It is one of those ironies that the best whiskies produced in India are not available in India. The complexities of getting permissions for each state, distribution challenges, restrictions on alcohol percentages by state for Indian made spirits, and locally acceptable price points are all barriers to bringing quality locally produced whiskies to the locals.

However it is a shame that much of what has made the world of whisky pay attention to Amrut is simply not available in India.

This sample shared by Malt Maniac Krishna Nakula was no exception. Made purely for distribution in Taiwan, the only reason it made it back into the country was as part of the Malt Maniac global independent award tasting competition.

Photo: Whisky Auctioneer

Amrut 5 year (May 2010/Jun 2015) 56.5% Cask No 3823 Olorosso Sherry for Taiwan Bottle 1/600

• Nose – Musty, sweet, very vibrant, the dusty quality is actually what makes it interesting, there are many layers – spices like cinnamon, cloves then sterile notes, pickles, dried currents, some oils, a dash of salt, the ‘khatta‘ quality of tamarind
• Palate – Big thick raisins, spice kick, sugar-coated chillies, marshmellows
• Finish – Sweet liquorice

The beautiful thing about this is the layers, sherry but not too much sherry… there is a brightness to it that contrasts with the heavy rich flavours. Even re-reading through my notes, it doesn’t sound like it should work but it does.

I hope more such Amrut’s wander their way to me.. this is certainly one I would have liked to spend more time enjoying.

Other Amrut’s sampled include:

• Bourbon 62.8% (LMdW)
• Single Malt, Fusion, Peated
• MaQintosh 42.8% aka ‘Party Whisky’
• Spectrum 50%

Other whiskies sampled that evening with Krishna included:

• Undeclared 22 year (8-1990/11-2012) 46% CS No 5162(7?) Sherry Butt, Chieftains Collection 693 Bottles (MM 87)
• Glenlivet 19 year (30 Oct 1995/9 Sep 2015) 58.1% CS No 166951, Sherry Butt, Signatory Vintage Cask Strength Collection 431526 (MM 86)
• Amrut 5 year (5-2010/6-2015) 56.5% CS No 3823 Olorosso Sherry for Taiwan Bottle 1/600 (MM 86)
• Kavalan Solist NAS Sherry Cask S081229026 55.6% 08 Bottle 421/527 (MM 89)
• Benriach 20 year (1994/2014) 54.7% S No 808 Olorosso Sherry Peated OB for Taiwan Bottle 84/678 (MM 84)

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