5 budget whiskies that pair well with Indian food

Indian cuisine is counted among the most diverse cuisines in the world. Every region of India has a signature palate; however, we are known globally because of the spiciness of our cuisines. The traditional ways of cooking enhance the spicey flavors and leave a tingle on your tastebuds. Perhaps that’s why it is an acquired taste for most westerners who are used to more bland diets.

But the spicey nature of Indian food comes in quite handy when pairing food with alcohol. The spices enhance the smoothness of the malt and vice versa. A win-win pairing in our opinion. So, today we are sharing five whiskies that pair like a charm with Indian foods.

Imperial Blue Whisky

Imperial Blue is India’s whisky of choice for a reason, and that’s because it gels well with Indian food. Made from a blend of the finest Indian grain spirits, Imperial Blue whisky has a very smooth palate of caramel, lemon juice and sweeteners. It’s short finish and throaty alcohol burn is just the thing you need when guzzling down some spicey paneer tikkas on the side.

Royal Stag Whisky

An iconic Indian whisky brand, Royal Stag is a blend of imported Scotch malts and select Indian grain spirits. The leafy aroma of Royal Stag whisky offers generous hints of fruitiness and smoke. Its pleasant smooth finish means you can spice up your food as much as you like, and the whisky will still keep up with your appetite for more. That’s one reason why the brand has instant recognition among Indian whisky lovers.

Blenders Pride Whisky

Apart from its premium packaging and appeal among drink lovers, another thing that distinguishes Blenders Pride from the crowd in whiskies under Rs. 1000 segment is its quite smooth, very fruity (almost peach cherry-like) goodness. The whisky has an extremely short finish that’s gone after a few seconds. An ideal thing when your tastebuds are enjoying a joyride between a spiced-up Tangdi Kebabs and fruity malt.

Royal Challenge

First introduced in 1980s the Royal Challenge brand has stood the test of time among other Indian whisky brands. While the whisky eventually lost its market leader status to the mighty Royal Stag, the brand is still popular in the country owing to its strong taste and a long, sweet finish. The whisky is best paired with spicey foods that warrant the sweet ending notes of Royal Challenge.

Signature Premium Whisky

The very subtle sweetness and fruity oakiness of Signature Premium Whisky with hints of caramel has made it a darling of Indian food and whisky lovers. The short ending and after taste of caramel softens the alcohol notes and make it an ideal pairing for both veg and non-veg Indian foods.

So, which one’s your favorite? Well, it doesn’t really matter. Whether you prefer the smoothness of an Imperial Blue or are a die-hard fan of fruitiness and smokey flavor of Royal Stag, pairing them with your favorite Indian food is not going to be a problem.

Whisky for the Winter Olympics

Winters can be downright daunting, what with dark gloomy days and freezing temperatures with snow or harsh winds. However if you are planning to stay indoors and enjoy the Winter Olympics, then you should stock up on plenty of lip-smacking food and rich, full-bodied whisky. This is actually the season to enjoy the soothing warmth of whisky. So let’s take a look at some whiskies that will help shake off the crummy winter doldrums and enjoy the games. Single malt scotches, Irish Whiskeys, bourbons, there are a plethora of options, no matter what is the kind of your palate.

Whiskies for Doughnut Day

The Doughnut Day has its origins not at a bakery, but on the muddy, shrapnel-strewn trenches of World War I. The day started as a way to cheer up the soldiers who were risking their very lives in an effort to win the Great War. Away from the battlefield, Doughnut Day became a means of raising awareness about the war and to gather funds for the Salvation Army’s activities at the Front.

High Ultra Lounge

Bangalore is one of those rare places where a casual vacationer ends up being a permanent resident. This is in no small part thanks to the weather, which barely lets you sweat while the rest of the country is burning. The lifting of the ban on pubbing post 11PM is added impetus for the millennial crowd. Besides, dotted with lakes and gardens and incorporating both historical architectures and high rises, Bangalore is easily one of the country’s most picturesque cities.