distillery's best, but very, very drinkable. 89 points - whiskyadvocate.com (Spring 2014) Reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow

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    Amrut Fusion Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $109. 99
    Bottle
    $1319.88 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    Amrut Fusion is produced from 25% Scottish peated barley and 75% locally grown Indian barley. This method of combining barley from different sources has been employed with outstanding results by Australian distilleries, Bakery Hill and Hellyer's Road.

    A superb whisky.

    Tasting Notes: Brilliant pale gold with a subtle green blush. Powerful, near perfumed aromas offers an abundance of barley and honey, judiciously harmonised against delicate, lanolin like peat (reminds one of certain bottlings from Highland Park). The palate is rich, warm and plush; sweet barley flavours invade every crevice of the mouth, followed by waves of spice front to back, though the balance is nothing short of perfection given the high ABV. Dark chocolate, drying, earthy peat kicks into the after taste while the spices persist. Seriously good whisky! 50% Alc/Vol.

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    Amrut Peated Cask Strength Indian Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $170. 00
    Bottle
    $2040.00 Dozen
    ABV: 62.8%

    Established in 1948 by Radhakrishna N Jagdale under the initial name of Amrut Laboratories (a company which produced various alcoholic beverages for the Indian armed forces as well as the general market during the 50's and 60's, namely rum and brandy.)

    The company was later passed on in 1976 to Radhakrishnas son, Neelakant Jagdale who initiated the production of malt whisky during the 1980's. At that time, whisky production in India was constituted by vague and permissive laws which saw almost 90% of the product consisting of molasses. Blended malt styles often contained as little as 4% actual malt whisky.

    Over the years, Amrut turned this approach on its head, intent on creating a world class whisky that would compete with the likes of whisky from Scotland, and ironically with guidance from the Scots, they came to perfect the process. Award winning malts, such as the highly acclaimed ‘Amrut Fusion’ are the result.

    The distillery itself is situated in Bangalore, India, 3000 ft above sea level with the water and barley being sourced from the Himalayan Mountains. Though the maturation takes place high up above the city, the warmer, tropical climate matures Amrut spirits far more quickly than in Scotland. Most Amrut whiskies are reportedly less than 6 years old. Along with award winning whiskies, the distillery also produces brandy, rum, vodka and gin.

    Amrut peated malt is made with barley peated and malted in Scotland, but distilled in Bangalore and aged in a combination of new and old American oak barrels. This version packs a punch at full strength. A little water will go a long way in taming this beast. Not for the faint hearted!

    Tasting Notes... Pale gold colour. The high spirit prickles the nostrils. Powerful aromatics include damp earth, terracotta, biscuit, manuka honey and lanolin. In the mouth, achingly intense spices compete with off dry, earthy peat; some burnt toffee apple sweetness enters, but the intense spices are relentless to the point of being mouth numbing. As the spice gradually subsides, kippery, Fishermen’s Friend flavours complete what is a stupendous whisky experience by any measure; ultimately invigorating, though the spice might be too much for those with an aversion to factor 5 curries. The careful addition of water would improve the overall balance, unfortunately our sample was too small to permit experimentation. 62.8%

    Other Reviews...
    92 Points - Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2011

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    Amrut Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    ABV: 61.8%

    Other reviews... Similar to the standard Amrut, except that it's drier and spicier, with suggestions of bourbon. Not as creamy as the standard expression, but a bit more sophisticated. 82 points - John Hansell, www.whiskyadvocate.com

    Paul John Christmas Edition 2023 Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $110. 00
    Bottle
    $1320.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    John distilleries have created a special Christmas edition every year since 2018. The sixth incarnation sees an unpeated malt matured in ex-bourbon barrels, finished in a single vintage Colheita Tawny Port cask. Once again, the distillery has aimed for a rich, exuberantly fruity expression to make Christmas all the merrier! 46% Alc./Vol.

    Notes from the producers... Nose: Delectable aromas of creamy vanilla custard with a dash of dark chocolate enhanced with rich dry fruits. Palate: Deep flavours of sweet oak, a delicate mocha laced with warm caramel, succulent vanilla and hints of soft spice. Finish: Rich, exuberantly fruity and deliciously lingering.

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    Paul John Christmas Edition 2022 Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    Reduced from $110.00
    $84. 99
    Bottle
    $1019.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Crafted from malts finished in ex-bourbon, brandy and peated Oloroso casks, this is the 5th Edition of the limited Christmas Edition series from the award-winning distillery. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Can a whiskey taste like Christmas? What would that mean, anyway—pine needles, peppermint, reindeer dung and cheer? Indian distillery Paul John’s new 2022 Christmas Edition single malt tastes like none of that, thankfully, but it does actually sip like a holiday whisky—which is an impressive feat. A little background on the distillery first—Paul John is located in Goa on India’s west coast, and is one of the better known brands in the rising tide of Indian single malt whisky. The climate there is tropical and humid, meaning the whisky matures faster. To be precise, that means the liquid interacts with the barrels more kinetically than in a cooler, milder climate like Scotland or Ireland, but more so than in Kentucky which cools down quite a bit in the winter. The whisky is distilled from six-row barley and matured onsite, with a high angel’s share of eight to ten percent as opposed to Kentucky’s four or five percent. There are many different expressions available from Paul John to try, and this is the fifth installment of the Christmas Edition... It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and envision this as having Christmasy flavors because of the packaging, marketing and power of suggestion. That being said, check out these tasting notes (and hopefully the actual whisky) and see what you think. The nose starts out with figgy, malty aromas, along with some fresh wood and a bit of licorice. There’s also a whiff of fireplace smoke in the background, perhaps from that whisper of peat. On the palate, there’s fruit cake (in a good way), cinnamon, raisin and—stick with me here—a tiny hint of candy cane peppermint. On the finish, there’s some dark syrupy berries, caramel, and a soupçon of savory jus. That’s Christmas apps, dinner and dessert all in one sip. - robbreport.com

    Notes from the producers... Nose: Rich aromas of sweet oak, dry spice, baked apples and peaches, enhanced with dark chocolate. Palate: Soft and sweet flavours of mellow peat, orange dark chocolate, and a light peppery spice laced with delicious plum cake and butterscotch.

