There is a new kid on the block and the block is getting bigger!! Yes the portfolio of Indian malt whisky is getting bigger and while the fears of losing repute (which has been painstakingly built by the torch bearers) still rings in the background, this one comes with a BIG name backing the brand. Surrinder Kumar, master distiller Ex Amrut, is associated with this corporation known as Piccadilly who are the second largest malt whisky producers in India after Diageo. Goes without saying; with such a reputed name behind the name, the bar of expectation is quite high.
Color, Appearance: 1.3 on the SMAC colour card. Russetmuscat or chestnut Oloroso. Looks oily in the glass but the speed at which the legs are trickling down tells me its its light. the colour is fantastic has a righ hue to it.
Nose: A nice greeting, rounded, sweet, oak, spices with fresh florals. An edgy spirit seems to rear its head every now and then. Its got a bit of the damp warehouse smell that is typical. Its a good nose sets some expectations. The nose actually reminds me of the Glenmorangie 10.
Mouth: A mentholated mint chutney with vanilla overtones. Some spice associated with citrus notes. It has a good mouth feel. There are notes of wood and the cask but more on the nose than on the mouth. The easy mouthfeel leads onto bitterness which is ringing in pepper spice. Can be served blind for any highland scotch and will sail through without batting an eye.
Finish: Medium length and lingering. Sweet leading on to the grassy vegetation and bitterness. Volume of the sip plays a big role in this whisky, take a small sip and it will give you a rather thin and bitter notes a slightly bigger sip will let you get more out of this whisky. Will be a good session whisky. The empty glass smells wonderful, insence, wood, dusty cupboards not opened for a long time and maybe a bit of wet mud. Very nice indeed
With Water: (I use alkaline water) Spirit on the nose gets more feisty. The citrus becomes a little more prominent. One needs to be a little careful with water too much and it will become very watery and light with heavy influence of vegatative bitterness.
Overall a very drinkable and good whisky. Appears to be with caramel and chill filtered but has definitely good character and balance. It will be a great entry to the whisky produced in India and certainly much more defined then what i expected. If its at the price point what I am told which is the 2500-3000 range this is an awesome deal.
Thank you Surrinder for the sample
