04/10/2024
I’m thrilled to announce that I have the distinct honor of hosting two legends of the whisky world: Ashok Chokalingam, Head Distiller at Amrut Distilleries in Bengaluru, and Raj Sabharwal from Glass Revolution. On October 4th and 5th, we’re inviting you to a series of exclusive events that will give both whisky enthusiasts and newcomers a rare, behind-the-scenes look into Amrut Distilleries in Bengaluru and its incredible range of world-class whiskies, rums, and gins.
Amrut Whisky Tasting & Bottle Signing With Ashok Chokalingam, Head Distiller, Amrut Distilleries
https://norfolkwineandspirits.com/event/amrut-whisky-tasting-bottle-signing-with-ashok-chokalingam/
Ticket: Amrut Dinner & Whisky Tasting at Da Vinci Bistro (October 5th, 2024)
https://norfolkwineandspirits.com/shop/ticket-amrut-dinner-whisky-tasting-at-davinci-restaurant-october-5th-2024/
These events are a unique opportunity to meet two icons who have redefined the global spirits scene. Whether you’re looking to deepen your appreciation of fine spirits or simply curious about what makes Amrut so remarkable, this is your chance to experience something truly special.
Join us, and be among the first to explore Amrut’s groundbreaking innovations and taste extraordinary expressions that will captivate your palate. Don’t miss out—this is going to be an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of the world’s most innovative distilleries!
There are countless outstanding whisky distilleries in the world, but one that truly stands out is Amrut Single Malt. Despite winning accolade after accolade, it remains somewhat under the radar — and that’s a good thing for those of us in the know!
Norfolk Wine and Spirits has a special connection with Amrut. In fact, we had the distinction of being the first store in the United States to bring in a single cask of Amrut — the unforgettable Amrut Norfolk Wine & Spirits Single Cask Single Malt (Cask #662), bottled at an impressive 60%. This outstanding whisky was an instant hit. Over the years, this partnership has grown into an incredible program featuring over seven different single casks of Amrut, each one unique and remarkable in its own right.
Raj Sabharwal is the Founding Partner of Glass Revolution Imports. In addition Raj is a WSET Level 3 Certified Spirits Educator, Advanced Whisky Ambassador Tutor and has participated in numerous Spirits judging and speaking engagements around the world. Raj was awarded Icon's of Whisky America's World Whisky Ambassador.
Raj was the first to import Single Malts from India, England, Australia and Czechia. Raj has been credited we being a leader in the World Single Malt category.
A Closer Look at Indian Whisky and Amrut
Six of the top 10 whiskies in the world are Indian, according to the Malt Whisky Yearbook.
India has 113 grain distilleries and an annual grain-based production capacity of 2.6 billion liters (as of 2021).
While there are roughly 30 distilleries producing single malts in India, Amrut leads the pack.
Launched in Scotland in 2004, Amrut established Indian single malts as world-class contenders. Much of its success can be credited to Ashok Chokalingam, who was named “Icon of Whisky” Ambassador of the Year in 2012 and 2016 by Whisky Magazine. With Ashok now serving as Master Distiller, Amrut continues to break boundaries.
Although Amrut may not have been the very first Indian distillery to produce single malts, it has undoubtedly done the most to create and elevate the Indian Single Malt category on the global stage. While other notable names like Paul John, Rampur, Solan, Indri, and Godawan have followed suit with impressive expressions, Amrut remains a pioneering force.
A World of Variety and Innovation
Few distilleries in the world can match the range and creativity that Amrut brings to its whisky-making. From experimenting with different cask finishes to blending malts from diverse origins, Amrut is a hotbed of innovation. They have consistently pushed the envelope, producing whiskies that are not only extraordinary but also groundbreaking in their techniques. Below are just a few examples of how Amrut has redefined whisky-making:
Amrut Spectrum: This one-of-a-kind whisky is matured in a unique cask made from four to five different types of wood (usually American Oak, French Oak, Spanish Oak, and Sherry casks). It’s the world’s first whisky matured in a "multi-wood" cask, a revolutionary concept in whisky-making. Each version of Spectrum offers a mesmerizing balance of flavors, with multiple layers of complexity from the different woods.
Amrut Naarangi: The first whisky in the world to be aged in casks seasoned with both sherry and orange peels. The seasoning process is an intricate three-year affair, which infuses the whisky with a subtle citrus note while maintaining the rich depth from the sherry. This bold innovation showcases Amrut's ability to think outside the box and deliver something completely unique to the whisky world.
Amrut Triparva: The first-ever triple-distilled Indian single malt. Traditionally, whisky from India and Scotland is double-distilled, but Amrut has broken convention with Triparva, offering a smoother and more refined spirit while retaining the distinctive Amrut signature flavors. This is a bold step into uncharted territory for Indian whiskies.
Amrut Fusion: A marriage of Indian and Scottish malts, matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Fusion showcases the best of both worlds — the earthy, rich flavors of Indian barley and the smoky, peaty characteristics of Scottish barley. The result is a whisky that has garnered rave reviews worldwide for its balance, depth, and complexity.
Amrut Intermediate Sherry: This whisky bridges the gap between bourbon and sherry maturation. It is initially matured in bourbon casks before being transferred to sherry casks for a second aging period, and finally returned to bourbon casks to complete its maturation. The result is an extraordinarily complex whisky that offers a harmony of spice, fruit, and oak, making it one of the most sought-after releases.
Amrut Two Continents: A whisky aged across two continents — initially matured in India’s hot, tropical climate before being shipped to Europe for further aging. This dual maturation adds a unique dimension to the whisky, combining the intensity of Indian maturation with the slow, deliberate aging of a cooler European climate.
Amrut Peated Single Malts: In addition to their unpeated whiskies, Amrut has developed a superb range of peated single malts. The Amrut Peated Single Malt uses peat imported from Scotland, and is distilled and matured in India. The result is a smoky, yet tropical, whisky that’s entirely distinct from its Scottish counterparts. Amrut Peated in India takes this a step further, using Indian malt that is peated in India, creating a completely indigenous smoky profile.
Rum Innovations: Amrut has ventured into the world of rum with remarkable creativity. Their Two Indies Rum, a blend of rums from India and the West Indies, offers a rich, tropical flavor profile with a smooth, balanced finish. Unlike most rum producers who focus on a single style, Amrut has crafted an impressive range. From molasses-based rums to those made from jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), and even an agricole-style rum distilled from fresh sugarcane juice, Amrut demonstrates its expertise in creating diverse, high-quality rums. This variety offers rum lovers a chance to explore a wide spectrum of flavors, showcasing Amrut's innovative spirit.
Independent Bottlings: Beyond its renowned range of whiskies, Amrut has ventured into independent bottlings of Indian single malts, further showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian whisky craftsmanship. Their first release, Neidhal, was followed by Kurinji, with the highly anticipated Marudham on the horizon. These single malts, sourced from undisclosed distilleries across India and matured and finished at Amrut, highlight the brand's commitment to exploring and presenting the rich whisky landscapes of India.
The Single Malts of India series reflects the compelling variety and quality of Indian single malts, offering a glimpse into the unique characteristics of different regions, while maintaining Amrut’s signature excellence. This initiative underscores Amrut's dedication to pushing boundaries and elevating Indian whisky on the global stage.
In addition to its own whiskies, Amrut has expanded into independent bottlings of Indian single malts. Their first release, Neidhal, distilled in Tamil Nadu, and matured and finished at Amrut, represents their commitment to showcasing the diverse whisky landscapes of India. Following up on that success is the soon-to-be-released Kurinji, another landmark single malt sourced from mountainous regions.
