5 most underrated whisky bottles of 2022, according to the experts

The best bottles to have on your radar

Published by GQ India

As the year closes out, there’s a lot of new whisky that found its way to Indian shelves. While there’s the full list of all the big launches and the curations basis price bracket (think under Rs 2,000, or under Rs 5,000), for some, what matters is an expert opinion. Which is why, for this curation, we brought in an expert panel to sort the grain (and the malt) from the chaff, and tell you exactly which whiskies of the year are the biggest winners. These are, according to the country’s top bar-runners, sommeliers and whisky savants, the 5 bottles that you should really be paying attention to at the end of 2022. 

The 5 most underrated whisky bottles of 2022, according to the experts

1. Amrut Neidhal 

Recommended by: Hemanth Rao (Founder, Single Malt Amateur Club)

“I’m partial to Neidhal from the range of ‘Single Malts Of India’, a bottling series by Amrut Distilleries. It’s a peated whisky, manufactured at an undisclosed location in India carries the Dravidian name that translates to land by the sea or, in other words, sea shore. A limited edition bottling put out in the period of the COVID exit–which is perhaps why it flew under the radar a little. A full-fledged peated malt, which is very rare. I love the tones of bacon, barbecue, smoke and wet peat, followed by a slight salt rim redolent of the shore close by. Closes out with a rounded sweetness and lasting finish.”

You’ll like if it: You love the chase of a limited edit. This one has a total of only 12,000 bottles that will be available globally, with 10 percent reserved for India. 

2. Kavalan Classic Single Malt

Recommended by: Ashish Kapur (Restaurateur, Whisky Expert)

“This is an absolutely super Taiwanese whisky that made its way to Indian shores recently. It’s elegant, and floral on the nose with a hint of mango, chocolate, vanilla and coconut on the palate. 

You’ll like it if: You’re partial to a warm-weather whisky that’s fragrant and loaded with tropical fruit tones. 

3. Godawan 01 & 02

Recommended by: Priyank Sukhija (Restaurateur)

“I’m always partial to a good homegrown whisky. Last year, it was the United Epitome Reserve for me. This year, it goes to Godawan; I like both the editions. If there’s a single malt release to try this year, this would be it.”

You’ll like it if: You want a great malt that doesn’t break the bank. Choose the 01 for a richer, rounded profile and 02 if you like your whisky spicier. 

4. Dewar’s 12 Year Old

Recommended By: Magandeep Singh (Sommelier, beverage commentator and writer)

“The most underrated whisky style in recent times is the blended Scotch. The recently launched Dewar’s 12-year-old blended was possibly one of my favourite finds this past year. I’ll skip the nerdy tasting notes and merely say that it’s rare for a whisky to be so flavourful and rich, and yet so easy to drink. It worked brilliantly in a highball but also could hold its own solo, in a glass on the rocks.” 

You’ll like it if: A creamy malt is what you’re after. This one is bursting with notes of barley malt, hot buttered toast, honey, and aniseed, brought together in a creamy, thick finish. 

5. Indri Trini

Recommended By: Shuchir Suri (Founder Foodtalk India, Jade Forest)

“Elegantly rich, warm, and mellow on the sides of the mouth. The subtle wood and spice characters, followed by hints of citrus, raisins, and burnt pineapple on this whisky are sublime. A gentle yet balanced finish, where every flavour compliments the other, without any one dominating the other.”

You’ll Like It If: You like a whisky that’s been aged interestingly. The pineapple, apricot and lychee notes, punctuated by nutmeg and roast almonds of this homegrown come from its three-cask combination; first-fill bourbon, ex-French Wine, and Pedro Ximénez sherry. 

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Written by Saumyaa Vohra

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