    Finish: Deep, creamy and lingering with a profuse hazelnut laced with dark chocolate. 

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    • Reduced
    Paul John Pedro Ximenez Select Cask Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    Reduced from $170.00
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    ABV: 48%

    For their Select Cask series, Paul John in Goa has created a pair of malts finished in different sherry casks. This particular edition was allowed a period in Pedro Ximénez casks, so if you like the thought of dried fruits mixed in with some cakey notes, you should find plenty to like here - starting with the bouquet. Packed with dried peels, raisins, fruit slice and dark chocolate, the palate shares the same appealing bittersweet quality (it's not as sweet as you might anticipate). Fruit mince pie, tangy peels and ginger bread are the keynotes through to the cocoa-laced aftertaste. Trace sulphur too. Adding water tends to flatten the profile, so this is one whisky where its qualities are best uncut. The high ABV boosts the bang for your buck. 48% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Other reviews... Enjoyable with a truly brilliant delivery. But not showing the true subtlety and colours of PJ's excellent malt. 90.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022

    • 92
    • Reduced
    Paul John Oloroso Select Cask Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    Reduced from $170.00
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    ABV: 48%

    As a sound introduction to the Oloroso matured genre, this is hard to beat. The sherry character comes through in high definition - especially on the palate with intense flavours of walnut and date cake, mixed nuts and dried fruits while tangy Seville orange and vibrant spices lift the finish. Cocoa, salted hazelnuts, new leather and drying astringency follow in the aftertaste. It could be better integrated, but it fares well against many more expensive Scottish equivalents. High ABV and zero chill filtration is an added bonus. 48% Alc./Vol.

    Notes from the producers... Taste :Soft and sweet, with nutty chocolate and Melton Hunt cake. Finish :Long, intense and sweet with delicious heavy spices imbibed from the Oloroso casks, a dash of coffee mocha and sumptuous dark chocolate. Balance :An intense and a complex single malt with a sensational explosion of incredible flavours. 48% Alc./Vol.

    Paul John Nirvana Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $74. 99
    Bottle
    $899.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    Following the lead of Asian whisky brands like Nikka and Kavalan, Paul John have created an entry level whisky at an even more affordable price point than their core range. This one's an unpeated expression, made from Indian six-row barley and matured in 2nd and 3rd fill American oak casks for around three years.

    Notes from the producers... Nose: An attractive honeycombed bourbon with luscious fruitcake, with a light whiff of enticing caramel pudding. Taste: A delightful soft honey with a slight salt-edged barley; an excellent mouthfeel with honeycomb sweetness. Finish: Immensely long, and richly flavoured with dissolving honey, barley, and succulent vanilla. Balance: A joyous barley plays intricately with high quality oak, that offers a dash of true goan pleasure! 40% Alc./Vol.

    • 91
    • 94
    Paul John Brilliance Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $94. 99
    Bottle
    $1139.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    "Yet another astonishing malt from India."
    94.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

    Paul John ‘Brilliance’ is the first in the range. An un-peated malt matured in ex-bourbon casks. The second is ‘Edited’ with about 20% of the malt being peated Scottish, and again, matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks. Both are non chill-filtered.

    Tasting note: Polished copper. Offers up fruity malt, hints of ginger bread, light cinnamon and vanilla. Similar in many ways to "Edited" but with the oak adding firmness and drying the mid-palate. Fresh and lightly spiced delivery; some nice fruit'n'nut chocolate characteristics feature amid the juicy malt. Excellent balance. 46% Alc./Vol

    Other reviews... Paul John is taking its entry into the world of single malt very seriously, and very slowly but surely. After two single cask offerings to find its range, Brilliance and Edited are its first general releases. Brilliance is unpeated and is a delight: rich, full, young but not immature, and with lime and citrus Starburst chews, sweet candy, and some icing sugar, it trips across the palate. Conclusive proof that Amrut isn’t the only Indian game in town. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com (Fall 2013) Reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow

    DOUBLE GOLD - 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

    • 94
    • 94
    Paul John Select Cask Classic Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 55.2%

    "One of those whiskies that just overflows with flavour. Delicious!"
    - 94.5 points. Jim Murray's Whisky Bible.

    Paul John's cask strength variations are sold under his "Select Cask" label. The quality is fabulous - so are the prices. We recommend tasting both straight before adding a tiny amount of water (literally a few drops) in order to get the most out of them. The Classic is a little prickly in the opening sniffs including notes of pepper, honey and sponge cake and a mildly acidic volatility; five minutes softens the bouquet considerably and draws out a superb fruity core of peach, light vanilla and dried coconut. Intense, peppery entry; coats the tongue with a slow-motion wave of spicy, semi-sweet, bristling malt. Finish is mildly bittersweet with warming spirit heat, plus vanilla oak input and hints of biscotti; late fruitiness and tingly peppers carrying the aftertaste. Non chill filtered. 55.2.% Alc./vol.

