by Amrut Amalgam is a type of single malt whisky that is produced in India.
It is a double cask whisky that combines Indian malt and grain whiskies, resulting in a unique flavor profile that is both fruity and smoky.
The nose of this whisky is a concoction of pears, nectarine, and melon with an integrated sublime peat smoke, while the taste is a fruit punch that transcends to a citrus-peach-melon amalgam punctuated by peat smoke that is so gentle and enticing.
Amrut Amalgam has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique flavor profile and high quality.
It has received positive reviews from whisky enthusiasts around the world, with some even considering it to be one of the best whiskies in the world.
In fact, Jim Murray, a renowned whisky critic, voted Amrut Fusion, another expression of Amrut whisky, as the 3rd Best Whisky in the World in 2010, scoring the malt 97 points in his ‘Whisky Bible’.
Amrut, the distillery that produces Amrut Amalgam, has been making whisky since the 1980s and has gained a reputation for producing high-quality single malt whiskies.
The distillery is located in Bangalore, India, and uses locally sourced ingredients to create their whiskies.
Amrut Amalgam is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation, and is a must-try for any whisky enthusiast looking to explore the world of Indian whisky.
History and Origin of Amrut
Amrut Distilleries Foundation
Amrut Distilleries was founded in 1948 by JN Radhakrishna Jagdale, who had a vision of creating a world-class Indian whisky that could compete with the best whiskies in the world.
The distillery was established in Bangalore, India, and initially produced a range of alcoholic beverages, including brandy, rum, and gin.
It was only in the 1980s that the distillery started producing malt whisky.
Influence of Scottish Techniques
Amrut Distilleries took inspiration from the Scottish whisky-making techniques and used locally available raw materials, such as barley, sugarcane, and molasses, to create a unique Indian single malt whisky.
The name “Amrut” is derived from the Sanskrit word “amrita,” which means “nectar of life” or “elixir of life.”
The distillery’s first single malt whisky was launched in 2004 and was the first Indian single malt whisky to be produced.
The company’s flagship product, Amrut Fusion, was launched in 2009 and is a blend of 75% unpeated Indian barley and 25% peated barley imported from Scotland.
In 2010, Jim Murray, a renowned whisky connoisseur, voted Amrut Fusion as the third-best whisky in the world, scoring the malt 97 points in his “Whisky Bible.”
Today, Amrut Distilleries is a well-established brand that has gained recognition and acclaim worldwide.
The company exports its products to over 40 countries and has won numerous awards for its quality and craftsmanship.
Production Process of Amrut Amalgam
Malt and Peat Selection
Amrut Amalgam is a blended single malt whisky made from a selection of peated and unpeated barley malt.
The malt is sourced from the Punjab and Rajasthan regions in North India, and is carefully selected by the master blender, Surinder Kumar.
The peat used in the production process is also carefully selected to ensure that it imparts the desired flavor profile to the whisky.
Amrut Amalgam Aging and Climate Impact
The aging process for Amrut Amalgam takes place in oak barrels that have previously been used to mature bourbon or sherry.
The whisky is aged in a warehouse in Kambipura, near Bangalore, where it is exposed to the tropical climate.
The high temperatures and humidity accelerate the aging process, resulting in a whisky that is matured in just a few years.
The climate also causes a significant amount of liquid to be lost to evaporation, which is known as the “angel’s share”.
Vatting and Finishing
After the whisky has been aged, it is vatted together to create the final blend.
The master blender, Surinder Kumar, is responsible for ensuring that the different components are balanced to create a whisky with a consistent flavor profile.
The whisky is then finished in sherry casks to add additional complexity and depth of flavor.
Overall, the production process for Amrut Amalgam is a careful and deliberate process that involves the selection of high-quality malt and peat, aging in a unique climate, and careful vatting and finishing.
The result is a whisky that has won numerous awards and is highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts around the world.
Amrut’s Product Range
Amrut Distilleries Private Limited is known for its premium quality Indian whisky.
The company’s product range includes single malt whisky, prestige blended malt whisky, and limited edition and special releases.
Single Malt Whisky
Amrut’s single malt whisky is made from Indian barley and matured in oak casks.
