Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky is set to launch a uniquely fruity and floral whisky – its first ever finished in French Calvados casks. Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish is the fifth release in the Distillery’s Barrel Select Release series of small-batch single malts, which explores the flavours that arise from different cask finishes. Entwining scents of jasmine with baked apples and pears, this rare 12-year-old bottling offers new mellow depths to Glenmorangie’s signature fruity tones.
For 180 years, Glenmorangie’s whisky makers have been endlessly imaginative on their quest to create delicious single malt whiskies for more people to enjoy. Led by acclaimed Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, they craft their delicate, fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow more space for taste and aroma, then age it in the world’s finest casks. Some time ago, Dr Bill became fascinated by the soft, orchard notes of Calvados, which is distilled from apples (and sometimes pears) in France. And he began to wonder how these casks – never used before at Glenmorangie – might further enhance the whisky’s classic, fruity finesse.
Inspired to experiment, he took a whisky which had spent more than 10 years ageing in American white oak bourbon casks, for Glenmorangie’s elegant style. He transferred that whisky into casks which, for 20 years, had held Calvados du Pays d’Auge, from Normandy, in France. After a carefully judged finish, Dr Bill’s creation was ready to share. Soft and delectably rich, Glenmorangie Calvados Cask Finish unites mellow fruits of baked apples and pears with subtle notes of jasmine, narcissus and vanilla.
Dr Bill said, “At Glenmorangie, we are always experimenting with ways to create delicious whiskies. Since Calvados casks have never been used before at Glenmorangie, I was intrigued to see how their elegant, orchard notes would complement our whisky’s award-winning fruity style, with a judicious finish. Glenmorangie Calvados Finish is a wonderful addition to our Barrel Select Release series of small-batch single malts. Entwining scents of baked pears, vanilla and jasmine with tastes of toffee apples, lemon balsam and spice, this rare whisky takes all that is good about Glenmorangie, to richly delicious new heights.”
From Indian whisky connoisseurs to collectors, this limited-edition malt is sure to garner many eyeballs. Glenmorangie Calvados is currently available in Mumbai priced at ₹7,050.
400 Bottles only, Grab it at Hyderabad Airport Duty-Free
Rampur Signature Reserve Single Malt Whisky made history of its own when it the limited release of 400 bottles only sold for Rs. 5 lakhs per bottle. What’s even more surprising is that of the 400 bottles release, only two remain, which can be bought at the Hyderabad Airport Duty Free. The spirit comes from the distillery which produces the oldest single malt in the country.
In commemoration of Rampur Distillery’s 75th anniversary, Radico Khaitan introduced a super luxury variant of Rampur Indian single malt whisky to the international market. The Rampur Signature Reserve Single Malt is aged in American Standard Oak Barrels with handpicked four distinct casks by the master blender, which are then transferred to specially chosen PX Sherry Butts from Jerez, Spain, for the final maturation phase. Radico feels that it is this dedication to precision and excellence sets Rampur Signature Reserve apart as an exceptional expression of Indian whisky artistry.
Each bottle in this limited-edition collection is individually numbered and carries the signatures of Dr. Lalit Khaitan, Chairman, and the Rampur Master Maker, adding a personal touch to its exclusivity.
But if you aren’t able to grab a bottle of this ultra-exclusive offering, then fear not, the Rampur’s Indian Single Malt Whisky collection offers a diverse price range to suit every enthusiast. Beginning with the Rampur Select at Rs 14,000 per bottle in 2016, it includes the now sold-out PX Sherry variant at Rs 12,000 per bottle and the approachable Rampur Double Caskat Rs 8,500 per bottle in 2018. Leading the range is the prestigious Signature Reserve priced at Rs 5,00,000 per bottle, launched in 2018. Accompanying it is the Rampur Asava priced at Rs 10,000 per bottle since 2019.
Travel Retail exclusive, Rampur Trigun at Rs 17,000 per bottle and the Rampur Jugalbandhi series starting at Rs 40,000 per bottle.
Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director of Radico Khaitan, expressed his excitement about this milestone, stating, “We are thrilled to announce that the last two bottles of Rampur Signature Reserve, out of the 400 bottles produced, are available exclusively at Hyderabad duty-free. This represents not just a whisky, but a legacy of Indian craftsmanship and heritage, inviting enthusiasts, collectors, and travellers to experience the unmatched quality of Radico Khaitan’s offerings.”
In addition to the Rampur Signature Reserve, other spirits like the Rampur Asava Indian Single Malt Whisky, the rich and complex Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky, the acclaimed Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin and Gold edition, and the regal Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection Whisky are also available at Hyderabad duty-free.
• 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.
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
Jim Murray, Whisky Writer, Critic & Author of The Whiskey Bible
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.”
Future plans and projections
Raju Vazirani, Head of Business Development & Adviser
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.
Amrut Team L-R (Mr. Gurmeet S. Johal, MD – GD Group – Mr. Ashok Chokalingam, Master Distiller of Amrut Distilleries, Mr. Rakshit Jagdale, MD, Amrut Distilleries and Mr V. Ravindran, Head of Marketing, Amrut Distilleries
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.”
