Tag Archives: Indian Single Malt

The Indian Single Malt Whisky Landscape

Indian Whiskies are experiencing a new high. With a growing drinking population the Indian alcobev industry is likely to boom to a new high.

In recent years, a formidable challenger has emerged from an unexpected corner of the world – Indian single malts. With their unique character and exceptional quality, Indian single malts have proven that they are more than capable of matching their Scottish counterparts.

One of the key factors that differentiate Indian single malts from their Scottish counterparts is the influence of terroir. India’s tropical climate, with its soaring temperatures and high humidity, creates a whisky maturation process unlike any other. The angel’s share – the amount of whisky lost to evaporation – is significantly higher in India, resulting in an accelerated aging process and intensifying the flavours within a shorter timeframe. This unique maturation process infuses Indian single malts with bold, robust flavours that tantalise the taste buds.

Amrut’s recognition placed India on the global whisky map, but Mohan Meakin pioneered Indian single malt whisky back in 1858, long before Amrut.

While Indri Diwali Edition’s win is celebrated in India, the perception differs internationally. Even though India strives for quality whisky production, global recognition is a work in progress. 

 Unlike established producers like Japan, India’s whisky prominence is relatively recent – the industry is shifting from the traditional older consumer to younger audiences, by diversifying consumption methods through cocktails.

More distilleries venturing into malt whisky production – Amrut, Paul John, Rampur, and newcomers like Piccadily aim for global market penetration amid rising Scotch whisky imports.

Indian single malts proudly celebrate the country’s rich heritage while incorporating modern techniques and influences. Distilleries often draw inspiration from local ingredients, spices, and cultural traditions to create whiskies that are uniquely Indian. From the use of Indian barley to the incorporation of regional flavours like cardamom, cloves, and saffron, these whiskies encapsulate the essence of India, offering a sensory experience that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

The meteoric rise of Indian single malts has not gone unnoticed in the whisky world. They have garnered numerous awards and accolades, winning over skeptics and enthusiasts alike. The recognition from renowned whisky experts and critics has solidified the position of Indian single malts as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. As more people discover the quality and complexity of these whiskies, their popularity continues to soar.

The emergence of Indian single malts has undoubtedly shaken the foundations of the whisky industry, challenging the long-standing dominance of Scotch whisky. With their distinct character, unique maturation process, and unwavering commitment to quality, Indian single malts have proven that excellence in whisky knows no geographical boundaries. As whisky enthusiasts and collectors seek out new and exciting expressions, Indian single malts stand ready to captivate their palates and leave an indelible mark on the world of whisky.

Despite the hype about the magnitude of Indian whisky compared to Scotch, actual consumption statistics show no drastic increase. However, global recognition for quality Indian whiskies has notably risen.

The bulk of India’s whisky market comprises blended and daily drinking whiskies, not just the premium single malts like Amrut/Paul John – underscores the  dominance of everyday brands like Signature and McDowell’s. The knowledge and information of seasoned whisky enthusiasts have expanded significantly over the past five years, and they demand whiskies that are:  high-quality; limited editions; priced conveniently available in a broader market.

Newer or curious consumers are gradually transitioning from lower-end to mid-segment whiskies, amplifying affordability in the ₹1500-₹2000 range.

While single malts garner recognition and elevate the industry’s stature, the substantial demand driving the industry’s profit lies within these affordable mid-tier whiskies. 

Amrut’s pioneering strategy of launching single malts in the UK, rather than India, set a precedent for others like Paul John and Rampur. The idea was to create international demand that would pique curiosity domestically, a strategy that continues to shape the market.

The entry of big players like Diageo and Beam Suntory into India reflects the strategic shift to safeguard their market shares. Diageo’s move from importing Scotch to producing locally aims to counter the rising curiosity for Indian whiskies among consumers, particularly when price points are comparable.

Comparing Indian single malts with global counterparts – blind tastings often unveil the impressive quality of Indian whiskies.