    Other reviews.... One of those whiskies that just overflows with flavour. Delicious! 94.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

    ...Sticky, spiced-coconut desserts, grapefruit, clove, allspice, and crispy bacon on the nose of this NAS whisky matured in bourbon casks. Sharp with lime, grapefruit, and lemon zest that settle down to green fruits, Jell-O, and dry spices. Do dilute, as water lets the spices leap from the glass, strips down the acidic attack, and accentuates the fresh apple and cinnamon. It doesn’t need much water, but it’s eminently better with a dash. 84 points
    - whiskyadvocate.com (Summer 2015) Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick

    • 92
    • 95
    Paul John Bold Peated Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $94. 99
    Bottle
    $1139.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    Tasting note: Bold, but not as overtly peaty as the name might suggest. Gentle puffs of smoke come between the honey-soaked barley, giving a Highland Park-esque feel to the nose. Full, vaguely fruity, superbly weighted, effervescent malt - the phenols glaze over the barley rather than smother it. No shortage of flavour. At the finish, an earthy, farmyard-like character is accented, the peat taking on a lanolin-like aspect through the final stages. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

    Other reviews... the smoke tries to rule the roost but is not allowed to....melt in the mouth malt: a silky delivery- what else do expect from India? - is shaped again by oak-studded honey... one of the most weighty and chewable Indian whiskies of all time - yet it is not just about peat. So many elements to this, you expect a bottle to weigh the equivalent of a block of lead. This truly great whisky, so complex and absorbing, needs a good 20 minutes of your time to adequately explore.
    95.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2016

    • 96
    • 96
    Paul John Select Cask Peated Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $130. 00
    Bottle
    $1560.00 Dozen
    ABV: 55.5%

    Fans of all things peaty will find this difficult to resist. Not only brilliant whisky, but a new bargain in its genre.

    Located in the tourist region of Goa, John Distilleries have been producing huge volumes of blended whisky since 1992. Original Choice, one of their top brands, sells over one million cases a month. The Distillery entered the single malt scene in 2008 as a ‘pet project’ that like Amrut before it, has quickly gained world wide attention. Distiller Michael John employs local ingredients, although, the peated releases source peated malt from Scotland. The maturation periods in India are reminiscent of those in many Australian distilleries. After only three years, a hogshead has 150 bottles left in it (compared to around 350 in a Scottish equivalent). Not surprising given that the average temperature in Goa is around 31 degrees celsius.

    Paul John's cask strength variations are sold under his "Select Cask" label. The quality is fabulous - so are the prices. We recommend tasting both straight before adding a tiny amount of water (literally a few drops) in order to get the most out of them. The Peated starts out with a lovely sweet, cocoa edge to the bouquet; second pass finds wet wool and barley sugar combining to great effect. Further aeration highlights oatmeal and honey interchanging with earthy peat. A farmyardy aspect follows as lucerne mulch and hints of manure, and later still, cough lozenge and faint citrus. Mouthwatering, sweet entry leads into a superbly integrated, concentrated, peppery profile; Winds up with with Fisherman's friend, liquorice root, dried fig and salivating, creamy malt. Peat lingers in the fade. Complex, poised and powerful, this precocious effort seems to only get better each time you taste it - fans of all things peaty will find it difficult to resist. Not only brilliant whisky, but a new bargain in its genre. 55.5% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... A peated malt whisky which will make a few people sit up and take even further notice of Indian Whisky. World class. 96 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

    Peat, biscuit, fir tree sap, oil and fruit cake, a tightly woven fabric, smoke pumped through a mesh of sweet, rich, alcohol sodden raisin. All power to the black fruit bomb. A mouth filling whopper of a whisky, the smoke riding the sweet as it billows up and back, the finish is ever so long, a fragment of cinnamon tempering the sugar. It’s Christmas less the glitz. It’s a winter love bomb, a mulled beauty, a deep and hearted pagan of a drink. Category Winner - worldwhiskiesawards.com

    ...Earthy notes, with plain chocolate nibs, malt drinks, and a little leather. There’s a subtle smoky air; nothing too astringent or overpowering. It’s great to try if you’re new to peaty whiskies or were put off by a peat colossus from Islay. Fig, plums, and soft prunes, though it’s mouth-puckering neat, so cut it down. Then, the fruit rounds out beautifully, allowing some gentle spices to shine through with some coffee bean notes at the end. Terrific stuff. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com (Summer 2015) Reviewed by: Jonny McCormick

    • 92
    • 96
    Paul John Edited Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $94. 99
    Bottle
    $1139.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    "A new Indian Classic...Sublime. To be talked about with reverence without doubt." 96.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020

    Edited is the medium peated version of Paul John. Polished copper. Rock candy, brittle malt with later hints of peppermint contributing freshness. Later toffee apple? Supple and well rounded in the mouth; nicely balanced with an almost fleshy texture with flavours of dried fruits and plush malt underscored by gentle spices. Good length. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews...... The whisky is once more intense and fruity but this time it plays off against a more herbal green apple note, smoke from the hearth, and a touch of spice. There’s also cinnamon—which is fast becoming a house style. Encouraging stuff.
    86 points - whiskyadvocate.com (Fall 2013) Reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow

    4.5 Stars - diffordsguide.com

    • 92
    • 93
    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    Rampur Asava Cabernet Sauvignon Finish Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    Reduced from $160.00
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    ABV: 45%

    Number 7 in the 2021 Top 20 - whiskyadvocate.com

    Other reviews... This is the world's first Indian wine cask-finished whisky, produced in the foothills of the Himalayas. Anup Barik, Rampur's master distiller, is in impeccable form here, re-casking mature whisky into Indian cabernet sauvignon barrels and monitoring them judiciously to find the perfect balance. Enticing aromas of damson, black currant, aromatic spices, vanilla essence, and pipe tobacco rise from the glass. The jammy autumnal fruits are immediate and compelling on the palate, developing red cherry, honey, peppery spice, and candied peel notes. Delectable expressions from this nation are flourishing, and with Asava, Rampur has beautifully captured the spirit of Indian whisky. 93 points - whiskyadocate.com

    ...this is a distillery I first visited over 25 years ago and have held them in high esteem for that amount of time,. Here they have worked exceptionally hard to get the balance between the fruit and oak into as complex a form as possible - and have largely pulled it off. The fifth to tenth flavour waves are borderline perfect. American bourbon barrels and Indian red wine casks. Non chill filtered. 92.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022

    2014 Amrut Master Distiller's Reserve 8 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $320. 00
    Bottle
    $3840.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    A special single cask hand-selected by Amrut's Master Distiller to showcase the nuances of Indian Single Malt Whisky. It's matured in a refill PX sherry butt and distilled from Scottish peated barley. 510 bottles are on offer globally. 50% Alc./Vol.

