#Indian whiskies

[indizombie]

Although many Indian whiskies like Bagpiper, Royal Stag, 100 Pipers, Peter Scot or McDowells may sound Scottish, they're actually "Indian-made foreign liquor" – local spirits usually made from molasses, sometimes blended with actual Scotch, and bottled in India to overcome massive 150 per cent tariffs on imported liquor.

Sunil Badami, ‘India's whisky consumption rises by 200pc in 10 years’, ABC

[piccadilyindia-blog]

Blended Whisky in India

Blended Whisky in India exemplifies the skillful art of combining grains and malts, with prestigious brands like Piccadily and Indri Whisky embodying the country’s rich tapestry of flavors. Aged under the tropical sun, these whiskies develop distinctive notes of spices, fruits, and a touch of local character. As blended whisky continues to win over Indian palates, exploring this category offers a thrilling journey where tradition and innovation seamlessly come together in every satisfying sip.

[indri-whisky]

Indian single malt

Indri-Trini, the remarkable Indian single malt whisky from Piccadily Distillery, has quickly made its mark in the world of premium spirits. Located in the heart of India, Piccadily Distillery harnesses the rich heritage and innovative spirit of Indian whisky-making to create Indri-Trini, a single malt that stands out for its distinctive character and exceptional quality. Indri-Trini is crafted using six-row Indian barley and aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-wine, and PX sherry casks, imparting a complex and layered flavor profile. The tropical climate of India accelerates the maturation process, resulting in a whisky with a remarkable depth of flavor. Each sip of Indri-Trini reveals a symphony of tastes, from rich dried fruits and dark chocolate to warm spices and a hint of smokiness, making it a truly captivating experience for the palate. Piccadily Distillery's dedication to quality and innovation shines through in every bottle, as they expertly blend traditional techniques with modern expertise. For whisky enthusiasts seeking to explore the best of Indian single malts, Indri-Trini from Piccadily Distillery offers an unparalleled journey of taste and craftsmanship, setting a new benchmark for Indian whiskies on the global stage.

[spiritsrituals]

A New High for the Indian Whiskies & Spirits Industry

A few years back, if you were offered an Indian whisky, at anyone`s residence, you may have felt offended, since the basic standard was a single malt or a premium blended whisky. Over the years things have changed quite interestingly & today Indian whiskies are not just being sought after but also being served with pride. Lot of new Brands have entered the mainstream Indian whisky market post the launch of the “First” global Indian whisky, Amrut in Glasgow in 2004.The response to Indian Single Malts has been very encouraging and the acceptance level by consumers across the world has been great.   Specially the malt connoisseurs, who are willing to experiment and try out the new world single malts.  “This augurs well not only for Indian Single Malts but also all new world whiskies. The world has taken notice of what is happening in the whisky world outside of Scotland and keen to support great quality malts that are being produced.  The standard Indian Whiskies (IMFL) continue to grow in traditional markets like Middle East and Africa.  We do hope that UK, EU and Australia will soon lift the non-tariff barriers on Indian Whiskies and give a big boost to exports of Indian Whiskies” avers, Sanjeev Banga, President – International Business Radico Khaitan Ltd.  

India’s whisky Industry has been growing for over a decade, though in the last three years, the rise of Indian whisky brands has brought much recognition to the Indian whisky market. Indri Indian Single Malt Whisky has already bagged prestigious awards like International Spirits Challenge 2022 and is the only Indian Single malt to win a Gold Medal in the World Whisky category Single malt – no age statement category 2022.

According to Thiruvikram Nikam, JMD at Amrut Industries, “In the last few years there has been a constant increase of interest for Indian Whisky. We at Amrut are exceeding the demand expectations which can be considered a good response for Indian Whisky. To add to this, we are present in 55 countries and the response has been very encouraging. India`s huge demographic spread, coupled with exposure to various types of spirits, has led to increase in sales across different segments of spirits. In context to the improvement in sales of premium whiskies, in the last few years we have seen a very active interaction between the brand and consumers thereby increasing brand awareness, quality and so on. Social Media marketing has also played a major role in bringing the consumers to the brands”.  As they say, change is the only permanent thing. In that light, consumers trends and preferences keep evolving. Currently, there is a trend where the consumer is willing to try and appreciate a variety of spirits, including a surge in Indian Gins. One also senses a Rum boom in the coming years, with of course premium whiskies continuing to do better and dominating the figures. A good growth for Indian whiskies, not only in India but across the globe, is possible provided Indian Spirits maintain a good standard and disciple in manufacturing the produce.

