Indian Whisky

Indian whisky includes some of the top-selling whiskey brands in the world, but it is defined and regulated very differently than American or European-made whisky. In fact, most of the whisky produced in India, which is designated IMFP or “Indian-made foreign liquor,” contains spirit distilled from molasses (essentially rum). Indian whisky may also be flavored or blended with other spirits (often imported Scotch). While most Indian whisky is made in this way, some 100% grain-based whisky is also produced that adheres to international standards, most of it by two distilleries: Amrut Distilleries and John Distilleries (makers of Paul John Single Malt). Whiskies from these distilleries are typically bottled much younger than their European competitors (3 to 5 years old), owing to India’s extremely hot and humid climate which reportedly ages whisky roughly three times faster than in Europe.

Top Indian Whisky Posts:

Tasting Indian Rum and Whisky with Amrut’s Ashok Chokalingam
Paul John Bold Indian Single Malt Whisky
Amrut Spectrum 004 Single Malt Whisky

Review: Amrut Spectrum 004 Single Malt Whisky 2017

By Drew Beard | August 29, 2017 |

In 2004, Amrut Distilleries, based in Bangalore, India, introduced the first single malt whisky made in India to the UK market. Since then, the distillery has released several expressions of single malt all over the world using Indian barley, as well as peated barley sourced from Scotland. Amrut bottles their whisky at a comparatively younger…

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Tasting Report: WhiskyLIVE Washington DC 2017

By Drew Beard | April 11, 2017 |

With so many whiskeys out there to try, from distillers big and small, whiskey festivals can easily be overwhelming. WhiskyLIVE offers a good balance of options, showcasing industry heavy-hitters along with up-and-coming American (and several international) craft distillers. It’s small in comparison to events like WhiskyFest, in both attendance and vendors, so your options are…

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Review: Paul John Brilliance and Edited

By Christopher Null | December 31, 2016 |

In America, Amrut is probably the best known whisky from India. Edit: It’s probably the only whisky from India even serious whisky drinkers have encountered. Paul John is a new introduction to the American market — single malt, made in the traditional Scotch style. Some additional details: Distilled by the warm and tropical beaches of…

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Tasting Report: Whiskies of the World Expo San Francisco 2014

By Christopher Null | May 16, 2014 |

Wet weather didn’t stop the masses from crowding onto the San Francisco Belle this year, a rite of passage for Bay Area whisky lovers attending the annual Whiskies of the World Expo. Lots of great stuff on tap this year, particularly from independent Scotch bottlers. Without further ado… Tasting Report: Whiskies of the World San…

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Tasting Report: Whiskies of the World Expo San Francisco 2012

By Christopher Null | April 19, 2012 |

Kudos to Douglas Smith for putting together this event, easily the best installment of the Whiskies of the World show that I’ve experienced since I started this blog six years ago. Loaded with whiskies you rarely see in the U.S. or even at whisky shows, WotW 2012 also had plenty of long-time favorites on hand…

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Tasting Report: Whiskies of the World Expo San Francisco 2011

By Christopher Null | April 2, 2011 |

The San Francisco Belle was packed but the crowds were manageable at this year’s San Francisco Whiskies of the World event. With much more room to move around than last year’s cramped fest, lots more seating, and plenty of whiskey, guests seemed to be having a great time, myself  included. Who knows what venue will…

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