Tag Archives: Best Indian Single Malt

Amrut launches limited editions Bagheera and Portonova in India

Jim Murray adds zing to whisky tasting event
Plan to up exports to 100 countries from 57

As whisky enthusiasts gathered at The Oberoi, Gurugram, on March 3rd for the Amrut Distilleries’ whisky tasting event featuring Jim Murray, a distinguished whisky writer and critic renowned for his unparallel mastery of the spirit, it was evident that this was no ordinary experience. The event provided a platform for enthusiasts to engage, learn, and connect. The day culminated in the unveiling of Bagheera and Portonova, marking their debut in the Indian market.

Amrut Team L to R: Gurmeet S. Johal, MD – GD Group; Ashok Chokalingam, Master Distiller of Amrut Distilleries; Rakshit Jagdale, MD, Amrut Distilleries and V. Ravindran, Head of Marketing, Amrut Distilleries

*Rakshit N. Jagdale, MD, Amrut Distilleries Private Limited*

New products offerings, same class and elegance

Rakshit N. Jagdale, Managing Director, Amrut Distilleries Private Limited said, “We challenge ourselves at every step to craft new Amrut Malt variants. Take Amrut Portonova, for instance, an un-peated single malt whisky, that undergoes a unique maturation process. Initially aged in a blend of new American oak and ex-bourbon barrels, it is then transferred to once-used port pipes imported from Portugal before returning to ex-bourbon casks.”

The name “Portonova” pays homage to the town of Parangipettai in Tamil Nadu. Jagdale describes its flavour profile as offering an exotic and vibrant experience with notes of raisins, vanilla, cherry liqueur, and spices, maintaining extraordinary smoothness despite its full cask strength. Tasting notes reveal a rich nose with fruity hints, toffee sweetness, tropical spices, coconut, and cracked black pepper, while the palate delights with homemade red berry jam, caramel sweetness, tropical fruits, banana fritters, and a subtle saltiness, leading to an exceptionally long and fruity finish with traces of raspberries and cranberries lingering on the palate.

Commenting on Amrut Bagheera, he said, “This single malt is one to cherish. It exudes a sensory journey that is both complex and rewarding, making it a cherished addition to any whisky enthusiast’s collection.”

Bagheera’s profile boasts vibrant fruity notes, with hints of dried fruits and peach, accompanied by subtle undertones of mild orangey citrus, vanilla, and toffee. Upon nosing, one is greeted with the enticing aroma of salted caramel intertwined with dark chocolate, alongside a medley of fruity notes, possibly dried fruits, with a subtle oak presence and a touch of sandalwood that gradually evolves into a floral bouquet. The taste is a delightful fusion of fruity flavours accented by floral nuances, with a velvety, oily texture. The creamy middle is enhanced by hints of sandalwood and wood phenols, expertly balanced by a gentle peat undertone. The finish is both sweet and dry, leaving a lingering essence of peat.

Limited to 300 bottles allocated for sale in Haryana, Bagheera proves to be a highly sought-after and competitive endeavour, given its status as a truly premium and versatile whisky offering. Jagdale noted, “Since the market release is limited to Haryana and considering their distinctive richness and special status, the MRP for Portonova is approximately ₹15,000, while Bagheera is marked at ₹23,000 per bottle.”

Murray endorses

The tasting event gave an opportunity to whisky lovers to get a peek into the world of Amrut. Murray said, “I’ve known Rakshit [Jagdale] for an extended period. He embodies humility, gentleness, and authenticity, much like his father – a fact I find truly honourable. His expertise is on par with their master distiller and blender, Ashok Chokalingam. Together, they possess an acute understanding of the essence and nuances of their whiskies. I have a genuine appreciation for their creations. While I offered some minor input in guiding their direction, my primary inclination is to assist others naturally. When they released Amrut Fusion, I was thoroughly impressed. It stood out as a pinnacle of quality and innovation. In fact, I ranked it as the third-best whisky I tasted in 2010 due to its exceptional balance. The growing demand for their products prompted them to double their capacity. The recent additions, Bagheera and Portonova, hold immense promise. The dedication of the entire team is apparent in the exceptional quality of their products.”

*Jim Murray at the launch of Amrut Bagheera and Portonova*

Future plans and projections

Talking about future plans, Raju Vaziraney, Head of Business Development & Adviser, said the goal for Amrut is to remain a trusted brand in India and a place to find innovation and freedom. This means further experimentation into the soul of single malt distillation. “We will be taking our products to 100 countries around the world by 2030. Additionally, we have plans to introduce several special edition releases exclusively for the Indian market in the upcoming years. Furthermore, we intend to distribute limited batches of Portonova and Bagheera to regions beyond Haryana, but it’s important to move with the aspirational trend among Indian customers, emphasising the cautious approach in opening new markets without sufficient stock.” Amrut is presently exporting to 57 countries.

