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BHAKTA Spirits Enters The Indian Whisky Market, Launches Indian Single Malt

  • Beth Squires is a passionate whisk(e)y enthusiast, writer, and serves as the Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. She is also a current mentee on the OurWhisky Foundation's Atonia Programme.
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The BHAKTA 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky. Credit: BHAKTA Spirits
Multi-award-winning BHAKTA Spirits has announced its first foray into the world of Indian whisky. The BHAKTA 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky marks the brand’s first international whisky, and a step into the rapidly growing Indian whisky category. 

The whisky was distilled in copper pot stills from North Indian malted barley grown in Goa before being matured for more than 10 years. This age statement constitutes one of the oldest Indian whiskies ever put to market. 

Near the end of the maturation period, the whisky was transported from India to Vermont, the location of the BHAKTA-GRISWOLD Campus. There, BHAKTA Spirits founder, Raj Peter Bhakta, and Master Blender Peter Lynch, finished the whisky for an additional 131 days in French oak casks that once contained BHAKTA 1982 Armagnac. 

The BHAKTA 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky will retail on BHAKTA’s website for an SRP of $149. 

Tasting Notes 

Bottled at 113.8 proof, the BHAKTA 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky’s tasting notes are as follows (courtesy of brand press release): 

“Aspect: Topaz
Nose: Cardamom and cacao, with fresh sourdough, tropical fruits, and a hint of smoke
Palate: A malty, delicate sweetness gives way to roasted chestnut, toasted oak, and peat smoke, with honeyed floral notes
Finish: Lengthy and bright, with marmalade and a touch of smoke/peat” 

“A Sensory Journey Like No Other” 

Credit: BHAKTA Spirits

Speaking about the whisky, Master Blender Peter Lynch said: “BHAKTA 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky offers a sensory journey like no other. A visual delight in the glass, this topaz-hued single malt shows cardamom, cacao, and tropical fruits on the nose. On the palate, it unfolds with a malty, delicate sweetness showing roasted chestnut, toasted oak, and peat smoke. The finish is long and insanely vibrant. This is whisky you won’t soon forget—and one that has without question won its place in our House of Vintages.”

Raj Peter Bhakta added: “Indian whiskies are virtually unknown to the mainstream of the American whiskey-drinking public. But this is a stunning and sublime example of what Indian whisky can be. India has a tremendously rich distilling tradition—and you’re simply going to get more flavor out of Indian whisky than you’ll get out of a Scotch single malt, which is unsurprising. Consider it like comparing, flavor-wise, fish and chips versus chicken tikka masala.” 

This statement may be controversial to lovers of scotch whisky. So, I guess you will have to sample the BHAKTA 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky and make a judgment for yourself. 

About BHAKTA Spirits 

BHAKTA Spirits was founded by Raj Bhakta, an entrepreneur renowned for establishing WhistlePig Whiskey. Launched in 2019, BHAKTA Spirits aims to bring the ancient craft of Armagnac, a French brandy, to the forefront of modern spirits. Bhakta’s journey began with the acquisition of Château BHAKTA, a historic estate in the Armagnac region, where he discovered casks of vintage brandies dating back to 1868. These treasures became the cornerstone of BHAKTA Spirits’ offerings.

In recent years, the brand has expanded its offerings into bourbon and whiskey, many of which are award-winning. The release of the 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky constitutes yet another step forward for the brand.

Beth Squires

Beth Squires joined Mark Littler Ltd full-time in October 2020 after completing her university degree in English Literature. Since then, she has acquired extensive knowledge about all aspects of whisk(e)y and now holds the position of Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. Beth is passionate about history, industry innovation, marketing, and sustainability. With a special fondness for independently bottled rare scotch, Beth also serves as a whisky bottle investment specialist. Additionally, she is a mentee currently enrolled in the OurWhisky Foundation's Atonia Programme.

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