Rampur Asava

Review #102 Type: Indian single malt Alcohol content: 45% Details: No age statement, matured in American oak, finished in Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks Tasted after: First tasting Appearance (no score): Auburn in color. When swirled, it leaves a thick trail on the glass, and the legs form slowly. Nose: 14/20 The wine influence is apparent immediately. Grape skins, vinegar, and red currant candies are most prominent. There's also lemon zest, aged wood, and an unidentifiable damp mustiness. Palate: 30/40 A somewhat thin texture, but very bold and sharp. Red wine tannins, oak tannins, black pepper, and tart, unripe plums. Finish: 29/40 Medium length. Begins with abundant cinnamon and a hint of fruit cup syrup; as this unusual combination of flavors fades, it becomes drier with oak tannins that persist to the end. With Water: A few drops of water add some sweet, fresh raspberries to the palate, but the nose and finish remain unchanged. Total: 73/100 Final thoughts: I believe the wine finish unfortunately overshadowed the malt in this expression. I recall enjoying the Rampur Double Cask (review #060) more than this one. Between the two, the distillate's character seems to fare better with the gentler influence of ex-bourbon rather than this very strong red wine. Price: $75 Would recommend: no Would buy: no Scoring Guide: 96-100: Exceptional, divine, a treasure to be savored, 5 stars. 90-95: Nearly perfect, truly special, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to outstanding, almost flawless, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, enjoyable but not amazing, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but flawed, unlikely to repurchase, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid drink, but wouldn't seek it out, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Best for cooking or pouring down the drain, 2.5 stars or less.

A lovely nose with subtle notes of baking spice, red wine, citrus, honey, and malt. It has a thick, substantial feel on the palate, showcasing all the aromas from the nose; the citrus transforms into orange peel. The finish begins with a burst of bitter herbs, then evolves into a slow, warm, extended note of spiced wine.

Pleasant spirit with notes of vanilla, coconuts, honey, Blackcurrants, blackberries, raspberries, black cherries, almonds, fig syrup, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, bananas, papayas, pineapples, and mangoes.

Delicious. I don't typically favor bourbon, but this was wonderful - mildly sweet like honey, medium spice, with grass and light green herbs. The aroma is just right and it pairs well with a nice Indian meal.

A spicy aroma with a clear Indian influence. Notes of cardamom and apricot on the palate, followed by a pleasant lingering finish. Quite well-balanced.

Aroma of raisins, grapes, and dates. Smooth and not sweet. Oak saturated with red fruit. Nougat. A brief finish of young oak.