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One of the most consumed alcoholic drinks worldwide is single-malt whisky. It is a kind of whisky produced at a single distillery, entirely from malted barley. India, which is developing into a significant market for premium whiskies, has seen a sharp increase in the popularity of single malt whisky in recent years.
What is special about single malt whisky?
Malted barley is the only grain used in the production of single malt whisky, which is only distilled at one distillery. As a result, every bottle of single malt whisky has a distinctive flavour character that is unique to the distillery and the batch in which it was made. This is due to the fact that a number of elements, including the type of malted barley used, the water source, the yeast strain, the distillation method, and the ageing process, all have an impact on the flavour of the whisky.
The richness of flavours in single-malt whisky is one of its primary features. It is frequently described as having a full-bodied, rich flavour with hints of fruit, caramel, and vanilla. The distillation and ageing process, which can take several years to complete, is what causes this richness of flavours. A single malt whisky's flavour profile gets more complex and refined the longer it is aged.
The genuineness of single-malt whisky is another crucial quality. It is a true representation of the distillery's distinctive style and craftsmanship because it is manufactured entirely from malted barley and is distilled there. Each bottle of single malt whisky serves as a symbol of the distiller's commitment to tradition and high quality.
Single malt whisky's increasing popularity in India
Single malt whisky is driving demand in one of the world's biggest markets for premium whiskies, which is India. Many foreign companies have recently joined the Indian market, providing customers there with a variety of single-malt whiskies. The rich and sophisticated customers of India are driving a rise in the market for premium whiskies.
The country's shifting cultural landscape is one of the factors influencing the popularity of single malt whisky in India. A new generation of consumers interested in luxury goods and experiences has emerged as both India's economy and middle class have expanded. For this new class of drinkers, single-malt whisky has emerged as a status symbol, representing sophistication and refinement.
The expanding pub and restaurant scene in India is another factor boosting the appeal of single malt whisky here. Indians are becoming more and more accustomed to drinking fine whiskies and other alcoholic beverages as they travel more and more and encounter different cuisines and cultures. Due to this, there is a need for upscale pubs and eateries that provide a variety of single-malt whiskies and other fine spirits.
While single malt whiskies are frequently seen as a luxury item, whisky lovers on a tight budget have a number of accessible options in India.
Here are seven affordable single-malt whisky options for you
1. Amrut Single Malt Whisky
The first and oldest single malt distillery in India is the source of Amrut Single Malt Whiskey. It is prepared from Indian barley and is fermented for at least three years in oak barrels. The outcome is a full-bodied, rich whiskey with flavours of fruit, caramel and vanilla. Amrut Single Malt Whiskey is an affordable alternative for whiskey lovers in India because a bottle costs about Rs 3,500.
2. 12-Year-Old Aberlour
Scottish single malt whisky Aberlour 12-Year-Old is matured for a minimum of 12 years in oak casks. It has an apple, pear, and cinnamon flavour profile that is rich and delicious. The cost of a bottle of Aberlour 12-Year Old in India is approximately Rs 4,500.
3. Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky
Another Indian whisky that has grown in popularity recently is Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky. It is created from Indian barley and is matured for a minimum of four years in American oak barrels. The whisky's flavour profile is deep and nuanced, with hints of wood, vanilla, and honey. Each bottle of Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky costs about Rs 4,000.
4. 10-Year-Old Talisker
Scottish single malt whisky Talisker 10-Year-Old spends a minimum of 10 years maturing in wood barrels. It has a peppery, hot flavour profile with hints of peat, sea salt, and smokiness. The cost of a bottle of Talisker 10-Year Old in India is approximately Rs 4,500.
5. 12-Year-Old Glenfiddich
The traditional single malt whisky from Scotland is Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old. It has a sophisticated and nuanced flavour profile because it spends at least 12 years being matured in oak barrels. The whisky costs about Rs 5,000 per bottle in India and boasts flavours of honey, vanilla and fruit.
6. 12-Year-Old Glenlivet
An additional traditional Scottish single malt whisky is Glenlivet 12 Year Old. It boasts a rich and creamy flavour profile with hints of fruit, honey, and vanilla and is matured for at least 12 years in oak barrels. In India, a bottle of Glenlivet 12-Year Old costs roughly Rs 4,500.
7. 12-Year-Old Bowmore
Scottish single malt whisky Bowmore 12-Year-Old is matured for a minimum of 12 years in oak barrels. It has a salty, smoky, and complex flavour profile with hints of peat and seaweed. In India, a bottle of Bowmore 12-Year Old costs roughly Rs 5,000.
All around the world, single malt whisky is a favourite libation, and India is no exception. While many single-malt whiskies are regarded as luxury goods, whisky lovers in India have access to a number of cheaper options. Each of these seven single malt whiskies comes in a variety of flavour characteristics and costs less than Rs 5,000 a bottle. That said, the final prices often depend on the taxes levied, which differ from state to state, making Goa the cheapest, and Maharashtra the costliest state to buy alcohol in. There is a single malt whisky on this list that is certain to satisfy your palate, whether you favour a fruity and sweet whisky or a smoky and spicy one.
Scotch is another popular type of whisky that is devoured by all whisky lovers. Here are the best scotch whiskies available in India. Whisky sometimes is an acquired taste and it’s okay if you don’t immediately like it as soon as you try it, here are some other high-alcohol percentage drinks for you to try.
Disclaimer: At ZeeZest, we do not promote or endorse drinking habits. We firmly believe in the importance of responsible consumption and awareness. Please remember that drinking alcohol can be injurious to your health. We encourage all our readers to make informed and responsible choices regarding alcohol consumption.