5 Best Indian Whiskies to Drink Now
Whisky drinker photo credit OurWhisky Foundation and Jo Hanley
Scotland and Ireland have long and ancient traditions of whisky making, and even Japan has been producing whisky since the 1920s. But what about other regions, like India?
India is the world's biggest Scotch whisky-consuming country by volume, dethroning France from the top spot. With a population that is passionate about drinking whisky, they also know a thing or two about making great whisky.
India's distilling history dates back even further than Japan's. Scotch whisky was introduced to India during the British Raj in the 19th century. In fact, in the late 1820s, to cater to the demand for Scotch whisky among British soldiers and officials, the first whisky was produced in India by Edward Abraham Dyer, who is considered a pioneer of Indian brewing.
Kasauli Distillery photo credit Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The oldest distillery in India and the Asian continent, the Kasauli distillery, continues to distill whisky using the original copper pot that was still imported from Scotland in 1820. India has diverse regions like the mountainous Himalayas, abundant fresh spring water, and a climate similar to Scotland's. There are also tropical, hot, and humid regions where grain grows abundantly, making India an ideal country to produce whisky and offering a diverse perspective.
Paul John Indian Single Malt Oloroso Select Cask
One of the most well-known Indian distilleries outside of India, Paul John has become a whisky darling amongst single malt lovers. Goa, India, which is known for its distilleries, is on the southwestern coast; Goa has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather for most of the year. This tropical climate brings a distinct flavor profile to whiskies made in the region. Paul John uses Indian 6-row barley in their mash. Bottled at 96 proof and finished in sherry casks, this whisky offers a whirlwind of stone fruits like pears and apricots with sweet and nutty chocolate, baked pastry flavors, and a long finish of stewed fruit, dark chocolate, and coffee. This single malt whisky is big in flavor but approachable in its profile.
Amrut Single Malt Whiskey
Amrut in Sanskrit language means "nectar of the gods." Another Indian whisky that is quickly gaining popularity amongst global whisky drinkers. This company's history dates back to 1948. Located in Bangalore, the capital and largest city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka which has a tropical climate. Amrut launched their first single malt whisky in Scotland in 2004 and has since gained international acclaim with its collection of single malt whiskies.
Bottled at 92 proof, this non-chill filtered whisky is double distilled in copper pot stills and matured for at least four years. It's important to note that a whisky's age does not necessarily indicate quality. In warmer climates, maturation happens much faster than in climates like Scotland. The angel's share in India is much higher. Amrut also uses Indian 6-row barley in their mash and Himalayan water. The result is a full-bodied, sweet profile with roasted nuts, caramel, and baked bread. The finish is rich, long, and layered with toffee and roasted peanuts.
The Kadamba Indian Single Malt Whisky Sherry Cask
Another award-winning Indian whisky is distilled in North Goa near the historic town of 'Kadamba.' Crafted by the Cheer Group, an Indian luxury spirits conglomerate, this double copper pot distilled whisky is triple cask matured in a blend of bourbon, sherry, and virgin American oak casks. Bottled at 85.6 proof, this expression offers a complex and full-bodied flavor profile with rich baking spices, sweet pastry elegant, and smooth taste, with notes of soft peat, oak, vanilla, and a smoky and spicy finish. A luxurious pour at a reasonable price is an excellent choice for seasoned whisky drinkers.
Godawan 01 Rich And Rounded Single Malt Whisky
This whisky is named after the Great Indian Bustard, which is now endangered. Located in Alwar, Rajasthan, India, the arid climate gives Godawan whisky its "spirit of the desert" moniker. Godawan's Alwar distillery is also known for its water conservation and slow-trickle distillation technique, which uses less water.
Godawan 01, bottled at 92 proof, is aged in ex Pedro Ximénez sherry casks before being finished in second-fill ex-bourbon barrels treated with Indian botanicals. The whisky is incredibly fragrant, with hints of Indian spices and sweet florals. The flavor profile is delicate but does not lack flavor in any way. Candied pecans, biscuits, and cinnamon are easy to find in this whisky, with a long finish of sweet, warm caramel. It is a complex but approachable whisky that is easy to drink and would be welcoming for new Indian whisky drinkers.
Rampur Asava Single Malt Whisky
Rampur Distillery is Radico Khaitan's first and largest distillery, located in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, is the most populated state in India and is known for the Taj Mahal. The area has a subtropical climate with hot summers, cold winters, and a monsoon season.
Rampur Asava is distilled in traditional copper pot stills, the oldest of which the brand claims to be in India. Matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and finished in Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks, a first in whisky history! Aged for a minimum of four years and bottled at 90 proof. This whisky is full of big and bold fruit flavors. Stewed apricots, plum jams, and fresh blackberries cover the palate with hints of sweet tobacco and baking spices. The finish is long and dry, carrying fruit flavors and juicy red wine notes. The texture is velvety and intriguing. Rampur must be added to any Indian whisky list for its unique flavor profiles.
Indian whisky has made a name for itself in the world of spirits, offering unique flavors and styles that showcase the country's rich culture and diverse climates. These five whiskies—Paul John, Amrut, Kadamba, Godawan, and Rampur—bring something different to your glass. Whether you're a whisky pro or just starting to explore India's vibrant whisky scene, the journey will be fun.