*Raju Vazirani, Head of Business Development & Adviser*

Gurmeet S. Johal, MD of GD Group, the official distributor for Amrut, added, “We handle a few states for them in North India, including Punjab, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Haryana. Our belief in Amrut’s quality is solid, and their commendable passion for their products has been a driving force for us. Over the past six to eight months, we’ve been in discussions with Amrut to bring in some of their exported malts, even in small quantities, to ensure that local consumers can savour the best offerings from Amrut. We strategically selected Haryana due to its premier status as a high-end alcohol market and with a duty-free environment.”

Johal elaborated, “After months of discussions and tastings, involving Jim Murray in the process, we finalised Bagheera and Portonova. These limited quantities were brought into the market. Looking ahead, our plan is to introduce one or perhaps two limited editions annually. Importantly, these limited editions will not be repeated. With Amrut currently offering around 45-46 different expressions of single malt, even if we request one or two each year, it will be 20 years before we consider repeating something. I want the market to understand this about Amrut: we are not merely a one or two-expression single malt company like the rest.”

Longitude 77 Whisky Review

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Indian Single Malt whiskies are becoming popular all over the world, known for their great taste and quality. Here we are, bringing you another one that’s sure to impress whisky lovers everywhere, Longitude 77, an Indian Single Malt whisky that has piqued interest in recent months. This offering comes from Seagrams, a Pernod Ricard company, marking Pernod’s inaugural venture into the Indian Single Malt category. This launch is a celebration of the company’s 30-year milestone in India. The Single Malt is priced at ₹5,500 for a 750 ml bottle in Mumbai, with an ABV of 42.8%. It’s important to note that pricing may vary across different states. Currently, it is available in Goa, Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi Duty-Free, with plans to expand further. This venture by Pernod aims to honour India’s rich spirit, historical craftsmanship, and local ingredients.

For enthusiasts’ keen on exploring the burgeoning Indian Single Malt scene, Longitude 77 presents an intriguing option. The name ‘Longitude 77’ draws inspiration from the 77° East longitude line that runs through India, reflecting the country’s global position.

Produced in small batches at the Dindori, Nashik (Maharashtra) distillery, Longitude 77 is noted for its unique taste derived from locally sourced ingredients, some of which boast a GI Tag. A Geographical Indication (GI) tag signifies products with a specific geographical origin, possessing qualities or a reputation stemming from that origin, similar to “Scotch Whisky.” Under the guidance of Master Distiller R. Natarajan, Longitude 77 has been crafted to offer a superior taste and luxury experience, justified by its price point.

Packaging

Before we dive into the tasting, let’s take a moment to look at the packaging. This Indian single malt has been aged for an extra period and has matured twice – first in American Bourbon barrels and then in wine casks. Reflecting its premium nature, the bottle is housed in an indigo-coloured canister. The box itself boasts a matte finish and is adorned with a striking map of India, resembling a postcard stamp at its centre. The design is truly eye-catching, though the brand name could have stood out more. The map, featuring the 77° East longitude line running through India, instantly grabs attention, perhaps even more so than the brand name itself. Inside, the packaging includes a unique layer of paper, setting it apart from typical whisky presentations. The bottle, designed in the classic whisky-malt style, looks sleek and appealing.

Nosing

When it comes to nosing, the first thing you’ll notice is a sweet aroma, thanks to its finishing in wine casks. This sweetness is reminiscent of berries, vanilla, and caramel. Alongside, there’s a subtle hint of smokiness.

Tasting

Upon tasting, the flavours of vanilla and caramel sweetness are immediately evident, accompanied by a pleasant bite, characteristic of this smooth and refined spirit. Following the initial taste, a subtle smokiness lingers on the palate, enhancing the whisky’s complexity. This whisky, free from artificial colours, showcases a harmony of caramel, vanilla, and a gentle peat smoke, with a hint of spice adding to its depth. Its profile closely mirrors that of Bowmore, celebrated for its balanced interplay of sweetness and smokiness.

Conclusion

So, what’s the verdict on Longitude 77 whisky? At ₹5,500 in Mumbai, it might seem a bit on the expensive side, and initially, the price did raise some eyebrows. However, it’s worth noting that it can be found at a lower price in other states.

For those who appreciate a gently smoky and sweet flavour profile, coupled with a smooth drinking experience, Longitude 77 is likely to be a hit. It’s particularly recommended for fans of smoky single malts, such as Bowmore and Tomintoul, who are sure to find something to love in this offering.

Indri Trini bags ‘best Indian Single Malt’ @ World Whiskey Awards

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Indri Trini is making waves in its nascent years. The new Indian Single Malt, from the stables of Piccadily Distilleries launched in 2021, has been rated as the ‘Best Indian Single Malt’ across all categories by the World Whiskey Awards 2022.

In the first round of World Whiskey Awards Indri Trini won the category winner tag of Gold. Paul John’s Mithuna and Nirvana was tagged silver and bronze respectively. In the second round, Indri Trini walked away with the title of ‘Best Indian Single Malt’ from India across all categories irrespective of being single cask, cask strength or age.

