There's nothing quite like a good Scotch whisky, and Indian Scotch is no exception. As one of the world's most popular spirits, Indian Scotch has been crafted for centuries and is now renowned for its complex flavor profile and quality. In this blog post, we'll explore what makes Indian Scotch so unique as well as some of the different types available.
What is Indian Scotch?
Indian Scotch is a type of whisky made from malted barley, water and yeast in India. It is distilled twice in copper pot stills and aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks. Unlike other types of whisky, Indian Scotch is not blended with grain alcohol or other spirits. Instead, it relies solely on malted barley to create its unique flavor profile.
Distilling Process:
The process of making Indian Scotch begins with malting the barley grains. This involves soaking them in water to stimulate germination before drying them with hot air or smoke from burning peat moss (a type of fuel). The germinated grains are then milled into fine grist and mixed with hot water to form a mash which is left to ferment for about two days before being distilled twice in copper pot stills to create a spirit that contains more than 40% ABV (alcohol by volume).
The spirit then goes through the maturation process where it is aged in oak casks for at least three years before bottling. During this time, the spirit will take on many different flavors depending on the type of oak used for the cask.
Types:
There are several types of Indian Scotch available including single malt, blended malt, grain whisky and blended whisky. Single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley whle blended malt whiskies are made from multiple malts such as wheat, rye or corn and then blended together. Grain whiskies are made from unmalted grains while blended whiskies are a combination of both single malt whiskies and grain whiskies.
Flavor Profile:
Indian Scotch has a unique flavor profile that can range from light and fruity to rich, smoky and full-bodied depending on where it was produced and how long it was aged for. Generally speaking, single malt whiskies tend to be more full-bodied than their blended counterparts as they contain more concentrated flavors due to aging in oak casks for longer periods of time. Blended whiskies tend to be lighter due to the addition of grain alcohol during blending which softens the overall flavor profile.
In conclusion, Indian Scotch offers an incredibly diverse range of flavors perfect for any occasion or palate preference which makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for an enjoyable whisky experience! With its complex flavor profile and quality craftsmanship, you'll be sure to enjoy every sip!
Types of Scotch Made in India
Amrut is the first single malt whisky to be made in India. It is manufactured by the Amrut Distilleries and has become internationally renowned for its unique flavor profile. Amrut, which means ‘nectar of life' in Sanskrit, is made with Indian barley and matured in oak casks for three to five years. The whisky was highly praised by Jim Murray who gave it a rating of 82 out of 100. This makes Amrut one of the best-rated whiskies from India and an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a true taste of India.
The Cost of Scotch in India
Amrut Greedy Angels 12 Years Old – Chairman's Reserve is one of the most expensive scotch whiskies in India. This rare and limited edition spirit was created with only about 100 bottles made, making it a highly sought-after whiskey. It is distilled from Indian malts which are matured in oak barrels for a minimum of 12 years. The whisky has an incredibly smooth texture and offers notes of tropical fruit, candy, nuts, vanilla, and caramel on the palate. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality and luxurious whisky experience.
Conclusion
Indian scotch whisky is an increasingly popular choice around the world. With brands like Amrut, Johnnie Walker, and Solan Number One Malt Spirit Whisky, there are a variety of options available to suit every taste preference. Amrut is the firt Indian single malt whisky to be made while Johnnie Walker is a brand of Scotch whisky now owned by Diageo. Solan Number One Malt Spirit Whisky is produced in the Kasauli distilleries, one of India's oldest distilleries at the foothills of the Himalayas. All three brands offer unique flavor profiles and serve as excellent options for those looking for a high-quality whisky experience that captures India's rich culture and heritage.