Market acceptance remains a challenge due to the stronghold of brands like Johnny Walker and Chivas, deeply entrenched in the Indian consumer psyche.

Quality control emerges as a critical concern. Despite norms borrowed from the Scotch Whisky Association, the lack of a regulatory authority poses challenges. Looking ahead to 2024, manufacturers must grapple with the realities of production complexities and retaining skilled personnel. The absence of a consistent master blender/distiller in India points to the challenges of replicating Scotch whisky’s intricate craft.

Production transparency, along with quality control, demands attention, emphasising the need for a regulatory body to standardise practices. This prevents the replication of the Japanese whisky industry’s pitfalls, where lack of oversight led to a decline in repute.

International market alignment is crucial, but Indian single malt production capabilities are still dwarfed by Scotland. Expansion plans by major players like Amrut, Paul John, and Rampur indicate the industry’s growth trajectory.

The Future of Whisky Production  

Accelerated maturation in India for quicker whisky development:  The high Angel’s Share poses challenges due to significant evaporation losses. To counter this, distilleries are employing sophisticated warehouse management techniques to minimise losses and maximise output.       

Exploration of alternate sources for key ingredients: Distillers are seeking sustainable and efficient means to procure essential elements for whisky production and exploring new avenues beyond traditional sources.

While currently in its nascent stages in India, there’s a growing emphasis on data-driven processes and automation. Techniques like employing spectrometers to analyse whisky flavours and aromas are being explored to ensure consistency and quality.

Manufacturers are associating with clubs and creating limited editions for various festivals like Diwali or Christmas. Brands are diversifying their offerings, aiming to capture consumer interest with specialised releases tied to zodiac signs, festivals, or master distiller editions.

Expansion into different spirit categories: This may redefine the industry landscape and provide diverse options for consumers beyond traditional whisky offerings. The future might also see a more adventurous consumer base exploring a wide array of whisky variants.

Pernod Ricard India Launches Longitude 77, a New Indian Single Malt

Pernod Ricard India has entered the Indian Single Malt category with the introduction of Longitude 77, marking three decades of the company’s presence in India. The move reflects the increasing popularity of premium Indian spirits, with Longitude 77 aiming to pay homage to India’s rich heritage, craftsmanship, culture, landscape, and terroir.

Named after the line of longitude that runs through the length of India at 77° East, the brand seeks to symbolize India’s position on the world map. The launch event was recently held at DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurugram, showcased what was termed a ‘Reimagined India’, which was led by Arjun Rampal. The evening also featured contemporary Indian luxury elements, including a presentation of Indian soundscapes by musician Karsh Kale, a fashion showcase by designer Ashish Soni, and a culinary exploration by Chef Vicky Ratnani.

Produced in small batches in a distillery in Dindori, Nashik, Longitude 77 brings together locally sourced ingredients with a double-matured single malt is aged in American Bourbon barrels and wine casks, presenting a mahogany colour and a flavour profile described as smooth, full-bodied, and balanced, with hints of caramel, vanilla, and faint peat smoke.

The packaging of Longitude 77 features an indigo-coloured matte finish box and bottle, paying homage to the colour that India gave to the world. Both the box and the bottle depict the map of India with the Longitude 77° passing through, symbolizing the essence of the country.

Longitude 77 Bottle and Packaging

Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India, said, “As we celebrate 30 incredible years in India, our commitment to delivering quality brands and experiences gets enhanced with the launch of Longitude 77. Inspired by the line that runs through the heart and soul of India, Longitude 77 is a symbol of authentic contemporary Indian luxury. Our Master Distiller has carefully crafted an exquisite liquid to celebrate and showcase India’s rich culture, heritage, terroir and craftsmanship. We believe that Longitude 77 will give the world a taste of “India Reimagined”. We are confident that this exceptional addition to our portfolio will be embraced by whisky enthusiasts across the world and elevate their convivial experience.”