    Amrut Little Greedy Angels Chairman's Reserve 8 Year Old Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $450. 00
    Bottle
    $5400.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    In early 2014, peated malt was so scarce it was well-nigh impossible to procure it. In this situation, Amrut's Chairman, Shri Neelakanta Rao R. Jagdale, made a bold move to smoke-dry his own barley with peat sourced from Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This is the result. 50% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... I would not know when this little sister of the Greedy Angels 12 yo was bottled, even if they were having it at The Whisky Show in London this year, while I had never seen it before. But remember, no proven data means no data. We should tell a few politicians, don't you agree? Colour: full gold. Nose: some fruity smoke, unless that would be some smoky fruits. It's very unusual, much unlike those old peaters that were wonderfully fruity as well (Bowmore, Laphroaig). Think a blend of lapsang souchong with green earl grey, plus half a glass of the trademark mango juice. Very curious about what water will do to it… With water: rather sour fruits, citrus, yuzu again… The smoke is becoming more furtive.  Mouth (neat): barbecued marshmallows and, indeed, that blend of lapsang souchong with green earl grey tea. Or a smoky daiquiri on steroids. With water: very good, despite a peat that sometimes feels slightly out of place, as it does in several 'new' smoked Speysiders, for example. But I'm really nit-picking once more new, it's a lovely dram. Finish: long, more on custard and masked pumpkin. The mango-y smoke returns in the aftertaste, together with some green tea and sesame oil. Comments: almost talking in morse code, with a peat that goes on and off and on and off. Unusual, fun and very good. 87 points - whiskyfun.com

    Amrut Fusion XI Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $499. 00
    Bottle
    $5988.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    A tribute to Amrut's late Chairman, Neelakanta Rao Jagdale, celebrating the eleventh Anniversary of the iconic 'Amrut Fusion'. This is a one-of-a-kind expression being a combination of their 12-year-old, 10-year-old, 9-year-old and 7-year-old single malt whiskies. Matured in a port pipe and ex-bourbon casks, it's limited to 1000 bottles worldwide. 50% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... [10th anniversary edition tasted] A deeply intense whisky, with prunes, molasses, black grape, peppercorn, black mustard seed, and allspice notes, then a waft of burnt heather twigs. The palate is a dense concoction of brown sugar, stewed fruit, pepper, oxidized apple peels, bramble, oak tannins, clove, and hints of savory juices. Water tames the tannins, flushing out a softer, fruiter side, but this sophisticated profile is still quite an acquired taste. (216 bottles for the U.S.) 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick 2021

    • Nick's Import
    Amrut Peated Port Pipe French Connections Single Cask 2021 Edition Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $250. 00
    Bottle
    $3000.00 Dozen
    ABV: 60%

    Peat and Port work well together at Amrut, so it's no surprise that La Maison du Whiskey have bottled several iterations. This was part of the 2020 Creation Catalog dedicated to the Bangalore distillery. The whisky finds its unity of tone thanks to a subtle but incessant back and forth between peaty, fruity, animal, exotic, medicinal, spicy and ashy notes. According to the bottlers, the attack on the palate is particularly exotic with pineapple and intense peat, while the aftertaste is reminiscent of a chimney fire. Filled in 2014, cask #2713 was a run of 516 bottles in August 2020, specially commissioned by the French retailer. We have secured a small quantity. 60% Alc./Vol. It's not stated on the label, but it's safe to assume this was not chill filtered.

    • 86
    • Nick's Import
    • Reduced
    Amrut Raj Igala Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    Reduced from $89.99
    $69. 99
    Bottle
    $839.88 Dozen
    ABV: 40%

    A relatively new release for Amrut, made with Punjabi malted barley and aged in ex-Bourbon casks.

    Other reviews... A distinctly Speyside-style malt focussing on gentleness of touch and light caramels. As is the present Amrut style, the finish is a little feeble and bitter. But there is much to enjoy with its early grassy quality both nose and delivery. 86 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

    Amrut Ex-Rye Cask 7 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 60%
    An Australian exclusive single cask bottled for the importer, Alba Whisky and selected by director, Ian McKinlay from Amrut's bond store. Ian picked out something quite different - Amrut matured in a former rye whisky cask, filled back in 2011. With an outturn of just 120 bottles at near natural strength, it's not surprising this is on allocation and so something of a collectable. Non chill filtered. Very limited stocks. 60% Alc./Vol.
    Amrut Madeira Finish Limited Edition Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%
    Amrut continues to experiment, this time with Portuguese Madeira Casks; in fact, this is India’s first ever Madeira Cask Finish single malt - and by all reports the combination works brilliantly!

    “Amrut had really worked their way around to make this bottling with a near perfect balance of aromas”, says ambassador, Ashok Chokalingam. “We are very delighted with this bottling and the flavours emanating out of this whisky are truly mind boggling. It is a fantastic addition to Amrut stable and yet it is distinctive. We have pretty much produced every style of whisky and pushed the boundaries on maturation techniques that are possible. A few more are now in the pipeline to complete the course” he observes.
    Bottled at 50% this comes non chill filtered and naturally coloured.

