Amrut Peated Cask Strength Whisky Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: India, specifically matured in Bangalore, known as the Garden City.
Type: Indian Single Malt Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: The peated malt is sourced from Scotland, suspected to be from Port Ellen. The whisky is matured in oak barrels in Bangalore.
Age Statement: No age statement is provided due to the rapid aging process in India's climate, which significantly affects the longevity of whisky in casks.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is noted to be non-chill filtered and not colored.
Bottle Design: Features a mountain on the label, indicative of its peated character. The review mentions a small bottle, but details about the design are limited.

Balance of Flavors: Dominated by peat, with a subtle balance between dryness and a light sweetness. The peat is described as not intense but dominant.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky has a unique curve of peat flavor that builds up, becoming more intense over time. It also has a light spiciness and a dry mouthfeel.
Comparison: It's less peaty than Laphroaig and Lagavulin but more so than Bowmore. The flavor profile is described as subtle, with a longer-lasting taste.

Production Process: The peated malt is imported from Scotland, while the whisky is distilled and matured in Bangalore, India. The process involves small batches, highlighting its artisanal aspect.
Anecdotes: The host shares a personal visit to Bangalore, describing the city's climate and landscape, which contrasts with the typical lush imagery associated with the term "Garden City."

Geographical Influence: Bangalore's extreme temperatures (37°C/98°F on a normal day) significantly impact the whisky's maturation process, leading to a faster aging cycle.
Cultural Insights: The review touches on the distinction between most Indian whiskies, which are grain-based and made from sugar molasses, and this single malt, which adheres to traditional whisky production methods.

"It smells old. Like leather. Like an old suitcase or like an old armchair."
"Dominant is the word. A dominant peat flavor. It's not intense, but it's dominant."
"This is a subtle peaty whisky."

Amrut Peated Indian Single Malt is a unique whisky from India, with peated malt sourced from Scotland.
It features a dominant yet subtly balanced peat flavor, with notes of old leather, light spiciness, and a dry mouthfeel.
The whisky is matured in Bangalore, where the extreme climate accelerates the aging process, making age statements challenging.
The review includes personal anecdotes and observations from a visit to Bangalore, offering insights into the geographical and cultural context of the whisky's production.
The whisky is described as having a subtle peat profile, making it less intense than some Islay whiskies but still distinctly peated.

Peat Lovers Seeking Subtlety: Ideal for whisky enthusiasts who appreciate peated flavors but are looking for something less intense than traditional Islay offerings.
Adventurous Drinkers: Those interested in exploring whiskies from non-traditional regions with unique production stories.
Warm Climate Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals curious about how extreme temperatures influence the maturation process and flavor profile of whisky.