“Despite the global pandemic and changing economic scenarios in the last three years, the Indian Spirits market has seen growth in its consumption. Due to the second wave, the alcohol Industry took a significant hit in the pandemic itself, but the government regulations on taxes helped drive sales still. We at Indri have seen that lot of people are experimenting with Premium Indian Single Malts in the past 2 years. The critical word here is an experiment. The Indian liquor industry has changed over the last three to four years. As demand for high-quality goods has increased, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend, particularly in metropolitan areas. The dynamics, on the other hand, have changed. The changing drinking habits of the younger generation and the rising liquor industry in the Indian subcontinent have resulted in a significant shift in how individuals use alcohol.”, according to Praveen Malviya, President Piccadily Agro Industries Ltd.

Despite the pandemic and related restrictions, Indian beverage alcohol industry has also performed well in the last 3 years, in the domestic Industry.  It is heartening to note that the state governments have realized the significance of revenue generated by this industry and they are taking pragmatic steps to not only improve their revenue collections further but also to create a better environment for the industry as well as related players be it Retail, On Trade and Hospitality industry to function more efficiently and effectively. Premium and luxury category are growing at the fastest pace.  There are challenges due to global logistical issue on sourcing of some of the packaging material but hopefully things should settle down soon. ​​​​​​​

“During the pandemic, there was a drop in Spirit markets however certain segments showed remarkable resilience and growth despite the closure. Categories such as premium Whisky, Scotch Whisky bottled in India, Single Malts, etc continued to grow and have been leading in the recovery back to pre-pandemic volumes, while the overall spirits market declined in terms of volume growth. In India, rising affluence of Indian middle class with rising aspirations levels & increasing disposable income, the urban Indian consumer is seen to be globally aware and treats alcoholic beverages as any other beverage category, this leads to growing experimentation and thereby to the growth of premium whisky. Also this is the category where price laddering is available for the consumer to choose from for every occasion which allows for more experimentation.” According to Paul John, Chairman, John Distillery.

In recent times, India has become a game changer in Alcobev segment. Spirits like gin, vodka, rum, whisky (single malts and blended) and Indian agave have emerged as a strong portfolio, competing in the international market. Indian spirits are also been recognised globally. Though India is still a whisky market, in recent times good scope of Gin and Rum has ben witnessed. With new bartending schools in India, we also see a major shift in the bartending community who give an experience to customers with fresh flavours of Indian spirits.  With high engagement on social media, there is a faster knowledge transfer on methods or etiquette of drinking a particular spirit. Retailers are trending with new customer experience at the stores.

So where will we see significant growth in the Indian market, reaffirms Sanjeev Banga, “Innovation and experimentation will remain the key drivers of growth.  Whilst Indian Single Malts have a unique opportunity to showcase what India can offer to the world, at the same time we feel there are lot of local / regional spirit drinks that need to be brought forward and shared with the world.  Staying at home during the pandemic made lot of us experts in making cocktails, so DIY and premixes should also see growth in near future.”

Consumer trends too are changing & evolving In India. Drinking at home during the pandemic unshackled the taboo surrounding alcohol consumption in India.  Indians are drinking less but better. They no longer drink to get drunk but to enjoy the moment / occasion / togetherness. Also, Indians are well aware of the global trends and classic case is growing acceptance of Gin.  A category that was nonexistence till a few years ago is seeing lot of consumer interest and newer brands being launched at regular interval.  Following the global trends, we see Luxury Rum and Agave based spirits the next big thing.

Premium and luxury category are also growing at the fastest pace.  There are challenges due to global logistical issue on sourcing of some of the packaging material but hopefully things should settle down soon. ​​​​​Innovation and experimentation will remain the key drivers of growth.  Whilst Indian Single Malts have a unique opportunity to showcase what India can offer to the world, at the same time we feel there are lot of local / regional spirit drinks that need to be brought forward and shared with the world. Indians are drinking less but better. Following the global trends, one sees Luxury Rum and Agave based spirits the next big thing.