    Other reviews... This limited edition is quite a color: deep orange with beautiful rose tints. Quite vinous on the nose, with orange peel, crème brûlée, honey, toasted coconut, grated chocolate, and preserved lemons all benefiting from the higher bottling strength. It’s darkly sweet with piquant plums, juicy raisins, sweet shortbread, fig, chocolate, honeyed lemons, and tangy candied peel. Truly excellent, the spice dominating the dark fruits and chocolate throughout the finish. (4,800 bottles)
    91 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Fall 2018)
    • 96
    • 96
    Amrut Greedy Angels Chairman's Reserve 8 Year Old Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $350. 00
    Bottle
    $4200.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%
    A bottling to celebrate the 60th birthday of Amrut's Chairman, Mr. Neel Jagdale. Amrut rarely age their whiskies for longer than four years. This represents some of the distillery's oldest stocks - a tricky undertaking given the greedy nature of India's angels where evaporation rates are around 10-15% annually, as opposed to 2% in a cooler climate such as Scotland. Apart from the dramatic loss (over 250 litres disappeared in this experiment), extended ageing means there's a risk that the spirit will breach a critical point beyond which it tastes overly woody. Produced from unpeated Indian barley & Scottish peated barley, 1350 bottles are on offer worldwide.

    Tasting note: Bright amber. Resiny, shellac-like opening phase takes several minutes to blow off. Second pass finds a core of sweet barley and vanilla with fruit jam density. Third pass hints at kumquat paste, raw sugar and plantain. Saturates the mouth with a slow-motion wave of creamy malt and ripe mango. Delicate bittersweetness. The length is superb. Ends rich, satisfying, warming with flavours of cream tea biscuit and cough lozenge in the fade. Beautifully poised given its weight and ABV. 50% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... A whopping three-quarters of the spirit put in these casks was taken by greedy angels. It has a big waft of crystallized pineapple, tropical fruits, and spiky spice on the nose. On the palate, red licorice, syrupy jellied fruits, some mandarin, cherry lozenge, and tinned strawberries, and the same menthol rancio you’d kill for in a 30 year old scotch. This is Amrut's oldest-ever whisky; it's as rare as hen's teeth…and just 8 years old. Awesome.
    94 points - www.maltadvocate.com, reviewed by: Dominic Roskrow (Summer 2013)

    ...Matured in a cellar, luckily, but still has the hallmarks often seen on certain Speysiders in their late 30s....few noses have ever been better. It is certainly unsurpassed this year...worldwide. A true whisky great of the last decade.
    96 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2017
    • 94
    Amrut Cask 888 Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $230. 00
    Bottle
    $2760.00 Dozen
    ABV: 62.8%
    A virgin American oak cask selected by the Australian importer, Ian McKinlay, on his last visit to the distillery. The unpeated malt was distilled in April 2010 and bottled in December 2015.

    Tasting note: Eyecatching glossy mahogany colour shows considerable legs. This needs lots of air to blow off the opening varnishy notes. Five minutes finds a dramatic improvement, gaining definition with hints of candied orange peel, dates, cinnamon and thick malt. A densely packed, bittersweet attack. Mid palate surge adds a fabulous stone fruit rush: nectarine, apricot, white peach? Aftertaste is creamy, fruity, lingering with nectarine salient in the aftertaste. A summer fruit flavour extravaganza. 120 bottles available. 62.8% Alc./Vol.
    • 90
    Amrut Two Continents Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    Produced from 100% Indian malt, this whisky starts its maturation in ex-Bourbon casks in Bangalore, situated at over 3,000 feet above sea level in the heart of South India. The casks are then shipped 9,000km to a location in Scotland—allowing a further maturation in the cooler climate.

    Tasting note: Amber gold. Peel heavy, mildly acidic opening whiffs. Later hints of Summer pudding. Offers flavours of cocoa, vague fruitiness and an oily finish. Beeswax, vanillan oak and warming spices carry the aftertaste. Full bodied and vivacious young malt. Non chill-filtered. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... [Second edition tasted 2011] Two Continents refers to the fact that this is matured in India and then Europe. But Amrut has tweaked the winning formula of the first edition, taking the alcoholic strength from 46% to 50% and using bourbon instead of grain casks for European maturation. The changes are immediately noticeable. The nose is honeyed, with key lime pie, and strawberries and cream. The taste is spikier, spicier, and feistier than before, with dark cherry, blood orange, and unripe banana. 88 points - www.maltadvocate.com
    • 94
    Amrut Naarangi Single Malt Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $180. 00
    Bottle
    $2160.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%
    'Naarangi' derives its name from the Hindi word for "orange." This extraordinary release saw Amrut fill casks with Oloroso sherry and add orange peels to them. This mixture was left to season the wood for over two years. Afterwards, three year old malt whisky was put in the casks to mature for an extra three years. Intrigued? We certainly are. Very limited stocks.

    Tasting note: [Bach 003 tasted] Pale amber. Thick, malty, liqueur-like aromas are sultry, semi-sweet and redolent of tangerine / mandarine peel / blood orange followed by an assortment of dried fruits. Medium bodied with a crisp, lively-malt delivery and a strong blood orange accent to the finish. Concludes cleansing, mildly oily, orange pith/peel-like and with nice length. 50% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Amrut ingeniously flavored an oloroso cask with wine and orange peel for 3 years before finishing this highly innovative whisky in it. A warmth and richness exudes, the citrus intensity of peel and orange oils develops the longer you resist temptation. Dried fruits, apricot, heather, ripe mango, triple sec, with a slight mustiness. Syrupy, soft orange pulp with zested limes makes it quite nippy. Finish of gum and wood notes after a spicy start. Whatever you do, drink it neat.
    83 points - www.maltadvocate.com, Jonny McCormick (Winter 2015)
    • 94
    Amrut Double Cask 5 Year Old Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $230. 00
    Bottle
    $2760.00 Dozen
    ABV: 46%
    A blend of two (relatively) old Indian whiskies from Amrut, one from ex-bourbon and one from an ex-Port pipe (the distillery typically bottles whiskies under four years of age).
    Produced from Scottish Peated barley, this was distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2017. 900 bottles on offer worldwide. We have less than a handful to sell.

