This whisky forms part of the core range from the pioneering Indian distillery of Amrut. There are four whiskies in total – 46% ABV versions of Indian (unpeated) and Indian Peated, plus the same two whiskies at their natural cask strength (this one and an Indian Peated Cask Strength). This unpeated bottling has been matured exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels.
Amrut distillery is located in Kumbalgodu, near the city of Bengaluru in the south of India. It was established in 1948, although whisky production did not begin until the mid-1980s. The distillery and brand remains family-owned by Amrut Distillers Ltd. They also make gin, rum and vodka at the distillery. The annual whisky production capacity is around one million litres. Much of the whisky is used in blends for the domestic market in India. The Amrut single malt brand was launched in 2004 and is now exported to over 50 countries.
Amrut use barley grown in northern Indian for whisky production. This is malted in Delhi and Jaipur, then transported to Bengaluru. The distillery uses water from a well located around 15 miles from the distillery. The whisky matures rapidly in the heat and humidity of southern India. The evaporation, or ‘angel’s share’, is around 15% each year. This compares to just 1-2% in the more temperate climates of Ireland and Scotland.
Amrut is one of the true pioneers of Indian whisky. It was the first Indian brand to be exported to Europe, the UK and USA. Amrut did much of the hard work getting into different world markets and it has paved the way for other brands to do likewise. Popular ones include Paul John, Rampur and Indri. The Amrut range of whiskies is multi award-winning and regularly picks up medals in spirits competitions around the world.
The Amrut Indian Cask Strength is bottled at 61.8% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. It is available in selected global markets via specialist whisky and spirits retailers. A bottle should cost around £70.
Our Tasting Notes
This whisky is deep gold in colour and the nose is fresh with aromas of green grass, sweet honey, and a hint of peach and apricot. Then comes green apple, and a slightly cooked vegetal aroma like carrot and globe artochoke. A peppery spiciness and drying sweet spicy woodiness add depth, as does a hint of green melon and some floral honeysuckle.
On the palate this whisky feels bright and citrussy. Notes of tangerine and a hint of lime lead the way, and are quickly joined by further notes of icing sugar, strawberry candyfloss and squidgey pink marshmallow. Then comes toasted coconut, vanilla essence and some hard vanilla toffee. There are also lots of green fruit and an increasingly robust maltiness. This gives earthy and biscuity vibes, which are accentuated by a white pepper heat.
The finish is of decent length and is slightly buttery and sweet to begin. Notes of caramel and butterscotch linger nicely, and are joined by almond and coconut, plus hints of white pepper and apricot jam. the finish becomes hotter and drier with time.
What’s The Verdict?
This Amrut Cask Strength is evidently young, but this gives a positive vibrancy and power. It feels youthful and effervescent. It also fits the ‘Indian profile’ with a rich fruitiness and sweetness, but the high ABV adds warmth and spice. This is one interesting whisky and becomes more buttery and creamy with a dash of water too. The cask strtength nature gives more body and structure, and allows you to lengthen the whisky with water as you choose. we discovered that it can take quite a lot and still hold together nicely.