Ruchika Gupta, Marketing Director, Beam Suntory India – “We founded Oaksmith on some very solid foundations and Japanese principles of Gemba (or deep consumer insights) and monozukuri, our high quality techniques around purity, precision and process. It’s a blend by one of the finest in the blending world, gentleman behind iconic brands like Yamazaki Japanese Single Malt and Hibiki Japanese Blended – Shinji Fukuyo, from Suntory, epitomizing impeccable Japanese craftsmanship. Innovation seeped into everything we do for this brand, Oaksmith has rapidly expanded to almost all state markets. It’s been nothing short of a remarkable journey for Oaksmith to have gained consumer and industry recognition in such a short while. It strives to keep elevating the category as it moves forward.”

Today’s youth are seen to mature early, have more disposable incomes and different needs which have given rise to various consumption occasions. Awareness has increased, and experimentation & exploration have led to craft spirits and cocktails being the new trends. Riding the “ Premiumisation “wave, everyone is opting to go up the price ladder to find products better suited to their tastes. Also digital revolution has given brands a presence across social media as well. Craft Spirits, small batch, Single Malts especially with special finishes, Barrel Aged Rum & and Gins etc are the current flavours of the market and will definitely grow in next 3-5 years.

According to Jai Prakash Chopra, Co-founder of Spaceman Spirits Lab, which owns the Brand Samsara Gin, “I would say all categories have a bright future. There is innovation in every segment. But gin is picking up tremendously. We can see the sudden emerge of new Indian Gins and are doing well overseas too. It`s to early to comment on UK India FTA, but it is good to see many opportunities for both the countries for tie ups, ease of doing business and knowledge transfer. Maybe, this would equip us better to step up the product Outlook through innovative measures.  There is a lot of scope for Indian spirits as Indian consumers are not yet aware of the variety of spirits in international trade. With continuous tie ups with local international brands and innovations in packaging, India is an emerging marketplace.”

Indian single malt exports have grown at an average of 25% over the last 3 years and the biggest growth is seen from countries like USA, France, UK, Australia, UAE, Canada, Japan, as well as in Duty Free. New markets like Russia, Israel and Turkey are expected to see a healthy growth in the next few years.

The Indian spirits brands have been on a steady growth across the country and also across different price categories. Though with the FTA, it seems too early to comment in absence of complete information but if there is a drastic reduction in the duties, it may impact the sale of Indian produce, which may adversely affect all the stakeholders within the Indian spirit ecosystem.​​​​​​

UK is one of the biggest markets for Indian single malt brands. Exports to UK have been consistently growing at the rate of more than 10%. In India however the impact of UK India FTA will create challenges for Indian whiskies producers, especially premium Malt Whisky producers. The challenges are not due to quality, as Indian Whiskies are today at par with the best in the world, but rather due to the taxation in favour of imported brands. Beyond the state laws, there also remains the challenge of competing with Imported brands that can advertise globally and also reach Indian consumers online.

Over the last few years, there has been an engaging interaction between Brands & Consumers. Social Media marketing has also played a major role in bringing the consumers to the brands. Indian spirits have also been gaining global recognition primarily due to exceptionally good quality. Indian manufacturers have evolved to produce truly world class whiskies & Spirits and Indian consumers are also slowly accepting this and trying domestic spirits. The wide range of spirits that Indian manufacturers have created have convinced the world on the quality of Indian spirits. The category  has gained the confidence of the consumer and we expect this growth to continue and accelerate over the next few years as well.

Fore more information: https://spiritsandrituals.com/a-new-high-for-the-indian-whiskies-spirits-industry/

[whiskylovers]

[vishawatch]

Scotch Whisky- Where The Raging Sea Meets The Indomitable Spirit

Imagine you’re sitting by the rugged coastlines of the Isle of Skye with the smell of salt and seaweed in the air, as you overlook a vast expanse of sea and jagged rocks.

That’s a picture for the postcards is it not? But, what if there was a way to enhance that experience with something borne of that island?

If you were thinking of Talisker, you’re spot on. However, we aren’t just talking about the Talisker 10 Year Old, but something even more special.

This one’s the Talisker 25 Year Old Limited Edition. And my friends, this one’s not just any limited edition, but a rare collector’s edition, making it highly sought after in the single malt circles.

With a dram in your hand, the first thing you notice is the light amber colour reminiscent of toffee caramel, followed by the slight nose of seaweed and salt, with underlying accents of bacon.