Longitude 77 Master Distiller, R Natrajan shared, “It is an exciting time for Indian single malts as whisky enthusiasts discover the beauty of home-grown spirits. Longitude 77 is an Indian single malt that’s proud of its provenance, crafted with utmost care and attention. Produced in small batches, it seeks to represent the best of India’s rich terroir and local ingredients. The liquid has been double matured and brought to perfection in American Bourbon barrels and wine casks. The result is an exquisite, full bodied single malt with notes of caramel, vanilla, and subtle peat smoke. Longitude 77 is more than just a single malt; it is our homage to the enchanting spirit of India.” 

The launch event also had a sipping experience of the whisky, featuring serves celebrating unique Indian ingredients with Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Currently the malt is available in selected regions, including Goa, Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi Duty Free, the brand aims to expand its presence in other markets, targeting a premium convivial experience for Indian whisky drinkers.

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

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.

Indri – The Indian Single Malt

Indri – Trini is the first Single Malt expression to be launched from the house of Piccadily, which will be available to select customers in India, the US and Europe by Christmas this year. Trini has been created by its Master Blender, Mr Surrinder Kumar, who has a rich experience of more than 40 years in the Single Malt Industry. This malt manufacturing powerhouse is also set to bring to us soon some new variants of the exotic Indian Single Malt ‘Indri’.

Indri: A Taste through the Five Senses

Indri is a single malt whisky that is aptly named after the area in which it is situated. It is also synonymous with ‘Indriya’ or the five Indris responsible for Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight, Sound. Indri professes to pleasantly evoke all your five senses and make you enjoy the smooth golden liquid on the palate and the burst of flavours that soon follow. Indri – Trini is the first Indian whisky to be launched using the three-wood expression, ex-bourbon, ex-French wine and PX Sherry casks.

Indri single malt has a tropical good taste and it is not harsh. The name Indri is used very thoughtfully because it reflects the senses used in whisky-making at a distillery. Graeme Bowie, who is the Master Distiller and has 32 years of rich experience in the Scottish Malt Industry.

Flavour Profile of the 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.

Amrut launches Fusion X (ten)

To commemorate and celebrate its Late CMD N R Jagdale legacy

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the brands flagship Single Malt Whisky – the Amrut Fusion, the company launched its ultra-limited-edition Single Malt whisky – the Amrut Fusion X (ten) yesterday. The Fusion X also commemorates the legacy of the their late CMD Neelakanta Rao R Jagdale with the launch timed to celebrate his birthday.

The reason we call it an ultra-limited-edition is due to its availability of only 1010 bottles worldwide. And in India only 60 bottles will be released in Bengaluru at a price of Rs. 15000 per bottle at select retail outlets.

Amrut Fusion X Ceramic Bottle

Amrut Fusion X is a combination an ode to the company’s past and also their vision for the future. The whisky has been created after further maturing Amrut Fusion for a period of 4 years in a Px-Sherry casks, adding a dimension to the whisky unlike ever before, taking the total age of the spirit to nearly 8-9 years. It also comes packaged in a special ceramic bottle that features a sketch of their late CMD, Mr. Jagdale along with number of other important highlighted places on the bottle, that have played a key role in the journey.

The bottle is a culmination of talents from three countries, which includes India, England and Portugal. With the spirit coming from India, the special ceramic bottle has been crafted by Wade from England and the cork is handpicked and shipped from Portugal.

The Fusion X is also the first time that any alcobev product in India has integrated an NFC chip on the bottle that can be scanned using a smart device. Buyers can tap the NFC chip to verify if the bottle has ever been opened before. It also provides detailed information about the whisky and users can provide feedback of the same as well.

Rakshit N Jagdale, Managing Director, Amrut Distilleries said ‘it gives me immense satisfaction to make this special release of Fusion X on his birthday as both a celebration of 10 years of love by consumers around the world and a tribute to his life and legacy.’

The bottle comes in a lush velvet jacket and is surely something worth collecting.