The company uses a combination of ex-bourbon and new American oak casks to create a unique flavor profile.
The flagship product of the company is the Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky, which has won several awards for its quality and taste.
Prestige Blended Malt Whisky
Amrut’s Prestige Blended Malt Whisky is a combination of Indian and Scotch whiskies.
The product is made using a combination of double cask maturation and peated malt.
The result is a rich and complex flavor profile that is highly sought after by whisky enthusiasts.
Limited Editions and Special Releases
Amrut also produces limited edition and special release whiskies.
These products are highly exclusive and are made in small batches.
The limited edition and special release products are highly sought after by collectors and whisky enthusiasts.
Amrut Distilleries Private Limited has established itself as a leading producer of Indian whisky.
The company’s product range includes some of the finest single malts and prestige blended malt whiskies available in the market.
With a focus on quality and innovation, Amrut is set to become a major player in the international whisky market.
Global Reach and Market
Export and International Presence
Amrut Amalgam has become a popular choice among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
The brand has a significant international presence in countries such as the UK, North America, Western Europe, South Africa, Australia, and the Netherlands.
According to search results, in 2022, Amrut Fusion and Amrut Amalgam were the top-selling Indian single malts globally, with sales of 99,000 and 94,000 cases, respectively.
Amrut’s success can be attributed to its unique flavor profile, which is a result of the Indian climate’s impact on the aging process.
The whisky matures much faster in India due to the higher evaporation rate caused by the hot and humid climate.
This results in a more intense and flavorful whisky, which has garnered a lot of attention from whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
Legal and Excise Challenges
Despite its global success, Amrut Amalgam has faced legal and excise challenges in some countries.
For instance, importing and producing whisky in India is subject to strict excise laws, which can make it challenging for Indian whisky brands to export their products.
However, Amrut has managed to overcome these challenges by partnering with local distributors and navigating the legal and regulatory landscape of each country.
Despite these challenges, Amrut Amalgam has managed to establish itself as a global player in the Indian single malt whisky market.
The brand’s unique flavor profile and international recognition have helped it overcome legal and regulatory challenges and gain a loyal following worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price range of Amrut Amalgam in different countries?
The price of Amrut Amalgam can vary depending on the country and the retailer.
In the United States, the price typically ranges from $70 to $100 USD. In the United Kingdom, the price ranges from £70 to £100 GBP.
It is important to note that these prices are subject to change and may vary based on availability and demand.
How does Amrut Amalgam compare to Amrut Fusion in terms of flavor profile?
Amrut Amalgam and Amrut Fusion are both single malt whiskies produced by the Amrut Distilleries.
Amrut Fusion is a combination of Indian and Scottish barley, while Amrut Amalgam is a blend of Indian and Scottish malts.
In terms of flavor profile, Amrut Amalgam is described as having fruity notes of pear, nectarine, and melon with a subtle peat smoke.
Amrut Fusion, on the other hand, has notes of vanilla, honey, and spice with a hint of peat smoke. Both whiskies are highly regarded and have won numerous awards.
What are the tasting notes associated with Amrut Amalgam malt whisky?
The tasting notes for Amrut Amalgam include fruity notes of pear, nectarine, and melon with an integrated peat smoke.
The taste is described as a fruit punch with citrus-peach-melon amalgam punctuated by gentle and enticing peat smoke.
The middle ground is soft and velvety with a tease of black pepper, and the finish is mild and sweet with a hint of soft peat smoke.
Can you describe the smokiness level in Amrut Amalgam?
The smokiness level in Amrut Amalgam is described as gentle and enticing.
The peat smoke is integrated with fruity notes and does not overpower the palate.
It is a subtle addition to the overall flavor profile of the whisky.
How has Amrut Amalgam been rated by whisky critics?
Amrut Amalgam has received high praise from whisky critics. It has been rated 90 points by Whisky Advocate and was named the “Best Indian Single Malt Whisky” at the World Whiskies Awards in 2019.
It has also been awarded a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The whisky has been praised for its unique flavor profile and the skillful blending of Indian and Scottish malts