Let the scotch whisky breathe for a couple of minutes and you’ll know it’s matured in ex-Bourbon casks made from American and European oak for a quarter of a century.

Now inhale the stunning aroma again, and you’ll experience notes of shortbread, plum, and caramel with subtle hints of orange and campfire smoke. This rare collector’s edition single malt is complex in its own way, where the aromas are expertly interwoven to create the perfect balance.

Next? Next, we taste. Take a small sip, swirl it around your mouth, and savour the amber liquid on your tongue. It starts off soft and oily before you get a hit of pepper, which is a Talisker signature. Once that subsides, the elegant oak and the delicate fruity notes take over, bursting delightfully in your mouth.

As the malt coats your tongue, you begin to appreciate the intricacy behind this fantastic collector’s edition dram that is perfect on its own. When it comes to the finish, it’s rich. Not only that, the smoke is at the forefront here with background notes of chocolate and plum, which makes for a grandstand close for this stunning collector’s edition.

It’s the perfect amalgamation of volcanic smoke, earthy richness, and sweeter essence.

A spectacular dram made by the sea. A spectacular dram for you!

Original Source: single malt scotch whisky

[hink1]

[vkmliquor]

Whisky Beginners, Don’t Fear – Here’s How to Pick the Best Indian Whisky to Start

Getting into the world of whisky can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry, the best Indian whisky offers a fantastic entry point for newcomers, and one brand, in particular, stands out: DOT Whisky. Renowned for its unique flavors and quality, DOT Whisky is the perfect companion for those looking to explore the world of whisky without the intimidation factor.

[whiskeyfellow]

I’m a long-time fan of Indian single malts; they are unique in and upon themselves, and each is a new adventure. BHAKTA Spirits cranked up a couple of notches with its 2012 Indian Single Malt finished in ancient Armagnac casks. My review provides all the details. Cheers! #DrinkCurious

[maltrunners]

Indri Drú Cask Strength

Review by: dustbunna Distillery: Piccadily Agro Distillers. Bottler: Distillery bottling. Region: India (Haryana). ABV: 57.2%. Cask strength. Age: NAS. Bottled in 2023. Cask type: Ex-bourbon barrels. Price: $80 USD for 750mL. Natural Color. Non-chill-filtered. Bottle open across approx. 6 months, notes taken leisurely across that period. Bold notes taken beneath the shoulder (consistent…

[blakeveitch]

https://www.tiptopmashable.com.au/spirit-of-the-subcontinent-unveiling-the-secrets-of-indian-whisky/

Many experts believe that the subcontinental subcategory holds great promise for the future. 🌟 These days, flavorful and easy-drinking Indian whiskies are increasingly accessible – giving the country a newfound reputation for quality and taste. 🥃🇮🇳

[indizombie]

Whisky was glamorised as prestigious, modern and sophisticated – especially in Bollywood movies. While drinkers had previously been depicted as evil or tragic (such as Devdas, which tells the story of a young man who succumbs to alcoholism, which, has been filmed 25 times, is the most adapted Indian film ever), from the 1970s, drinking whisky was portrayed as stylish and macho. A 2020 study by the Indian Journal of Psychiatry of Bollywood films from 1960 to 2010 found that films from 2001 had the most scenes featuring stars enjoying Scotch in clubs and bars, including women, concluding that films made from 2001: "had the most proportion of scenes set in clubs, bars, discotheques, or restaurants; scenes with characters of "positive" shade depicting alcohol use, and the scenes portraying heroines with alcohol use. There is an increasing trend toward alcohol depiction by positive characters for fun and relaxation."

Sunil Badami, ‘India's whisky consumption rises by 200pc in 10 years’, ABC

[piccadilyindia-blog]

New Whisky/Whiskies from India

Enter the mesmerizing world of Indian whisky, where age-old traditions harmonize with cutting-edge craftsmanship in every sip of these exceptional new releases. From the majestic Himalayas to the golden beaches of Goa, India's diverse terrains impart unique qualities to these spirits. Prepare for a sensory journey as flavors of tropical fruits, aromatic spices, and the special maturation under the Indian sun create a symphony of tastes for your palate.

