Diamonds may be forever, or a girl’s best friend, but they also come in whisky form when it comes to Rampur’s Single Malt whiskies. It’s been called the “Kohinoor of Single Malts” in reference to that famous diamond, but a bottle probably won’t linger on your shelf for quite as long.
But then Rampur specifically has another element at play – the cold. The Uttar Pradesh location of the distillery is at the base of the Himalayan mountain range, and can see wickedly cold temperatures. The vast range adds a complexity to the whiskey that’s not an option for whiskies distilled in more consistent climates.
Rampur Distillery has expanded into Radico Khaitan, a massive spirits manufacturer making “Indian Made Foreign Liquor.” The distillery makes alcohol from molasses, grains and malt barley, and the company releases a variety of spirits under several different brands. The distillery itself is considered eco-friendly, using methods such as an effluent treatment plant, cogeneration plants, and backward integration.
Tasting Notes: Rampur Double Cask
Vital Stats: 90 Proof, 45% ABV, 100% malted barley, Aged in American Bourbon barrels and European Oak Sherry Casks, 750ml, $91. Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Appearance: Ochre with a touch of caramel, very few, evenly spaced legs.
Nose: Crisp pears show up first, then chill slightly into alpine herbs and a sort of piney-ness. A slightly sour note comes in next, morphing into animal musk on the way out.
Palate: Thin and light, very juicy. A strong, fresh peach comes through and grows in fruitiness, but becoming closer to dried fruit, pineapple prominently. Alongside the dried fruit comes some of the intensity of very overripe fruit. A last pop of creamy vanilla bean leads out slowly, bringing back some of the juiciness and leaving a lingering pomelo taste.
