Amrut Single Malt Rye

Rating: 18/23 I've never encountered a single malt rye before. I'm unsure of what to anticipate, but Amrut usually delivers. Nose: Intense. Wood, toasted grain, apple, and orange. Hints of dark chocolate and vanilla. While not the most complex aroma, it's a very pleasing one. Palate: This isn't Amrut's richest offering, but it's certainly rich. Exceptionally smooth as well. I detect rye spice, but it's quite subdued and hidden among the other rich flavors. Abundant candied orange, caramel, malt, and wood emerge. There's a slightly musty, tart sensation (perhaps from the chocolate) that speaks of age, adding depth to the maltiness, reminiscent of Westward. It's not the most intricate dram, but it possesses substantial complexity, it's engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable. Not harsh, yet a pleasant spiciness persists. A subtle vegetal and herbal funk really appeals to me and complements the malt beautifully. Sazerac and Pikesville immediately come to mind for comparison. Sazerac shares a similar orange character and refinement, along with more of that classic rye spice dryness, but it actually has a more mineral sweetness and a bolder character. It's difficult to definitively say which is more complex, but this one is smoother and more balanced. For a mixed drink, Sazerac would be preferable, but this might be better for sipping. I consider them quite comparable. I'd say the richness and smoothness align well with Pikesville, though Pikesville's bourbony notes don't match this. The two are similar in quality, but I favor Pikesville for its wider flavor range. The maltiness introduces a subtle vegetal note that reminds me of Copper Fox Rye. This appears nicely aged. It's somewhat like a 6-12 year old low-rye rye lightly blended with an 18-25 year old scotch. Finish: The musty maltiness lingers the longest, accompanied by some chocolate and dusty wood. It's a pleasant finish, though the palate is definitely superior. The finish persists with a decadent sense of age. Side-by-side, the Copper Fox tastes remarkably young and decidedly less malty. Aside from the faint malt similarity, I'd say they are dissimilar. This is a smoother, richer, more refined rye than Sazerac or Pikesville, in my opinion. Pikeville has a similar core richness, but it comes across as harsher and concludes with a more raw, youthful finish that exhibits less complexity. Much like Old Fitz, this isn't the most captivating for deep analysis, but it's wonderful for relaxed contemplation. It tastes quite mature with a superb decadent character. I don't think it's worth the price, but I'm very pleased to have experienced it and would be highly interested to see it compared with some older WhistlePig releases. When compared to some of those Boss Hogs, this could be a bargain! It does possess some of that Corsair Buck Yeah funky maltiness, although it's hard to determine which is superior from a small sip, especially given their significant differences. I was deliberating between this and Pikesville, but I've concluded this is better. I truly appreciate the mature, rich maltiness presented here. I'm leaning towards this, but the two are surprisingly alike in profile and quality. I'm considering it a 16 to 18. I don't really think it's a 19 because it lacks complexity. I might elevate Pikesville to a 17 and this might be slightly better, but that's all somewhat speculative. I'm leaning towards 17, but could go 19. I'd love to see more malted ryes like this! But not at such exorbitant prices. To compare solely with other Amrut expressions, it's a tough decision between this and the Amrut Single Malt Cask Strength, but I'd give this the edge due to how the finish endures with this decadent age. I also have difficulty choosing between this and the Amrut Madeira, though the Madeira does present some sulfur initially, which might explain why I initially perceived it as young. The Amrut Fusion initially seems weak and young in comparison, but while the youthfulness persists, the peat emerges and imparts a bold character to the Fusion, placing it slightly above this. If I had to rank the Amrut expressions currently (excluding Portonova, which is not available), I would order them something like Kadhambam, Madeira, Peated CS, Fusion, Rye SM, Peated, SM CS, SM. But they are all enjoyable drams. In fact, this is an exceptionally good whiskey, so I'm surprised not to rank it higher. Amrut might be my new favorite distillery. Returning to the rating, I believe I'll settle on a low 18 for this. The best way I can describe it is Pikesville meets Westward meets 21-year-old Speyside scotch. The way it projects age is truly remarkable. The nose, palate, and finish are all delightfully decadent. If this cost less than $100, I would definitely buy a bottle. Unfortunately, it's quite pricey and hard to find. I could acquire two bottles of Pikesville and one of Westward for less than the price of this.

Here's another interesting bonus sample from our group's tour. It's an Indian single malt from Amrut, using rye instead of the usual barley. The only other Amrut I've tried was a small amount of their cask strength Greedy Angels, shared by a friend, and it was excellent. Let's see how this one compares. Bottled at 50% ABV, this non-chill filtered, no-age-statement expression likely boasts a natural, beautiful mahogany color. A strong aroma of minty oak leads, suggesting a robust palate to come. It's very rye-forward, as expected from 100% rye, but also quite fruity, with notes of apples, pears, and a hint of banana. Walnuts, toasted coconut, more oak, and barrel char are present, along with vanilla and caramelized brown sugar. Hints of new and old leather, cocoa powder, and tea, with a notably herbal character. Pink bubblegum emerges from the bottom of the glass, accompanied by a pineapple/mango blend. WOW, a powerfully intense arrival, exceeding expectations for its stated proof. Spicy, peppery oak dominates, followed by rye and warm, buttery rye toast. Strong mint and dill notes are present, with a touch of clove. A mix of nuts, underripe bananas, yellow apples, and pears are detected. More rye and oak return, alongside tropical fruits like papaya, mango, and guava, which add complexity to what might otherwise be a straightforward whisky. However, its sheer power prevents it from being considered simple. A full-bodied mouthfeel that is HOT, oily, mouthwatering, and coating. The finish is medium-long, featuring oak, mint, herbal, and fruity notes. This is my second Amrut, and it's another success. It's too intense for daily drinking, but it's a fantastic choice when you desire something powerful, or to surprise friends expecting a milder spirit. I wouldn't purchase a bottle at $170, but it possesses great character. While not highly complex, its potent flavors compensate for any lack of depth. Rating around 4.25 out of 5. Cheers.

