A huge peated whisky from the most unlikely of sources! Amrut is an Indian whisky distilled in Bangalore, though the peated barley has been imported from Scotland. This whisky is peated to 24ppm, similar to a Talisker in smokiness. This is a whisky of enormous character, with almost peerless heat and spice. Bottled without chill filtration, artificial colouring, and at a huge 62.8%, this ensures that maximum flavour makes its way to the drinker’s glass. On the nose this whisky offers up classic Amrut notes of buttery, toffee’d oak, with the peat slightly restrained here. It is on the palate that this whisky really springs to life, with huge peaty cereal notes, hints of smouldering charcoal and burnt sugar. The finish is long and lingering, with woodspice and savoury smoke. It’s easy to see why Jim Murray gave this whisky 92 points!
The yellow packed batch (pictured) is my favorite whisky, but the newer batch being sold now (green packaging) is just less in almost all measures. Lighter color, less viscous mouth feel, less star anise punch, feels a bit watery. You can easily convince me that it was watered down compared to the previous batch (despite both being labeled at 62.8%). Don't get me wrong, this is still very good, but does not match the older batches. :-/