Whiskey Review: Royal Ranthambore Whisky

Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by Radico Khaitan. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.

I lived in India and had the privilege, on multiple occasions, to extensively travel the country. The northern state of Rajasthan is an incredible jewel in a beautiful, and diverse country. The Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection Whisky produced by Radico Khaitan (India’s largest distillery) derives its name from the Ranthambore National Park located near the city of Sawai in Rajasthan. Ranthambore is most famous for its Bengal tiger population.

So, with my personal affinity for India, and more specifically the north of the country (where I lived), I was intrigued to review a whisky (I will adopt the brand’s preferred Scottish spelling) from the country I love.

Specifics about the actual liquor are limited to this statement, “The blended whisky is crafted with various bespoke blended malt Scotches from different geographical regions, made from 100% malted barley and blended with oak infused Indian Grain Neutral Spirit…”

Of course, the makeup of blended whisky is often opaque. By way of a recent example and detailed in my review of Crown Royal Aged 18 Years Extra Rare Canadian Blended Whisky, that premium product is also an undisclosed blend of what Crown called their “most exceptional whiskies.” So, there isn’t anything Royal Ranthambore is withholding that myriad other brands don’t do as well. I just prefer more detail.