Amrut Distilleries, one of India’s only single malt producers, has released a Madeira cask-finished single malt, reportedly the first of its kind to be produced in India.
This expression is a single malt finished in hand-chosen wine barrels from the Madeira Islands. It’s the latest in a sizable portfolio from the Bangalore distiller, which has been producing single malt whiskies since the 1980s.
As we’ve written in the past, India’s emerging middle class represents a booming whisky market. In fact, the world’s best-selling whisky—which is also the world’s most popular spirit, period—is Officer’s Choice, an Indian blended whisky. It outsells Johnnie Walker, the runner up, by millions of cases per year. Amrut, a distiller of rum and brandy since the mid-20th century, is a decent notch up in quality, and is one of only a couple Indian distillers making true single malts.
“Amrut had really worked their way around to make this bottling with a near perfect balance of aromas,” said Ashok Chokalingam, Amrut Distilleries, in a prepared statement. “We are very delighted with this bottling and the flavours emanating out of this whisky is truly mind boggling. It is a fantastic addition to Amrut stable and yet it is distinctive. We have pretty much produced every style of whisky and pushed the boundaries on maturation techniques that are possible. A few more are now in the pipeline to complete the course.”
Amrut Madeira Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky’s 4800-bottle run is on American shelves now, and looks to be priced at around $150. The distillery’s tasting notes are below:
Style: A fruity affair with signature Amrut characters enveloped around it.
Nose: Almond (perhaps Marzipan) wrapped up in Toffee, Coconut shavings and complemented by Vanilla pods and Golden syrup.
Palate: Almond cake, sweet Orange, Toffee with a fruity tease, velvety. You hesitate to swallow the whisky as the middle ground is so palatable.
Finish: Citrus finish with a hint of Toffee and a refreshing end.
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