A JOURNEY THROUGH THE WORLD OF WHISKIES,ONE INSIGHT AT A TIME
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Pipers by Chivas Scotch
The meaning of the word ‘Amrut’ literally translates to ‘the ‘Elixir of life’, is the first single malt whisky to be ever produced in India. Battling prejudices and finally managing to convince the experienced Scottish consumer that Indian malt could be on par with their Scottish counterpart, Amrut Whisky has come a long way.
After Dark Whisky is a brand of Indian grain whisky distilled and sold under the Radico Khaitan brand name. It is one of the few brands of Indian whisky that is made up of 100% grain whiskies.
Single malt whiskies are the poison of choice for many a whisky lover, and for many years, Indian whisky lovers were devoid of a domestic single malt whisky brand that was delivering a product that could match up with some of the most established whisky brand around the world.
One of the first experiments with single malt to have been carried out in India, Amrut Distilleries’ MaQintosh Premium Whisky was birthed from Neelakanta Rao Jagdale’s ambition to produce a quality single malt in India.
Taken from the center-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H, Blanton’s Original was once designated for ambassadors, dignitaries, and Colonel Blanton’s family and friends. Today, everyone has access to the world’s first single barrel bourbon. The taste profile is sweet with citrus and oak. A creamy vanilla nose features hints of nuts, caramel, orange and light chocolate. Blanton’s Original set the standard for single barrel bourbons. Best served neat or on the rocks. 46.5% alcohol by volume.
"The Dalmore 12 year old, with its intricate aromas and flavours, is recognised as a whisky with character far beyond its age. This was Andrew Mackenzie’s original masterpiece and stood apart from the norm of the day. At a time when it was standard practise to mature whisky for no more than 6 years, Andrew Mackenzie demonstrated his pioneering character by doubling the maturation period. His boldness truly paid off, The Dalmore 12 year old still stands apart as an exceptional whisky today, as it did then. Matured for an initial nine years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, the spirit is then divided for its final flourish. One half remains in the bourbon barrels, while the other is transferred to exclusive 30 year old Gonzalez Byass Matusalem oloroso sherry butts before they are reunited to create this phenomenal whisky.
Amrut Naarangi is an Indian single malt released by Amrut Distilleries, makers of the first ever single malt whisky created in the country. The word Naarangi is Hindi for ‘Orange’, and it was chosen to indicate the unique process used to finish this expression.
Red Knight is a brand of Indian Blended Malt Scotch whisky, manufactured by the Indian conglomerate Khoday India Limited (KIL) and first launched in 1967. It is produced at the company's Bangalore facility. It is famous for its hourglass-shaped bottled along with the phrase "Red Knight finest blended malt whisky" stamped into the package in bold curved style. Initially, Red Knight was available only in North India. It was launched in the South Indian market in November 2007. Red Knight is also exported to overseas markets of Italy and Canada. The success of Red Knight whisky in North India is mainly because of the introduction of a smoother taste and new captivating packaging. The whisky has been blended afresh, keeping in mind the connoisseur’s taste. This vibrant packaging is also priced just perfect for the discerning whisky lover. The introduction of the new Red Knight whisky marks a turning point in the growth of the IMFL market. The enhanced taste and pricing make it a popular one certainly.
From the house of Tilaknagar Industries, Mansion House is a brand of blended Indian whisky. It is a blend of imported Scotch malts, Indian grain and neutral spirits with a slightly higher malt content than usual Indian whiskies.
This elegant whisky is dedicated to the memory of the last Scottish Prince, Charles Edward Stuart. Known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, he became a legend in his lifetime as the leader of the last great Scottish rebellion against the English. It is appropriate that the Malt Whiskies used in the blend come from the Highlands of Scotland where they have been carefully matured under expert supervision. Brought together by a skilled blender, they contribute towards a blend of which their namesake Prince Charlie would have been proud.
The new Royal Salute 32 Year Old Union of the Crowns, according to Chivas Brothers, is a blend of Scotch single malt and single grain whiskies aged for a minimum of 32 years. The distilleries these whiskies are drawn from are said to include “Longmorn with its creamy texture; the characteristically fruity Glen Keith; the sweetness of Tormore and the richness of Braeval as well as long-since closed distilleries – Lochside and Caperdonich.”
Johnnie Walker Explorer’s Club Collection - The Spice Road is a lively, contemporary blend. It recalls the vibrant colours and heady aromas of the spice markets along the ancient trade routes through Persia, India and China - routes taken by agents of John Walker & Sons as they travelled the globe.
The Rittenhouse Straight Rye whiskey is a non-age-statement straight rye produced in the traditional Pennsylvania or “Monongahela” style. Even though this straight rye has Pennsylvanian roots, it has a low rye mash bill which is a trait of Kentucky whiskeys.
Logan 12 Year Old is a product of White Horse Distillers of Edinburgh, producers of the noted White Horse blend that has been around in one form or another since the 1860s.
Few things are as Irish as Jameson whiskey, which is surprising since the brand was established by John Jameson, a Scotsman himself. It was in 1774 that John Jameson arrived in Dublin, Ireland, and a few years later he was appointed distillery manager at one of the distilleries in the region. He would later inherit the distillery, which belonged to one of his relatives by marriage, and a glorious Irish journey would commence.
Scotch whisky made by ancient recipes from barley malt is distilled at least twice, aged 3 years. Soft and lightweight, an excellent base for cocktails.
An underrated Speyside gem, the Longmorn Distillery has always enjoyed a strong loyalty among the most ardent Scotch whisky lovers. Located in the Moray region of Speyside which is also home to some iconic distilleries like the Strathisla, the Longmorn Distillery is renowned for their quality single malts.
The Jameson Crested is a blended Irish whiskey from the house of Jameson Whiskey, the market leaders among Irish whiskey brands worldwide. It is a triple distilled, no-age-statement blend released to replace the previous Jameson Crested Ten expression.
