Discovering the Thriving World of Indian Single Malt Whisky

Whether you’re toasting during Diwali festivities or curating the perfect pour for Thanksgiving dinner, Indian whiskies are making their mark on the global stage with their quality and uniqueness. As the whiskey world evolves, an increasing variety of remarkable releases from India are gaining not just attention but also accolades, making them worthy counterparts to their Scotch counterparts.

At Vikas Khanna’s restaurant Bungalow in New York City, the spotlight is firmly on Indian single malts, with an impressive selection featured prominently on the spirits menu. This wasn’t the case a few years ago, but as Sameer Bhatt, one of the restaurant’s partners, reflects, “Today, my Indri is outselling my Macallan.” It’s a clear indication that these artisanal spirits are not just climbing the ranks; they are also reshaping whiskey preferences.

Indian single malts are becoming a favorite among spirit enthusiasts.

A Resurgence in Whiskey

For decades, Indian whisky has primarily been synonymous with blends, often crafted from molasses-based spirits. However, as domestic consumption increases alongside rising affluence and sophistication in the Indian market, distilleries are pivoting toward producing premium single malts. The results are impressive; whiskies like Amrut Triparva and Indri’s various releases are consistently scooping up awards and commendations.

Sanjeev Banga, President of International Business at Radico Khaitan Ltd., illustrates this shift, saying, “What we’ve seen happen in the wine industry is now unfolding in the world of single malts.” Like New World wines, Indian whiskies are capturing the curiosity and appetite of drinkers looking for something fresh and innovative.

Craftsmanship and Distinctive Flavors

Single malt whisky, at its core, is a product of meticulous craftsmanship, produced at a single distillery with malted barley in the mash. The different expressions of flavor come not just from the ingredients, but also from the climate and the innovation of the distillers.

Amrut Distilleries, established in 1948, is celebrated as a pioneer of Indian single malts, with its inaugural release in 2004. Other notable players like Paul John and Rampur have since joined the ranks, creating a vibrant tapestry of flavors. New distilleries such as Indri and Longitude 77 are adding their unique contributions to this burgeoning industry, infusing indigenous ingredients into their spirits.

What sets Indian whisky apart is the six-row barley cultivated in India, often resulting in remarkable flavors of cardamom, ginger, and even sandalwood. The country’s diverse climate significantly accelerates the aging process compared to cooler regions, meaning distillers often find that a mere single year in an Indian barrel can equate to several years in Scotland. Banga points out, “A 10-year-old Indian single malt can match the depth of flavor typically expected from a 40-year-old Scotch.”

Climate affects the aging process of single malts, adding unique characteristics.

A Growing Appreciation in the U.S.

Interestingly, the United States has emerged as the leading export market for Indian single malts, primarily fueled by the affluent Indian diaspora. Raj Sabharwal, a founding partner at Glass Revolution Imports, has witnessed this evolution firsthand. The previous skepticism surrounding Indian spirits has transformed significantly; once dismissed in favor of Scotch, Indian single malts are now being celebrated in esteemed establishments.

“Fifteen years ago, our focus wasn’t on the Indian community,” recalls Sabharwal, “but now they eagerly anticipate each new release.” The cultural appreciation has also spilled over to wider audiences, and along with it, a growing enthusiasm for trying something novel.

Ben Wald, head of beverage programming at the Flatiron Room in Manhattan, adds, “The allure of the new is always compelling. Indian single malt is capitalizing on this desire.” It’s exhilarating to think that we are part of this whisky renaissance, where traditions are blending and boundaries are being redrawn.

The Road Ahead for Indian Whisky

Looking forward, the future of Indian single malt whisky is poised for substantial growth. Currently, there are approximately 24 distilleries producing single malt whisky, with six more in the pipeline. Innovations are being driven not just by the established players but also by newcomers who are keen to explore uncharted territories in the whiskey landscape.

Furthermore, with companies like Pernod Ricard investing heavily in local production capacities, the market will soon see an exponential increase in availability. Banga optimistically notes that increased competition will only serve to elevate the category, introducing more people to the world of Indian whisky.

As global demand grows, even familiar brands are starting to experiment in exciting ways. For instance, Bardstown Bourbon has begun using empty Indian whisky barrels for aging, thus blending cultures in flavor profiles.

The blending of cultures in whiskey making introduces new flavors.

Banga aptly sums it up: “Just as the Japanese whisky market experienced a surge, I am confident that the same future awaits Indian single malt.” With the craft beverage landscape evolving and consumers eager for quality experiences, I am thrilled to see how this will unfold.

In conclusion, Indian single malts are not merely rising stars; they are becoming robust contenders on the global whisky stage. For every enthusiast looking to explore something fresh and worthwhile, these expressions promise a journey that’s filled with flavor, culture, and innovative spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Indian whisky beckons with open arms.