    Tasting note: Deep amber. Intense aromas include spent candle, toffee apple, camphor and menthol. Softens after further air contact accenting mango fruitiness and vanilla. Quite a smokey number with a gentle bittersweet delivery ; oaky then creamy and warming, with vanillan oak, dark chocolate and poached pears through the aftertaste. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Amrut's whiskies have come of age with more mature bottlings now hitting the market. Demand has dramatically escalated. Rare releases such as "Greedy Angels" and several other limited editions are been snapped up by collectors apace. Due to India's hot climate, the distillery loses almost half of what gets put into barrel annually, hence supply of extended age bottlings is sure to remain limited for years to come.
    • 95
    • Reduced
    Amrut Spectrum 004 Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    Reduced from $240.00
    $199. 99
    Bottle
    $2399.88 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    If you like old-fashioned Edradour, Glengoyne or heavily sherried malts of similar ilk, this Indian flavour-bomb is sure to put a smile on your face.

    Another innovation from Amrut. If you've not heard about it yet, Spectrum has been talked up as "pushing the boundaries" even "History making" - in short, one of the world's most innovative takes on the spirit to date. It's an imaginative experiment in maturation that's seen Amrut's spirit aged in reconstituted barrels composed of different oaks. The 004 release was originally limited to 1800 bottles in 2017. It's closer to 6000 bottles now. That's still tiny by global standards meaning it will continue to be hard to get. Once again, it's a combined stave cask including new American Oak (char #3), new French Oak (lightly toasted), ex-Oloroso Sherry and ex-Pedro Ximenez Sherry. Due to copyright issues, the Bond-themed “004” subtitle has been covered up on the packaging this time around. We have a small allocation.

    From the first sniff, our tasting revealed a sherry extravaganza, boasting all of the baking spices, fruit cake and dense malt notes that are typical of the most expressive in this genre. Combined, they give it an almost Amaro-like aroma, and while the initial entry is low-definition, Spectrum balances the equation in a finish that is impossibly wound-up, sweetly oaky and drenched in fruity sherry, exotic spices and bitter peel with an aftertaste that lasts for close to a minute. If your preference is for older Edradour, Glengoyne or even well-aged Demerara rums, this should be one of the easiest buying decisions of the year. Our 50ml sample benefited greatly from air contact, so we recommend pouring a glass and returning to it over several hours. 

    Mark Gillespie from www.whiskycast.com explains the original concept: "...the Indian single malt was originally matured in Amrut’s Bangalore warehouse in ex-Bourbon casks for three years. Then, in an experiment that could only be described as Frankenstinian in nature, five separate finishing casks were created at an undisclosed location in Europe from new American oak, new Spanish oak, and new French oak, along with previously used Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso. Staves from each cask were then removed and replaced with staves from each of the other four casks to create five complete casks with five different types of wood in each one. The barrels were then taken to Bangalore, where the whisky was filled into them to mature for an additional three and a half years before bottling."

    To quote Ingvar Ronde, Editor of Sweden's Malt Whisky Year Book, Amrut Spectrum is, “One of the most innovative whiskies I´ve tried in a long time and one of the best this year... I can´t remember when I last experienced such a complexity of flavours in one whisky and at the same time, everything was in balance. I got coffee, chocolate, tobacco, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, orange preserve, sandalwood, walnuts, pecans, stracciatella and cocoa. This is pushing boundaries and whisky making at its best and I love it!”

    Other reviews... The sherry is a bit more concentrated on the nose than the 2017 release, with brighter, punchy notes of stewed dark fruits and almond paste. While its predecessor showed more sultry, damp oak and smoke, this is definitely more fruit-forward and lively with secondary notes of fresh ground clove, coffee beans, and rose oil. The palate reflects a similar contrast with a more youthful and sweet sherry character. Layers of rum raisin, berry jam, orange oil, and dark roast coffee ride atop an oily, vibrant body. A gentle warmth builds into the syrupy finish, which sees a bit of astringency as all those different oak influences battle for your last bit of attention, teasing for the next sip with notes of candied citrus and stone fruit. While I prefer the 2017 bottling, which was a bit more balanced on the sherry front, this latest release is still a worthy addition to the Spectrum lineage. - drinkhacker.com

    Amrut Greedy Angels Chairman's Reserve Peated Sherry Finish 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    Bangalore, INDIA
    $1299. 00
    Bottle
    $15588.00 Dozen
    ABV: 60%
    Amrut's latest creation is limited to just 324 bottles worldwide. The process began by casking peated new make spirit, distilled from Scottish peated barley into a first fill PX-Sherry Butt for seven years. After this period the whisky was transferred to an ex-Bourbon cask and a 100 litre refill virgin oak barrel, then aged for a further three years. Here, Amrut have followed an unusual process of moving from Sherry cask to ex-Bourbon which would normally have been done the other way around.

    "The result is so gratifying, and one can witness a profile of peated whisky aged for over 30 years in the Scottish Isles", says Distillery representative Ashok Chokalingam. "This is made evident by the phenols which are absolutely soft and playing the hide and seek game while being punctuated by heavy sherry notes, and somewhat kneeled down by the impact of ex-Bourbon and virgin Oak maturation combination. The result is an essay in complexity, and one needs to really look deep down & under to appreciate the mystical complexity of this extraordinary single malt from the Amrut stable".

    Presented in a beautiful crystal decanter and custom made box befitting the distinctive nature of the spirit within, each decanter comes with a certificate of provenance.

