Indian whisky is more diverse than many realize, and two bottles capture that contrast perfectly. Amrut is a bold, award-winning single malt with global appeal; Blenders Pride is a smooth, affordable blend beloved in India. If you’re curious about Indian whisky, these two are likely on your radar. But they serve very different purposes.
So, which should you try first? This side-by-side comparison breaks down flavor, price, production, and more to help you choose the right bottle for your taste, budget, or gift list.
Origin and Reputation
Amrut was the whisky that changed everything for India. Launched internationally in 2004, it was the first Indian single malt to win serious acclaim abroad. It debuted not in India, but in Scotland, boldly challenging global perceptions. Since then, Amrut has built a strong reputation among connoisseurs, with critics calling it a world-class malt. Today, it’s widely respected in the U.S., UK, and beyond.
Blenders Pride, on the other hand, is a household name in India. Introduced in 1995, it helped define the premium segment of Indian blended whisky. While it hasn’t won international awards, its cultural relevance and mass appeal are undeniable. It’s smooth, accessible, and widely trusted. A go-to bottle for millions of Indian whisky drinkers.
What’s in the Bottle?
At their core, Amrut and Blenders Pride are built very differently.
Amrut is a true single malt: made from 100% malted barley, distilled in copper pot stills, and matured in oak barrels in Bangalore’s tropical climate. It contains no grain spirit, additives, or coloring. The result is a full-bodied whisky with depth and complexity, typically bottled at 46% ABV and unchill-filtered.
Blenders Pride is a blend of Indian grain spirit and imported scotch malt whisky. It has no age statement, and the focus is on smoothness and approachability. The grain spirit brings lightness, while the scotch adds subtle depth. Unlike many Indian blends, Blenders Pride contains no artificial flavoring. It’s bottled at 42.8% ABV.
One is made for complexity; the other, for easy consistency. That difference starts with what goes into the bottle.
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Amrut vs. Blenders Pride: Tasting Notes
Amrut delivers bold, layered flavor. Expect tropical fruit on the nose (mango, banana, citrus), balanced by honey, oak, and spice. On the palate, it’s rich and malty, with notes of toffee, dried fruit, and warming spice that lingers into a long finish. It’s a whisky made for sipping, with enough character to keep seasoned drinkers intrigued.
Blenders Pride leans mellow and smooth. It opens with gentle aromas of fruit, light wood, and a whisper of smoke. The palate is soft and easygoing, with hints of caramel, vanilla, and light spice. It finishes clean, with just enough oak to leave a pleasant warmth. It’s easy to enjoy neat, but works just as well with soda or in a highball.
Price and Availability
Amrut is priced as a premium single malt and is relatively easy to find in global markets. In the UK, the core 700 ml bottle typically retails for £40 to £50. In the U.S., a 750 ml bottle sells for around $40 to $70, depending on the state and retailer. It’s stocked by most specialty whisky shops and is widely available online.
Blenders Pride is much easier to find in India than abroad. In the UK, it occasionally appears through niche importers at around £30 to £35. In the U.S., it’s harder to come by, though some Indian grocery stores and online retailers list it between $30 and $40. If you’re outside India, you may have to hunt around, but it remains one of the more affordable ways to try Indian whisky.
Who It’s For
Amrut is made for whisky drinkers who enjoy exploring beyond the familiar. If you already like scotch or bourbon and want to try something distinctive and well-made, this is a great place to start. With its rich flavor and strong reputation, Amrut is ideal for sipping neat, gifting, or simply discovering how far Indian whisky has come.
Blenders Pride is designed for casual enjoyment. It’s smooth, versatile, and approachable, perfect for mixed pours, social settings, or those new to whisky. In India, it’s the go-to bottle for parties and celebrations. Abroad, it’s a nostalgic choice for expats or an easy first taste of Indian whisky for curious drinkers.
Amrut vs. Blenders Pride: Which Should You Try First?
Choosing between Amrut and Blenders Pride depends on the kind of whisky experience you’re after.
If you want depth, craftsmanship, and a whisky that competes on the global stage, start with Amrut. It’s bold, distinctive, and well worth the price.
If you’re after something smooth, easygoing, and budget-friendly, Blenders Pride is a solid introduction. It’s not as refined, but it’s drinkable, familiar, and widely loved.
Each represents a different side of Indian whisky: one aspirational, the other approachable. The best answer? Try both, and see just how far Indian whisky has come.
Amrut Expressions To Try
Unlike Blenders Pride, the range of which consists of Blenders Pride and Blenders Pride Reserve Collection, Amrut has a range of whiskies available for you to try. Here are some recommendations:
- Amrut Indian Single Malt – Notes: honey, malt, tropical fruit, gentle spice
- Amrut Fusion – Notes: fruit, oak, soft smoke, pepper
- Amrut Peated Single Malt – Notes: campfire smoke, barley, dried mango
- Amrut Single Malt Cask Strength – Notes: intense malt, toffee, heat, oak
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