If you’re a fan of international whisk(e)y, you probably enjoy single malt Scotch, Irish whiskey, Japanese whisky, and maybe even something from Kavalan in Taiwan. But have you ever tried Indian single malt?
This type of whisky is made the same way as single malt Scotch, pot-distilled and matured in oak barrels. The key difference is that Indian whisky makers use the six-row barley native to the country, as opposed to the two-row barley often used in other varieties. On top of that, due to the tropical climate, Indian single malt whisky is matured for a shorter time (around 4-5 years) than its Scottish counterpart. The result is fruity, sweet, and complex, with a hint of spice at the finish.
While many Indian single malt whiskies are only available in Asia, a recent surge in popularity has led to many brands and expressions being made available in the US. Here are a few of our favorite Indian single malts you can buy right now.
Photo via Piccadily Distilleries
Indri Trini
This Indian single malt whisky is the perfect choice for fans of Ardbeg single malt, since it’s also matured in three woods. Specifically, Indri Trini is aged in ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, ex-bourbon barrels, and red wine casks (similar to Ardbeg Uigeadail with its ex-bourbon and sherry maturation). This highly awarded whisky is priced surprisingly well, and it’s complex and highly memorable. It begins with a nose of oak, tropical fruits, candied orange peels, and vanilla. The palate is a mix of vanilla, honey, dried fruits, cinnamon, orange zest, and oak. The finish is long, sweet, and gently fruity.
Photo via Amrut Distilleries Private Limited
Amrut Fusion
There are few Indian whiskies better known than Amrut Fusion. Seventy-five percent of the malted barley comes from India, while the remainder is peated barley from Scotland. This 100-proof whisky carries no age statement, and is known for its balanced, nuanced flavor. Before your first sip, you’ll be greeted with aromas of caramel apples, honey, citrus peels, and peat smoke. Sipping it reveals notes of vanilla, oak, cocoa powder, toffee, cracked black pepper, and more rich smoke. The finish is a peaty, smoky mix of chocolate, vanilla, and spices.
Photo via Diageo
Godawan Indian Single Malt Series 01
The name might sound a bit generic, though the liquid inside the bottle is anything but. Godawan Indian single malt is made in Rajasthan, from six-row malted barley. The distillation process is a little unique, using a slow-trickle distillation process and maturing in ex-bourbon barrels and sherry casks. Since it’s made in a desert climate, the barrelhouse frequently reaches temperatures above 100° F. Godawan’s first single malt has a nose of toasted vanilla beans, rich oak, clover honey, and gentle spices. The palate is a medley of sticky toffee pudding, vanilla, light baking spices, and just a wisp of smoke. The finish is long, warm, and pleasantly sweet.
Photo via John Distilleries
Paul John Classic Select Cask
If you’re only going to purchase one bottle from this acclaimed distillery, Paul John Classic Select Cask is a great choice. This unpeated single malt is distilled and aged in Goa, at the foot of the Himalayas. This non-chill-filtered, cask-strength whisky is matured in ex-bourbon barrels. The result is a flavorful, balanced spirit that begins with a nose of orchard fruits, vanilla beans, citrus peels, salted caramel, and oak. The palate is centered on notes of vanilla, clover honey, cocoa, cinnamon, cracked black pepper, and oaky wood. The finish is medium in length, warming, and ends with a mix of dried fruits and rich wood.
Photo via Radico Khaitan
Rampur Double Cask
Rampur Double Cask is matured in a combination of European oak ex-sherry and American oak ex-bourbon casks. While it doesn’t have an age statement, this 90-proof, non-chill-filtered single malt whisky has a complex nose of tropical fruits, orchard fruits, cinnamon, vanilla beans, cracked black pepper, and oak. Sipping it neat brings flavors like dried fruits, berries, brown sugar, pipe tobacco, vanilla, and wintry spice. The palate is long, lingering, warm, and pleasantly dry and spicy.
Photo via Peak Spirits
Kamet Indian Single Malt
This brand gets its name from Mount Kamet, the third-tallest peak in the Indian Himalayas. Its single malt is double-distilled using traditional copper pots before being blended by master blender Nancy Fraley. It’s matured in a mixture of ex-bourbon, ex-French wine, and ex-Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. The result is a multi-layered, non-chill-filtered whisky that opens with scents of toffee, vanilla beans, dried fruits, chocolate, and spices. The palate is loaded with notes of oak, toasted vanilla beans, wintry spices, candied orange peels, and chocolate. The finish is warm and memorable.
