Amrut Single Cask Peated Barley Port Pipe

It's Friday, which means it's time for whiskey! I just opened a new bottle tonight and was in the mood for something from Asia. Amrut is from Bangalore, India (yes, whiskey is produced there, not just software code). I really like the color of this malt. It's very autumnal, bronze with almost a red hue. I wonder if color is added or if it's truly a result of the port pipes. Anyway, let's taste this. The nose is incredible! Red fruits, smoky, but not an Islay smoke. Something different. I wonder how they achieved that? There are no peat bogs near Bangalore. The taste - Sweet Christmas! (Yes, I've been binge-watching Luke Cage). This is potent. It definitely needs to be mellowed with some ice or water. There's intense heat and burn, but it's not an ethanol burn. It's more of an Asian pepper burn. Green Cardamom pods. Every Amrut I've ever had has a faint cardamom taste to it. I swear, there must be a cardamom field next to this distillery. I'm going to Bangalore in December for business, and I'm going to make it a personal mission to see if there's a cardamom farm next to this distillery. Anyway, the finish is loooong and hot. Let it breathe for a while, like a good red Cabernet, and add ice. (2009 Single cask 2697, 61% ABV)

Outstanding spirit; you would genuinely believe it hails from the Hebrides. An aroma of brine and white glue is present, with significant peat but minimal smoke. The palate offers spice and malted barley, reminiscent of an unusual beer. The finish is exceptionally long and persistent. I endorse it, much like nearly all Amrut releases.