Amrut Single Malt

Amrut Distillery's origins trace back to 1948, founded by Radhakrishna Rao Jagdale in Kambipura, Bangalore, India. The name Amrut signifies "nectar of the gods" in Sanskrit. The history of whiskey in India has been challenging, marked by inaccuracies in composition, unconventional blending, and being perceived as inferior spirits. Amrut, by launching India's first genuine single malt in 2004, has been instrumental in revitalizing India's whiskey reputation. Amrut utilizes grains from various Indian regions, including those near the Himalayas. Amrut is not a dominant force in the whiskey industry. Amrut Single Malt Whiskey was first introduced globally in Scotland in 2004. Since then, Amrut has been a leader in bringing India to the attention of whiskey enthusiasts. This malt is produced from carefully selected barley from the foothills of the Himalayas and is made in small batches to preserve its natural aroma. It is then aged in oak barrels until it meets Amrut's high standards. Amrut Single Malt is bottled at 46% ABV and has no age statement (NAS). Color: Burnished Gold Amrut Single Malt is the inaugural Indian whiskey I have sampled. I was uncertain of what to anticipate but was pleasantly surprised. The aroma presented strong notes of orange zest, green apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, coffee, toasted pecans, and a subtle hint of banana. The palate was velvety smooth, with notes of toasted oak, almonds, dark chocolate, honeyed oats, subdued spices, maltiness, and some floral undertones. The finish is long and consistent, featuring more notes of honey, oats, dark chocolate, dried red fruits, oak, and a touch of leather.

Rating: 15/23 The most fundamental of Amrut's core offerings. I anticipate this won't be as remarkable as most of the others, but the quality of Amrut's distillate appears to be quite good, suggesting this will still be a solid sipper. Nose: It possesses some of that American Single Malt tartness, along with damp bread, a hint of that Westward funk, sharp tropical fruit, and something slightly savory. Palate: This is full and flavorful with good malt character. It's not bland like BenRiach 10 or Arran 10, so it's a notable improvement. Balcones has a more tart profile that makes it stand out, but it's also less complex. Westward has some added funkiness, which I know is a turn-off for some, but I enjoy it and it's somewhat present here. It doesn't taste very old and there's still a slight bite to it, but I would estimate its age at 12 years. There's a touch of damp cardboard that I don't particularly like, but it's acceptable. There's some coconut richness and a little tropical fruit as well. Finish: The cardboard notes persist, along with a scattering of the other flavors. It's a perfectly adequate finish. This is like Amrut Fusion but less so. The light peat in Fusion compensates for some of the single malt's youth and less-than-stellar complexity. Westward's flavor is also more pronounced. I'd say they both have similar levels of complexity, but with its increased richness and interesting funk, I favor Westward. Still, this is a fine malt whiskey. At one point I was considering a 15 or 16, but now I'm leaning towards 14 or 15, so I'll settle on 15. One thing is certain though: the cask strength version of this is superior (with the appropriate amount of water).

A truly intriguing pour. Distinctive, packed with taste, a wonderful scent, and a beautiful encounter. Its aroma is quite pleasing, with notes of prune peel, vanilla, and alcohol, suggesting it might be younger than 12 years, as it lacks an age statement. It also presents abundant caramel syrup, medicinal herbs, and a very perfumed quality, as if it were over 18 years old. There's a subtle peat that appears briefly before vanishing. The nose is highly complex, very inviting, interesting, almost EXHILARATING. ON THE PALATE, IT'S A DIFFERENT DRAM ALTOGETHER. LIKE INDIAN FOOD, AN INDIAN WHISKY. the nose promises sweetness, and it begins sweet on the palate momentarily before a fiery heat emerges, unlike typical heat; it's like gasoline or kerosene, with bursts of spiciness akin to red chilies, "ají cholo" as we say in Ecuador, and black pepper. It's extremely spicy, ultra hot, and burning (46% abv). The finish is medium, full of spices, like consuming a spoonful of red-hot chili peppers (a great rock band too). Light in body but rich in flavor. It burns intensely but in a pleasing manner (unlike Arran 14). If you chew it, you'll detect something resembling wheat or bread, caramel, and then this incredible spiciness. The evolving flavors in your mouth create a marvelous experience. I wouldn't choose it for a party night; I'd pair it as an opener for Mexican cuisine. Amber in color, non-chill filtered, with a compelling backstory for the brand's name, this is a highly recommended whisky for a change of pace.

My second Indian malt, and I must say I'm impressed with the region. They've mastered the aging process with their warm climate. Poured neat, the nose is a good mix of sweet and spicy. Fruity ginger, bosc pear, fresh malt, and seasoned oak. The palate brings the fruit forward and adds masala, malt sugars, a pinch of pipe tobacco, and zesty barrel notes. It possesses a nice, earthy, rustic quality with rich, full flavor. The finish has a Scotch-like funk, with fading sweet malt, curry, ash, and lightly drying tannins. It's a bit young and bright, but I find it delicious and love the profile. I also appreciate the marketing angle of barley from the Himalayas (hooray for marketing). It's very unique, unlike any Scotch, due to the added spices. I bought this on sale for $35 and now regret not buying more. I'll continue exploring this distillery, as their Fusion is highly rated, and cask strength options are available. India, you've won me over........89/100..... Amrut is worth trying for those considering it.

A robust whisky, crafted from choice Indian Barley cultivated at the base of the Himalayas, matured by the adjacent water and nurtured by ancient, traditional farming methods. It is meticulously mashed and distilled in small batches to retain its natural fragrance, aged in oak barrels under unique tropical conditions, at an elevation of 3000 feet above sea level in Bangalore, India's garden city. This Whisky yields nearly half its volume to the angels during maturation. It begins with a confident, bittersweet profile featuring notes of licorice-bourbon, charred honeycomb, and toffee; its life is rich with additions of barley, oak, and molasses; leading to a long and intense conclusion with hints of oak, sweet dry elements, and a touch of cream toffee. May / December 2017 / May 2018 / January 2021 / August 2022

NOSE: Hay, malty graham cracker, bananas, apricots, apples, toffee, hints of cocoa, melon, and fresh pastries. The aroma of this Amrut Classic Indian Single Malt is simply pleasant. It's fruity, warm, and expressive, reminiscent of well-aged Scotch. PALATE: Hay, malty graham cracker, banana taffy, apricots, apples, toffee, hints of cocoa, melon, and fresh pastries. Almost identical to the aroma, but slightly waxier and with a more old-fashioned candy quality to the fruity notes, yet still just as pleasant. FINISH: Medium -> Hay-like malt, graham cracker, banana, and a soft cocoa pastry note that fades elegantly.