Amrut Indian Single Malt - CASK STRENGTH COLLECTION - 61.8% abv

Jim Murray 93.5 points

Produced almost exclusively from barley grown in the fertile plains at the foot of the Himalayas, in order to retain its natural characteristics at bottling Amrut is still not chill filtered. This whisky is similar to Speyside whiskies, fruity on the palate with hints of spice & chocolate which are typical to ageing in casks previously used for bourbon. Proud of its success, the distillery now offers small batches with a natural alcohol content of over 60% to focus greater attention on the finesse and unique character of this single malt.

Honey and malt extract leap out of the glass, rich and sweet. Behind that initial sweetness lies a core of Amrut character; brown-sugar-dusted porridge and soft spice leading to a fruity core of lime, unripe mango and green apple. Softer than you might expect from the high strength, but still intensely flavoured. It starts with sweetness and spice, cinnamon toast, Dutch Speculaas biscuits, clove-studded oranges and a touch of bitter barrel char. As it develops in the glass, more tropical fruit notes develop; papaya, star fruit and the mango from the nose. Prickly spice fades to fresh cherries, sultanas and spiced biscuits.