Experience the bold and award-winning Amrut Indian Peated Single Malt Whisky Cask Strength, a masterful expression crafted in Bengaluru, India, from barley grown at the foothills of the Himalayas. Bottled at an intense 62.8% ABV, this non-chill filtered single malt delivers an exquisite nose of gristy smoked barley, salted butter, and a peppered bite, opening to a palate that balances youthful, robust maltiness with drier oak and subtle peat smoke derived from peated Scottish barley. The finish is renowned for its sheer delicacy and elegance, as waves of peat give way to hints of soft liquorice and molassed sugar, leaving a bourbony trail that lingers beautifully. Critically acclaimed and celebrated with multiple gold medals, Amrut Peated Cask Strength is a testament to India’s prowess in single malt whisky, offering a vibrant, tropical maturation character found nowhere else in the whisky world.
Process & Profile
Amrut Indian Peated Single Malt Whisky is crafted at Amrut Distilleries, located in Kambipura, India. The distillery sources six-row barley grown in northern India’s Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, renowned for its bold, spicy character and smaller, flavor-rich grains. For this peated variant, a proportion of malted barley is imported from Scotland, already imbued with peat smoke, lending a signature smoky intensity. The whisky undergoes a meticulous production process:
- The Indian and Scottish malts are mashed, fermented, and distilled separately using traditional copper pot stills.
- Fermentation takes over 140 hours, one of the longest in the industry, developing remarkable depth and complexity.
- The spirit is matured in oak casks, with India’s climate accelerating aging—a year of maturation imparts richness comparable to three years in Scotland.
- Bottled at cask strength, it captures the whisky’s essence in its most undiluted, intense form.
Tasting Notes
Experience a rich palate journey with every sip of Amrut Indian Peated Single Malt Whisky Cask Strength:
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Nose: Bold aromas of campfire smoke, charred oak, and hints of tropical fruit, layered with earthy undertones and subtle vanilla.
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Palate: Intense peat smoke harmonizes with spices, dried fruit, and malty sweetness, alongside notes of cocoa and fresh citrus zest.
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Finish: Lingering and robust, with waves of smoldering ash, gentle oak, and a warming, spicy afterglow.
What Makes It Special
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Unique Barley: Made with Indian six-row barley, imparting a spicy, robust character that stands apart from typical two-row barley malts.
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Peated Excellence: Combines Indian and Scottish tradition—imported peated malt brings classic Islay smokiness into an Indian climate for a truly global palate.
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Cask Strength Bottling: Presented at natural cask strength, offering whisky enthusiasts undiluted intensity and a pure tasting experience.
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Accelerated Maturation: India's vibrant climate accelerates the aging process, delivering mature, complex flavors in a younger spirit.
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Pioneering Indian Whisky: Amrut was the first to craft single malt whisky in India, setting new standards for Indian distilling excellence.
How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate the bold flavors and complexity of Amrut Indian Peated Single Malt Whisky Cask Strength:
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Neat: Savor it straight in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate its aromas and experience its full intensity.
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With Water: Add a few drops of water to mellow the powerful high-proof spirit, opening up layers of flavor and subtlety.
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On the Rocks: For a slightly chilled, refreshing take, serve over a large cube of ice—ideal for warmer climates.
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Pairing: Complements rich Indian curries, grilled meats, and aged cheeses, as well as dark chocolate desserts.
Enjoy Amrut Indian Peated Single Malt Whisky Cask Strength as a bold statement in your whisky collection, and discover why India is a rising powerhouse in the world of premium single malts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about Amrut Indian Peated Single Malt Whisky Cask Strength?
Amrut Peated Cask Strength is a high-proof, bold Indian single malt made with peated barley imported from Scotland and bottled at a robust 62.8% ABV. It is non-chill filtered and contains no added color, ensuring a pure and intense whisky experience.
How smoky is this whisky?
The peat level is around 24-28ppm, comparable to the smokiness of Talisker. The smoke profile is clean and fresh, reminiscent of dry cut wood and balanced with notes of citrus and spice.
What are the tasting notes?
On the nose, expect clean smoke, zesty lime, ginger, black pepper, and a touch of maritime saltiness. The palate opens to bold peaty cereal, smouldering charcoal, burnt sugar, and a lingering finish of woodspice and savory smoke.
Where is the barley sourced from?
Although distilled and matured in Bangalore, India, the peated barley is imported from Scotland to achieve its distinct smoky character.
Is this whisky chill filtered or colored?
No, Amrut Peated Cask Strength is bottled without chill filtration or artificial coloring, preserving its natural flavors and texture.
How should this whisky be enjoyed given its high strength?
With an ABV of 62.8%, it is recommended to savor it neat for bold flavors, or add a splash of water to open up more complex aromas and mellow the alcohol bite.
How does it compare to previous batches or other peated whiskies?
The whisky is renowned for its heat, spice, and character, earning high praise from critics. Some whisky enthusiasts note variations between batches, with newer editions possibly lighter than older yellow-batch releases, but it consistently remains a high-quality peated malt.
What awards or recognition has it received?
Amrut Peated Cask Strength has been highly rated in whisky circles, notably receiving a score of 92 points from Jim Murray.
Is it suitable for new whisky drinkers?
Despite its boldness and high ABV, the whisky is praised for being both complex and approachable, making it suitable for adventurous newcomers as well as seasoned peat lovers.
What packaging does it come in?
Recent batches of Amrut Peated Cask Strength are identified by green packaging, while some collectors still seek out the earlier yellow-packaged editions.