What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you read the words “single malt whisky”? It would be surprising if you didn’t immediately think of Scotland: Islay, the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, and even Campbeltown. There’s no disputing the appeal and global popularity of single malt Scotch whisky. But it’s not the only type of single malt whisky.
If you’re an American whiskey drinker, you’re probably aware that (even though it’s been made for decades by some distilleries) American single malt whiskey is finally an officially recognized category. That said, there’s another type of single malt whisky that’s seen a spike in popularity in recent years. I’m talking, of course, about Indian single malt whisky.
In my nearly two decades of writing about alcohol (with a strong emphasis on whiskey), I’ve spent a lot of time drinking single malt whisky. I’ve traveled throughout Scotland, spent time in Taiwan (drink Kavalan), imbibed my fair share of American single malt whiskeys, and have had the honor of trying a handful of Indian single malt whiskies.
And I’m here to tell you that if you stick to single malt Scotch or even American single malt whiskey and you haven’t branched out to Indian single malt whisky, you’re absolutely missing out on some noteworthy, flavorful expressions.
What is Indian single malt whisky?
Before we really dive into this type of whisky, it’s essential to start at the beginning. What exactly is Indian single malt whisky? In essence, it’s precisely as it seems. It’s a single malt whisky similar to those made in Scotland, the US, and around the world, from Taiwan to France. Similar to single malt Scotch whisky (and other whiskeys), there are specific rules governing Indian single malt whisky regulated by the Indian Malt Whisky Association.
The whisky must be made entirely from malted barley as its mash bill, with no secondary grains allowed. It also must be produced at a single distillery. This process includes mashing, fermentation, and distillation. Indian single malt whisky can only be distilled using copper pot stills. While it can only be produced with water, malted barley, and yeast, it can have demineralized water and caramel color added. No flavorings or other ingredients are allowed.
Like Taiwanese single malt whisky, Indian single malt whisky is matured for a shorter period than single malt Scotch whisky and American single malt whiskey. This is because the tropical climate where some of the distilleries are located speeds up the aging process.
The barley
If you’re a single malt Scotch whisky drinker, you’re likely aware that this type of whisky is made primarily with 2-row barley. This style is known for its complex, lightly sweet flavor profile. Indian single malt whisky, on the other hand, is most often produced with locally grown six-row barley, as it’s more prevalent in Northern India, where many of the well-known distilleries are located (the southern distilleries transport it from the north). This gives Indian single malt whisky a slightly different, grainy, and lightly spicy flavor profile compared to its Scottish counterpart.
Indian single malt whisky history
While there’s a history of the British distilling whisky as early as the 1800s in India, you might be surprised to learn that Indian single malt whisky is in its proverbial infancy. That’s because, while Amrut Distilleries launched a malted grain whisky back in 1982, its first single malt whisky didn’t launch until 2004.
For those unaware, the first modern single malt whisky was Amrut Indian Single Malt was released by the now well-known Amrut Distillery. While it paved the way for the whiskies to come, it was only distilled because the brand had a surplus of malt whisky that it has previously used only for its blended whiskies.
And while the category has grown over the last twenty years, it remains relatively young. That’s why it’s such an exciting whisky style to get into.
What does it taste like?
Like other single malt whiskies, there’s no set palate for Indian single malt whisky as it varies from distillery to distillery and expression from expression. While they vary, many expressions have a grainy, fruity, tropical flavor profile with notes of vanilla beans, honey, banana, caramelized pineapple, orange peels, and more. Some skew a little spicier and oaky.
Some well-known brands
Now is an ideal time to explore Indian single malt whisky, as there are more options available than ever before. While there are smaller, lesser-known brands, the best choices to start your Indian single malt whisky journey are Paul John, Rampur, Indri, and Amrut.
Bottom line
If you’re a fan of single malt Scotch whisky, American single malt whisky, and any other single malt whisky, it would benefit you to try Indian single malt whisky. Purchase a bottle of Amrut Fusion, Indri Trini, or Paul John Select Cask. Try it on its own, or compare it to your favorite single malt whisky. Either way, broaden your whisky-soaked horizons by trying Indian single malt whisky.