    Other reviews.... This was the final Chairman’s Reserve selection by the late Neel Jagdale, the second-generation chairman of family-owned Amrut Distilleries. It spent the first seven years in an Pedro Ximenez Sherry cask before being transferred into two smaller casks – an ex-Bourbon barrel and a 100-litre virgin oak cask – for the final three years of maturation. The nose has a kiss of smoke along with notes of cherries, caramel candies, hints of white pepper and chili powder, dark fruits, and a touch of oak tannins. The taste is thick, oily, and intensely spicy with chili powder and white pepper balanced by cherry cobbler and a hint of toffee. The finish is long, oaky, and spicy. (June, 2019)
    - 93 points - whiskycast.com
    • Reduced
    Cadenhead's Small Batch Paul John 6 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    Reduced from $260.00
    $220. 00
    Bottle
    $2640.00 Dozen
    ABV: 56.6%
    To our knowledge, the first independent Indian single malt to arrive in Australia! While Cadenheads are famous for bottling spirits from around the globe, we're generally restricted to the Scottish output. Paul John's whiskies have dazzled whisky writers scoring as high as 95 points from the likes of Jim Murray. This one's a cask strength vatting of peated and unpeated malt, the oak is all American and it's youth promises a lively spirit. Non chill filtered.

    Notes from Cadenheads... Nose: Green apples, hints of cinammon, caramel. Flavour: Chewy toffee, slight smokiness builds up. Oiliness coats the mouth. Finish: Orange zest. Smoke continues then rye notes come through. 56.6% Alc./Vol.
    • 96
    • 89
    • Nick's Import
    Paul John Kanya Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $499. 00
    Bottle
    $5988.00 Dozen
    ABV: 50%

    BEST ASIAN WHISKY 2018 - JIM MURRAY'S WHISKY BIBLE

    The latest highlight in the Asian whisky category is an unpeated expression from the sunny shores of Goa. Paul John is one of the world's biggest distilleries, largely due to sales of their flagship brand, 'Original Choice' which sells over 11 million cases annually to whisky loving locals. However, Paul John's ultimate dream was to launch world-class single malts from India. While his entry level range has succeeded in that, this bottling ups the ante. Named after 'Kanya', the dignified Indian counterpart of Virgo, the sixth zodiac sign on the Indian solar calendar, it comes matured for seven years in American oak casks and is considered by some to be one of the softest and most elegant Indian whiskies bottled to date. So good, that Jim Murray voted it the Best Asian Whisky for 2018 - even beating the Japanese! To our knowledge, this is the first (and possibly last time) it's shipped to Australia. From an outturn of 1500 bottles, numbers available are tiny. 50% Alc./Vol. Collectable.

    Other reviews... When a distillery can find honey at the very end of its flavour range and profile, you know they have cracked it. Superb! 96 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2018.

    ...Imagine there’s a janitor sweeping up the bisected fruit fallen from that fruit-slicing app: cherries, cooked peach, lingonberry, orange peel, fresh apple, fruit syrup, waxy leaves, and taffy chews. Plump mouthfeel with sweet baked fruits, it’s sticky and concentrated with a fabulous fruitiness at this strength. Sugared apple, baked orange, tart plum, clove, and aniseed. Unpeated and matured for around 7 years. A lot of buck for the bang. 89 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick 2018

    Notes from the producers... 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. Balance: A very complex whisky, the big malt and intricately well balanced dryness makes this whisky one of the softest Indian whiskies ever bottled.

    Paul John Christmas Edition 2021 Single Malt Indian Whisky (750ml)
    INDIA
    $99. 99
    Bottle
    $1199.88 Dozen
    ABV: 46%

    In addition to their core range, Paul John regularly offer limited editions. Here's another that arrived a little late for Christmas in Australia (nevertheless, the liquid inside is what's most important!) The fourth release in the 'holiday spirits' series sees maturation in a combination of casks: namely, ex-bourbon, Port, and Madeira. The influence of dessert wines in the finishing process imparts fruit and spice flavours with yuletide associations, balanced with light smokiness. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... [2018 release tasted] Question: When is a big whisky not a big whisky? Answer: When it is as well balanced as this. 95.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022

    Notes from the producer... Nose: Caramel, orange marmalade, berries, malty, coconut and dry raisins. Taste: Creamy, spicy, light smoke, butterscotch and barley. Finish: Rather long and warming notes with Cocoa, light peat and spices. Balances: An exotic and multi-faceted peated malt with deep, creamy flavours and a rich finish.

    • 97
    • 93
    Paul John Mithuna Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $299. 00
    Bottle
    $3588.00 Dozen
    ABV: 58%

    Jim Murray's third best whisky for 2021, now selling for upwards of $800. "Quite spectacular." - whiskyadvocate.com

    Honoured as the third best whisky in the world in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, we have secured a very small allocation of this already legendary Paul John limited edition, strictly limited to one bottle per customer.

    The much anticipated follow up to 'Kanya', Mithuna forms part of the distillery's Zodiac series. While it's labelled without an age statement, reports have it to be matured for four years in American Virgin Oak, followed by a finishing for two years in First fill Bourbon Barrels. It's unpeated, non chill-filtered and bottled at a massive 58%, promising a taste of Goa unlike almost anything else Paul John has released to date. The consensus amongst bloggers is that this is also an Indian whisky for cask strength Bourbon freaks: Complex, bold, intense and absolutely delicious. We have received a second allocation at the original pricing. At auction you can expect to pay $350+. Other retailers are asking $800 and beyond.

    Other reviews... rarely am I lost for words...oily but at the same time embracing and moulded like no other whisky I have ever encountered... this is kind of an Indian version of a William Larue Weller, showing that same extraordinary intensity, complexity and beauty. It is that very rarest of things... This is a whisky to devour... while it devours you. 97 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

    ...Named after the 3rd zodiac sign of Indian astrology—but then of course you knew that—the nose has red cherry laces, ground black pepper, and hints of ginger, resin, and toffee apple. The flavors are colossal; beginning with warm fruity caramels and sweet vanilla desserts, it shows off burnt sugar toppings of crème brûlée, Seville orange peel, indulgent dark chocolate, generous layers of maltiness, and delicious mocha notes. Quite spectacular. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com

    Notes from Paul John... "Hues of old oak and sophisticated aromas of liquorice with gentle beeswax lead to a luxuriant delivery of ulmo honey on crisp toast, and tender notes of vanilla. Chewy flavours of coffee mocha, orange peel and delicate spice float on active tannins while gentle oils enjoy gists of dark cocoa tones. The finish is gratifyingly long and complex with multi-toned sugars and delicate honeys. Renowned for contradictive strengths, the characteristics of Gemini are epitomized by this Indian single malt as mesmerizing layers of austere, dry tannins are challenged in equal measure by resplendent sugars and mocha on delicate oils."

