Amrut Greedy Angels Chairman's Reserve 12 Year

This note covers the small cask strength sample that accompanied the full bottle. Keep in mind this is the 10-year expression, not the 12-year. The intense climate where the Amrut distillery is located results in a significant annual loss due to evaporation, around 10% compared to the 1-2% seen with scotch whisky. This accelerates the whisky's maturation but limits the possibility of high age statements due to the greater volume lost to evaporation. Therefore, this 10-year-old is, as a friend described it, "exceedingly scarce." This single malt comes in at a daunting 71% ABV. I suspect it's non-chill filtered and retains its natural color. It presents a stunning copper hue. The 50mL sample was divided among five people, and sadly, a small portion of mine spilled, leaving me with approximately 9 mL to evaluate. Here's what I could discern with the limited amount available. The aroma initially hits with a potent wave of alcohol, as expected given the high proof. Once it calms, a very fruity character emerges. Sweetness reminiscent of ripe red fruits and candy. Tropical notes like mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. A subtle citrus hint, similar to lemongrass blended with tangerine. While I'm uncertain about any sherry cask influence, it possessed a character akin to Oloroso sherry, primarily notes of raisins. Caramel and toasted wood are present at the base of the aroma. Upon the first taste, it's quite intense, but the burn is remarkably satisfying. Initially, the flavor is unusual yet somehow familiar, hard to pinpoint. Then, the tropical fruits become apparent: passion fruit, papaya, and mango. Touches of toasted wood, cinnamon, and perhaps nutmeg. Exceptional. The texture is intense upfront, with an oily and mouthwatering sensation. The finish is of medium length, dominated by passion fruit and papaya. This is an outstanding and exceptionally rare whisky, particularly considering it originates from that small cask strength sample. It's rich with exotic fruits and possesses an invigorating burn. This marks my first Amrut, and indeed my first Indian whisky. I fear subsequent experiences may not reach this height. I am profoundly grateful to a friend who kindly shared this dram. Thank you. I only regret not having a larger quantity. A solid 4.5 rating. Cheers

To begin, I want to express immense gratitude to the platform---I asked for this to be included, and it has been added. Thank you to the team. Now, for the review----this pertains to the Greedy Angels 10-year-old, not the 12-year-old, and a small sample at 71% ABV. Personally... I adored this. It's among my favorite drams. It's a fusion of Irish fruity waxiness, akin to a well-aged 25-year-old Cooley, combined with the sophistication of a 30-year-old Highlander or Speysider. You detect a hint of tropical fruits---papayas, guavas, and coconut right at the start. This carries through the palate, culminating in a long finish. This is the first Amrut where I didn't detect cardamom, which is unfortunate, as I enjoy cardamom. It's only 10 years old, but the Bangalore climate, with its year-round 100-degree Fahrenheit temperature, ages this as if it were 30 years old. Not to mention its scarcity----that climate doesn't permit many whiskies to reach double digits; the portion lost to evaporation is simply too great, making it exceptionally rare.