North, south, east or west it doesn't matter which part of the country you call home, being an Indian your love for whisky resonates with us. We know the deep rooted patriotic culture of savouring whisky on every occasion has found you fascinated as a kid, excited as a teenager and joyous as an adult. Hasn't it? If it has then we have exciting news to make your day prideful.
The Indian Single Malt Whisky brand Indri was recently awarded to be the World’s Best Whisky. Stunning, isn't it? Seemingly India has emerged not only as a devoted consumer but also as a distinguished producer of whisky, the transformative influence of its single malts is palpable within the nation's USD 33 billion spirits market. Considering renowned international brands like France's Pernod Ricard's Glenlivet and Britain's Diageo's Talisker are competing with this budding regional brand for shelf space.
Kudos to the brand for giving Global Whisky brands a run for their money!
Well, with its noteworthy achievements extending beyond the recent accolades bestowed upon its previous releases too. Indri has earned a prestigious Silver distinction at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2022. Further solidifying its standing, it clinched the title of Asian Whisky Of The Year at the Dom Roskrow’s New Wizards Awards in the same year. Additionally, the accolade for the Best Indian Single Malt at the World Whiskey Awards in 2022 served as a testament to the exceptional quality of Piccadilly's creations. Impressively, these accolades were garnered within a remarkably short span since the whisky's introduction in late 2021.
Know Indri up-close
The two-year-old Indian single-malt whisky brand was founded by Siddharth Sharma who owns Piccadily Distilleries in Haryana where Indri whiskies are now manufactured.
Established in 1995 along the Grand Trunk Road, a historic route formerly known as the 'Northern Road' dating back to the 3rd Century BCE, linking significant areas in Central Asia to India's bustling trade hubs, the distillery boasts a lineage steeped in antiquity.
Within the confines of this distillery, not only do the exquisite offerings of Indri – the single malt find a home, but also the distinguished Whistler—a blended malt whisky of exceptional character. This luscious elixir results from the harmonious mingle of well-aged malt and grain spirits, maturing gracefully in American oak barrels.
Additionally, according to the official website, each bottle crafted within these venerable walls draws its intricate flavours and opulence from the profound interplay of cultural, terroir, and natural influences within this distinctive locale.
Why should you try this single-malt, if you haven’t yet?
Indri not only serves as the nomenclature for the village but also derives its origin from the Sanskrit term Indris, signifying the encompassing concept of the five senses. The designation Trini pertains to the trio of distinct wooden barrels instrumental in the whisky's maturation process, namely, ex-bourbon, ex-wine, and PX sherry casks.
This luxuriously textured libation exudes a rich, nutty palate accompanied by a full-bodied sensation complemented by subtle spice notes. You can anticipate a symphony of aromas, including oak, vanilla, caramelised pineapple, and black tea, among others, that are testimony to the sensory journey that encapsulates the essence of time-honoured distillery where the whisky is manufactured. This indulgent elixir is ideally savoured either on the rocks or with a judicious addition of water.
3 Single-malt cocktails you must try
The Godfather Cocktail
This one is single-malts version on Gin and Martini, where in the blend of amaretto's sweet and nutty nuances with the smoky and honeyed undertones of single malt whiskey imparts a seamless and delectable character to this libation, rendering it an embodiment of refined taste and sensory pleasure.
Ingredients Required – Amaretto and Single Malt Whisky
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Sin Cyn
Comprising equal measures of single malt, Cynar amaro, and an assertively robust sweet vermouth, this concoction seamlessly transitions from a refined pre-dinner aperitif to a contemplative nightcap, demonstrating its versatile sophistication.
All you have to do to prepare this is combine all the ingredients within a mixing glass generously filled with ice, stir well until it's well chill. Subsequently, carefully strain the concoction into a rocks glass over newly added ice.
Ingredients Required – 1 ounce of single malt, 1 ounce of Cynar, 1 ounce of Carpano Antica Formula vermouth
Royal Balmoral Punch
This celebratory effervescent blend harmoniously melds a premium single malt Scotch with the crisp essence of Granny Smith apple juice and English breakfast tea syrup. The effusion is further elevated with the fizz of sparkling lemonade and culminates in a crescendo of opulence with the addition of Champagne.
Ingredients required — 3 ounces of single-malt whisky, 2 ounces of Granny Smith apple juice, 1 ounce of tea syrup, sparkling lemonade and Champagne.
Ciao, a prideful cheers if you were drinking along!