Awakens five senses

True to its name Indri Trini, the Single Malt awakens all the five senses – smell, taste, touch, sight and sound. Indri or Indirya in Sanskrit refers to these five senses. Indri is a quaint little village situated in the catchment area of River Yamuna, nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Indri is the place where Piccadily has one of its distilleries, the other two located in Patiala and Bawal.

Indri Trini is truly the new star that the alcobev world is awakening to. Launched recently, its inaugural expression has bagged some of the most prestigious awards globally. Indri has not only got the Indian Single Malt enthusiasts excited, but also has been generating a lot of attention in the international arena.

Indri backed by a mammoth stock of 40,000 barrels with the distillery churning out 12,000 litres of malt spirit every day is all set for the long haul.

The awards have encouraged the distillery to excel. In its debut year, it has also bagged

● Category Winner, No Age statement at World Whiskey Awards 2022 @www.whiskymag.com

● Winner Asian Whisky of the year at Dom Roskrow’s New Wizards Awards 2022 (that is Best whiskey from India/Taiwan/Japan) https://www.newwizards.co.uk/

● Silver, with a 91 score at The International Wine & Spirit Competition 2022

Dom Roskrow, a spirits writer, editor and consultant specialising in whisky, said, “This was one of the most competitive categories in this year’s Awards, with several gold medal winners competing for the title. This, though, was a revelation and joins a growing band of wonderful Indian whiskies. It is matured in ex sherry, ex bourbon and French oak casks so unsurprisingly there’s a lot going on- berry fruits and red peanuts, lemon, grapefruit and tropical notes, all held in place by freshly shaved wood tannins and soft spice.”

Another feather in the cap is the Silver with 91 points at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Tasted by the connoisseurs across the globe such as Ivan Dixon, Dawn Davies MW, Andrea Dionori, Jeremy Stephens and Ludo Ducrocq have all praised Indri stating that it is clean, malty nose with oak sweetness and hints of tropical fruits. They have said it is tannic, yet has delicate mouth feel revealing prunes, figs and dates giving it an earthy finish.

Trini, the Three Wood

Trini – The Three Wood, is curated by the distillery’s master craftsmen. It is distilled using the traditional Indian 6 row barley, matured in selected barrels, and blended carefully to bring out the individual contribution of each wood (first fill bourbon, ex-French wine and PX sherry casks) without overshadowing the original whisky profile. Indri Trini is bottled at 46% ABV and is a non-chill filtered whisky.

Nose: Hints of black tea, caramelised pineapple with a whiff of oak from the barrel comes forward, followed by vanilla and honey from the bourbon oak and traces of spiced tannins from the European oak, finally topped up with vinous raisin and sweet sherry notes. Gentle and mellow on the nose.

Taste: Elegant richness, smooth and warm on the sides of the mouth. Gentle spice and wood characters come through, followed by nutty flavours and hints of burnt pineapple, citrus and raisins.

Finish: A subtle and balanced finish where each flavour compliments one another without dominating. A smooth and long after taste with sweet fruity flavours coming up from the warmth of the throat, lingering long after.

The extreme temperature of the Northern plains helps the malt spirit mature faster inside the barrels, naturally. This also means the angels happily take away their share, leaving behind sweet tropical flavours and rich natural colour. The distillery proudly uses no fossil fuels to generate its power needs.

Piccadily Distilleries growing from strength to strength

Thanks to the vast experience, Piccadily Distilleries have been able to touch one milestone after other. Having started in 1953 as a liquor distribution firm as Kedar Nath & Sons, in 1967 it formally registered as Piccadily. The brand has only grown from strength to strength. In 2008, it became the first Indian company to receive permission to produce alcohol from sugar cane juice and in 2009 it imported oak barrels from the United States and began distilling spirits from cane juice. In 2010, the founders’ envisioned the creation of a distillery on par with those of Scotland. It commissioned Raj Industries to build what would become of the largest malt plants in India.

Importantly, the company embraced in 2018 a new philosophy towards producing premium, high-end spirits that adhere to EU and Scottish standards of production while phasing out the molasses-based whiskeys of the past. In 2020, it launched Whistler blended whiskey and conceived Camikara rum – representing ‘liquid gold’. The following year it launched Indri single malt whiskey and this year it released Camikara rum, India’s first sipping rum.

The malt distillery at Indri, located off the famous Grand Trunk Road (which linked Central Asia to the Indian Sub continent for almost 2500 years) was set up in 2012. The distillery is also home to 6 traditional copper pot stills (designed and made in India) and 40,000 barrels. Today, it is India’s largest independent malt manufacturer and seller of malt spirits. The distillery is rapidly expanding its warehousing capacity to hold another 30,000 barrels. A new visitor center is also under construction and will be open for visitors by the end of the year.