    Best Indian Whisky - International Whisky Competition 2021

    Double Gold - World Spirits Competition 2021

    94 points - 2021 New York International Spirits Competition.

    • 95
    Paul John Cask 1833 Australian Exclusive Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $240. 00
    Bottle
    $2880.00 Dozen
    ABV: 60%
    Tasting note: Matured in a Bourbon cask. Brassy gold. Enormous malt that opens gradually; whiffs of wine-soaked pears and chocolate box over drier scents of fresh sawn oak and iced tea. Massive attack: Dense cocoa followed by a superb tropical burst (passionfruit / mango?). Bittersweet and achingly intense towards the finish. Orange spice cake, tropical fruits and pepper heat in the aftertaste. Impressive. 60% Alc./Vol. Extremely limited stocks.
    • 94
    Paul John Oloroso Cask Strength Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $399. 00
    Bottle
    $4788.00 Dozen
    ABV: 57.4%
    Matured for 3 years in x Bourbon casks followed by a 4 year 'finishing' in x Oloroso Sherry casks.

    Tasting note: Deep amber-gold with gold ochre edges. A dense bouquet of orange zest, fig paste and light kumquat. Fabulous balance and complexity with hints of peel-heavy marmalade, dried banana / dried mango and traces of vanilla, cinnamon and hazelnut. Almost rum-like. Shows excellent staying power. 57.4% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered. Extremely limited stocks.
    • 91
    • Nick's Import
    Rampur Double Cask Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $119. 99
    Bottle
    $1439.88 Dozen
    ABV: 45%

    A new Rampur expression, crafted by maturation in x Bourbon barrels & European oak sherry casks. Comes non chill filtered. 45% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... highly unusual for a sherry cask influenced whisky to be remembered for its big chocolate personality. But there you go! Rampur are upping their game considerably... 91 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022

    ...Highly charged aromatics, with vanilla pod, butterscotch, dried orchard and tropical fruits, orange peel, and rancio, developing notes of stewed fruit, rubbed mint, and early spring florals in time. A melee of stewed fruit, hard candy, citrus peel, toffee, and caramel on the palate, with an accompanying rumble of gentle spices and an interjection of lemon and lime. The fruit fades like an ebbing tide, leaving pepper and clove behind.
    93 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick 2019

    • 90
    • 86
    Rampur Pedro Ximenez Finish Single Malt Indian Whisky (700ml)
    INDIA
    $120. 00
    Bottle
    $1440.00 Dozen
    ABV: 45%
    Tasting note: Rampur began distilling in 2004 debuting their first single malt in 2016. This latest offering sees forty eight stand-out American oak casks transferred to PX sherry butts for a special finishing. The resulting sherry- drenched malt smells of dates, dried apricots and sultanas with a touch of citrus peel. It's medium sweet with good body and a slightly broad mouthfeel, lifted by ginger snaps, raisin spice cake and cinnamon warmth at the finish. Beautifully presented in a corded cloth bag. Non-chill filtered at 45% Alc./Vol.

    Other reviews... Blender Anup Barik follows up his No. 5 whisky of our Top 20 of 2017 by deploying a Pedro Ximénez sherry-butt finish to the same winning formula. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, tiffin, honeydew, cherry, cinnamon, nutmeg, and hints of vanilla. A mouth-clinging concoction of swirling honeys and caramel, kumquat, redcurrant, banoffee pie, chocolate ganache, and cinnamon, with emerging pepper and clove, highlighting the blender’s enhancement of flavor by the finishing vessel.
    91 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Winter 2018)

    A real shame this. It is obvious that the underlying malt is very attractive... Indian distilleries have to learn, like some in Scotland and Ireland refuse to, that using Spanish oak can be a very dangerous game. 86 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

    Notes from the producers... Nose: A flare of sweet spiced aroma evoking the nostalgic notes of toffee, dried fruits and cinnamon; a dash of creamy vanilla and rain forest honey follows. Palate: Rich sweet caramel twirled with layers of spices entices the taste buds to detect winey texture & mouth feel. Finish: Long finish with dried fruits; complementing the vanilla & honey after taste.
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Indian Whisky breaks with Tradition.

The present situation we're witnessing in India is in some ways akin to the early Japanese whisky industry. It remains a work in progress, and there are good reasons why it's taken decades to get this far. "You have seen and understand India," a local observed to one visitor who recently toured Amrut. "We need grain to feed people. Whisky is not important and rightly it's not a priority. We use what we have." He was indirectly referring to the vague and permissive laws which historically, saw almost 90% of Indian spirit produced from molasses. Blended malt styles often contained as little as 4% actual malt whisky. Serious producers like Amrut and Paul John are now aiming at export markets with the highest quality products in mind.

Young whiskies that mature fast.

The hot weather makes whisky mature faster in India than it does in Europe or the United States. The fraction lost to evaporation during ageing, known as the angels' share, is also higher in India, at 11–12%, as opposed to Scotland, where the annual evaporative loss is about 2%. Despite the youthful nature of most Indian whisky, a steady stream of awards have been left in their wake.

Buy Indian Whisky Online.

Nicks Wine Merchants have been following the Indian Whisky scene for nearly a decade. We also taste and rate many of the whiskies before you do, meaning we help take the guesswork out of your online purchase. Call us today on 1800 069 295 should you have any questions about our collection. Whiskies can be delivered to most of Australia.