Kamet Single Malt Whisky

Kamet is distilled using six-row barley grown in the foothills of the Himalayas and is aged in a mix of ex-bourbon American oak, ex-wine French oak, and ex-sherry Casks (Pedro Ximenez & Oloroso), then bottled at 46% ABV. The nose starts with a blend of sour red berries, chocolate-covered raisins, and charred whole wheat toast, followed by dark roasted coffee beans, then strawberries with balsamic vinegar, lemon poppy seed muffins, and cherries jubilee, transitioning to anise, cardamom, leather, and black tea leaves with a moderate ethanol burn. The taste has a thin to medium body, beginning with a mix of sour red berries, chocolate-covered raisins, and charred whole wheat toast, then a spicy mocha, followed by strawberries covered in powdered sugar with balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, and sour cherries, transitioning to anise, cardamom, saffron, and black tea leaves with a moderate ethanol burn. The finish is medium in length with fresh figs, baked pears, high-percentage dark chocolate, cardamom, and freshly brewed black tea. There's a nice balance of sour citrus and berries with dark chocolate and spices, but it leans a bit too sour and bitter for my preference. This could be really interesting at a higher ABV to enhance the flavors and body, and if the ex-wine French oak was omitted, which seems to push this too much in the sour and bitter flavor direction. However, it's still an enjoyable pour with a great combination of flavors and a delicious finish, and it's priced well at $55. A huge thanks to a friend for the generous sample.

These notes are from a blind tasting (Flaviar Advent Calendar) The scent is really pleasant and quite familiar. I have more experience with Paul John than Amrut when it comes to Indian whiskies, and this reminds me of Paul John. Dried orchard fruits, Banana, Pear, Green Apples, Almonds, Honey, and Vanilla The taste begins with a strong alcohol burn, but once it fades, there are lovely barley sugars, sour fruits, and vanilla. It starts sweet and turns sour, a really cool experience. The finish is medium to long. Mostly the sourness lingers with the almond showing up at the very end. This was a good experience. Honestly, I haven’t tried an Indian whisky I haven’t enjoyed yet. Depending on the price, this is definitely worth purchasing. Best one from the advent calendar so far. I would happily drink this anytime. Overall Grade: B (Good/Very Good)

Found another Indian whisky on sale at TW. I've really started to like this country's single malt. This one is less well-known here (not sure about there) but still delivers. The nose has apple cider and cream, rich malt, dusty books, and the typical wonderful Indian spice rack. It's full and deep without any alcohol burn. The palate is bright and youthful but packed with flavor. Tangy malt and tropical fruits (perhaps kiwi) alongside toasty oak and simmering spices. It's slightly hot but has a crispness to it. Indian malts have a unique finish, much like Islay's do. The fruity malt and spice combined with barrel tannins create a nice, long fade. I prefer this to the PJ whiskies I've had, and it's not far behind Amrut.......87/100

An opulent Indian Single Malt Whisky from Surrinder Kumar in Haryana, India; created using local six-row barley, distilled in custom copper pot stills, and aged in a mix of ex-bourbon casks, French oak ex-wine casks, and ex-Pedro Ximenez & Oloroso casks, bottled at 46% ABV. It begins with an aromatic profile featuring fruit, oak spice, vanilla, caramel, crème brûlée, dried fruits, and nuts. The palate develops with fruity notes of vanilla, nutmeg, cedar, oak, dark chocolate, and stewed figs, prunes, and raisins, leading to a rich, medium-length finish with notes of orange curd and cinnamon. December 2022

This was intriguing… initially, the aroma was of honey and blossoms. Returning to it, I detected vanilla, a touch of oak, and a subtle trace of dark chocolate in the background. The palate was exceptionally smooth. I was quite taken aback by the floral burst on my taste buds. It bore a resemblance to an IPA, yet without any bitterness. Once again, dark chocolate appeared at the conclusion, accompanied by a gentle warmth that persisted longer than anticipated. I would happily drink this on the rocks anytime and would welcome sharing it with acquaintances, as it was my inaugural encounter with a single malt from India.

A friend gave me this bottle to celebrate my double board certification! It's exciting because I've not had much from India! Tried neat. The aroma is almost tart with malt, apple, cherry, chalk, sherry, and honey notes. On the palate, I detect leather, wood, grain, and a slight peatiness. It has an earthy character. The finish is slightly bitter.