Amrut (whisky)
Amrut is an Indian whisky brand produced by Amrut Distilleries Pvt Ltd. Headquartered in Bangalore, India, the company was established in 1948. Initially involved in other spirits and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), Amrut Distilleries began experimenting with single malt whisky production in the early 1980s, driven by the scarcity of good quality whisky in India and the availability of locally grown barley.
The barley used in Amrut single malt is primarily sourced from Punjab and Rajasthan, and some peated barley is imported from Scotland. The whisky is matured in Bangalore's unique climate, which experiences higher temperatures than Scotland. This accelerated maturation process results in a greater angel's share (evaporation) but also a quicker development of flavors.
Amrut Distilleries launched its single malt whisky internationally in 2004, initially in Glasgow, Scotland. Amrut single malt whisky has gained international recognition and awards for its quality and distinctive character, challenging the traditional dominance of Scotch whisky in the global market.
The Amrut range includes a variety of expressions, including:
- Amrut Single Malt: The flagship expression, unpeated.
- Amrut Fusion: A blend of Indian and Scottish barley, showcasing both unpeated and peated elements.
- Amrut Peated: A heavily peated single malt.
- Amrut Cask Strength: Bottled at natural cask strength.
- Amrut Limited Edition Releases: Various limited releases, often featuring different cask finishes or age statements.
Amrut's success has contributed to the growth of the Indian whisky industry and helped establish India as a producer of quality single malt whisky on the world stage. The brand is known for its innovative approach to whisky making and its commitment to quality ingredients.