My background with Indian malts is quite limited, with all the ones I've tried being gifts. They are potent with spice and alcohol but deliver well. This is a new, no-age-statement bottling using 5-year-old European rye, aged solely in American oak. It presents at a pleasant 50% ABV with a beautiful reddish-copper hue, slowly forming oily legs before settling. The aroma is arguably the best aspect. It begins with fresh tropical fruit and rye bread, then becomes somewhat floral with a light spearmint note if you inhale deeply. There are minimal barrel influences or heavy alcohol presence from the higher proof, which is remarkable. The taste brings forth the typical rye whisky character: intense, peppery spice, fresh oak, and a significant citrusy sharpness. It's so strong it felt like it stripped all the oils from my tongue, almost aggressively so. The finish is, frankly, overwhelming in a positive way. It continues to sting the mouth and throat until it dissipates naturally, requiring more than a sip of water to overcome. It has a powerful, lasting grip. This is an excellent test to see if your palate has weakened. Are you sure you haven't gone soft? Amrut Rye will certainly reveal it. If you encounter this at a bar, take on the challenge; it's truly worthwhile. My sincere thanks to my friend for helping me recenter and refine my experience. This is a quality spirit. 4.5 stars. Cheers.

While reviewing this on a quiet Wednesday, news of a famous baseball player's passing reached me, casting a slight gloom over this tasting, as I'm a big fan of his team. May this year end soon... Upon nosing, a spicy sweetness emerges, not overpowering. As it settles, the aroma becomes noticeably sweeter, with notes of caramel-covered apples and pears, bananas, apricots, toasted coconut, and brown sugar. Hints of aged leather, dried oak, walnuts, and cocoa powder are present, with a surprising whiff of bubblegum. Spice and fruit with a subtle sweetness, perfectly balanced. An initial spicy kick gradually fades, revealing notes of cracked black pepper, red pepper, chili powder, slightly scorched pumpernickel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Pecans, walnuts, salted peanuts accompany apples and pears, alongside roasted pineapple. These flavors are held within a medium body with some rough edges. Adding a touch of water enhances the sweetness and softens the rough edges, but it also diminishes the character and blurs the distinct flavors. It's better enjoyed neat. The finish is long, warm, and woody, with hints of dill, mint, and a whisper of cola. This spirit leans more towards bourbon than rye. The nose is wonderful, full, and rich, offering a variety of aromas. It's rich enough for occasional sipping. Patience is required for full appreciation, but the reward is worthwhile. Appreciation to the person who shared this sample years ago. Sadly, it took me this long to taste it, and I wish I had sooner. [90/100][Tasted: 9/2/20]

First off, hats off to the team behind this platform. I inquired about adding this yesterday, and it's now available. Excellent customer service! Now, for the review... I'm a big admirer of Amrut. They've significantly advanced and put India on the whiskey map with their exceptional products. Their 10-year-old Greedy Angels remains a personal favorite, as does the Intermediate Sherry. This particular expression is a US-India-Europe collaboration, utilizing American barrels, European rye, and the Indian climate, and it works. It's unconventional, not a typical rye, which might appeal to some more than others, but in my view, it's successful. It's potent, yet possesses a floral elegance quite unlike Amrut's usual style. Amrut is typically a robust, powerful spirit, so this represents a departure. Or so it seems, until the 50% ABV makes its presence known. The nose differs from other ryes, offering a sweeter potency, hinting at a strong bourbon. The taste hits with classic rye flavors, amplified by the Bangalore climate. If rye isn't your preference, look elsewhere. If you prefer a standard old-fashioned rye, this isn't it either, as it deviates from the typical rye profile. However, for the adventurous spirit seeker who appreciates a rye that is both bold (think a specific high-proof rye) and refined (similar to a particular aged rye), this is an excellent choice. It's expensive, so sampling it before committing to a bottle might be wise, in case you find its forward and unconventional nature too much.

It took me only about five minutes from getting home and seeing the package of samples from a friend to pouring this into a glass, such was my eagerness for it. I'm a big admirer of Amrut and rye, so I had high hopes for this. It did not disappoint. It presents a beautiful russet color in the Glencairn, with a scent of polished wood and an underlying note of menthol. After sitting for a while (due to an unfortunate dinner interruption), the mint becomes the primary aroma, with a hint of something floral in the background. It's quite intense on the first taste, but once the palate adjusts, it reveals flavors of nuts and black tea, enveloped in zesty rye spices. The finish is very long and spicy. I would happily keep a bottle of this in my collection, though it is on the pricier side for rye. Thank you, a friend.