[spiritsrituals]

A Guide to Styles of Whisky

Whisky has been dominating the alcohol beverage market industry with rise in disposable incomes and changes in the overall consumer base in the world. While there are other significant contributors to the vast market, let us get to know about the most popular whisky styles across borders that make it so special and worthwhile. A wide market of whisky has ensured that there’s one style or brand for everyone out there. All over the globe, there are various whiskies that go through distinct procedures resulting in varied flavours and characteristics. Some of the most popular whisky styles include Bourbon, Scotch, Irish and Japanese.

‘Single Malt’, which is a specific type of production that uses the blends and malted grain (particularly barley) of only one distillery. Single malts are extremely popular, priced and are produced in multiple countries including Ireland, Canada, US, India, Scotland etc. Not only that, their exquisite flavour and high-end pricing pushes people to save it for special occasions and consume it as neat. Scotch, being one of the most popular styles, has been present since the 15th century. It is made not only by malted barley but also through wheat and corn. Its specialties vary and present themselves in its characteristics that make it one of the most prized single malt scotch whisky while having a diverse category of blended malts, blended whisky and single-grain whisky. The classic dram is usually sipped neat and sometimes a little diluted.

An invention of Scotland, ‘Blended Whisky’ is also one of the most known styles of whiskies. It is a result of blending two or more different styles of single malt and grain whiskies to provide a unique experience. When we talk about blended scotch, Some of the most special blended scotch whiskies are Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal and Douglas Laing among many others. On the other hand, a staple of America, Bourbon Whiskey, made from at least 51% corn, is distilled, aged in charred oak barrels and requires no minimum aging period for its production. It is a product of settlers who made efforts to produce it and be the first ones to store it in charred oak casks, giving the dram a legendary brownish colour with a flavourful taste. Another kind of Bourbon is the Tennessee whiskey ; to produce whiskey in Tennessee, the state law requires and makes sure to use the step prior to aging the whiskey — Lincoln County Process.

Another American whiskey, corn whiskey is made principally from corn with a mash of at least 80% corn. The procedure applied here is the traditional mash process which in addition, does not require aging. It is a symbol of representing authentic ways of producing whiskey, when earlier, farmers used the cheapest raw material to make whiskey. It is enjoyed mostly with mixers, cola, water, as neat, or on the rocks to achieve a more palatable experience and at last as the base for the iconic cocktails – Manhattan and Old Fashioned.

Rye whiskey, an initial product of the Americans, is made with a mash of at least 51% rye that needs to be aged for a minimum of two years. It is also notably one of the most classic bases for cocktails, with a spicy touch to it.

Even though Irish whiskey and its momentum grew later on, it took birth in the 1400s when Irish monks had moved from southern Europe and started whisky-making there. On a yearly basis, the whisky is making headlines with its sales as it grows to be known for its classic and typical quality, light flavour and notes of cereal. This traditional whiskey is fancied either neat or with water or ice.  On the other hand, Japanese whisky, being relatively new, has been on a streak of producing premium, high-quality whiskies. Its history starts in the 1920s when the founders Shinjiro Torii and Masataka Taketsuru gave birth to Japan’s first whisky distillery. Coming from an exquisite location, Japanese whisky is also known to have a very flavourful, smooth character with floral notes. It resonates with all the latest, high-end whiskies and is widely produced in various styles – blended, single malt and even blended malt whiskies.

Today, flavoured whiskies have proven to be a phenomenal base liquor. Day by day, infused and distilled spirits are gaining momentum, venturing into tricky ingredients that are now becoming a part of whiskies and giving rise to an endless number of possibilities for the whisky makers to indulge in. Another important aspect of a whisky that determines the flavour is the kind of cask used that are wooden vessels that are used to store and age the whisky that further depends on the quality of the wood, shape, size, ageing period and how it was treated and seasoned.

Each cask has a different flavour profile and contributes to the whisky’s character, for instance – European oaks are used to give a spicy character to the whisky. The complexity of flavours depends on the kind of casks that range from bourbon whiskey cask, sherry cask, port whiskey, rum whiskey, wine whiskey etc with various sizes that need to be chosen wisely like barrels, hogshead, madeira drum, port pipe and others. Determining and choosing the casks and sizes is essential for whisky styles and for looking at an outlook for each one of them as to what suits and goes well.

More Information :-  https://spiritsandrituals.com/a-guide-to-styles-of-whisky/

[whiskylovers]