Amrut Peated Cask Strength

Profile: The Amrut Peated Cask Strength at a glance

• Amrut Peated Cask Strength - India goes big (with 62.8% ABV)
• Mature at breakneck speed in a tropical climate, 12-15% Angel's Share included
• Mature for only about 4 years, but with maturity you can taste (and feel)
• Single malt from Bangalore - exotic, bold, powerful

Portrait: What makes the Amrut Peated Cask Strength special

When you think of India, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Bollywood, curries with an unmanageable amount of spices - and, of course, cows with more rights than the average moped rider. What few people realize is that India is not only good for spices, but also for decent whisky. So neat, in fact, that even die-hard Scotsmen sometimes glance in confusion at the origin label.

The Amrut distillery - which aptly means "nectar of the gods" in Sanskrit - has grown from a small family business in Bangalore to a globally respected name in the whisky world since its founding in 1948. Initially, they mainly produced spirits for the domestic market, but then someone came up with the bold idea: "Let's make Scottish whisky - but the Indian way."

No sooner said than done - and the result was astonishing. The Amrut Peated Cask Strength in particular has emerged as a true muscleman among malts. With a whopping 62.8% ABV, this dram is as understated as a bull in a china shop - but with style.

Amrut was founded in 1948 in Bangalore, the very year India gained independence. So you could say: While the country celebrated its freedom, it was already quietly preparing for liquid revolutions – in the form of whiskey.

The barley for this powerhouse comes from venerable terrain, by the way: the fields at the foot of the Himalayas. And the water? It comes from a spring on the other side of town – a bit of a trip around the world, but anything's doable by truck, even in Indian city traffic (sort of).

Things get particularly exciting during the maturation process. The tropical climate in Bangalore has its own unique view of patience: The so-called "Angels' Share" - the portion the angels allow themselves from the cask each year - is 12-15%! By comparison, in Scotland it's around 2%. So you could say: Indian angels drink considerably more generously.

That's why an Amrut only matures for about four years - but what it lacks in age, it makes up for with character and pace. And honestly, when a whisky performs so well under these conditions, it's definitely worth clapping for. Just don't get too close to the bottle - at 62.8%, something could explode.

Conclusion: Small, hot, strong - Amrut shows that whisky can also be made in sandals.

The result? A whisky that doesn't do things by halves. If you try it, you won't forget it. And if you underestimate it, you'd better grab the fire extinguisher first.
Namaste & Slàinte!

Tasting Notes: This is how the Amrut Peated Cask Strength tastes like

• Nose: A strong first impression with distinctly smoky peat – but more elegant than brutal. This is mingled with sweet aromas of vanilla, caramel, and candied fruit. A touch of honey, a hint of leather, and a slightly medicinal note are reminiscent of Islay, but with an exotic twist. With a few drops of water, the nose opens further and reveals spicy undertones of nutmeg, oak, and perhaps even a hint of green tea.
• Palate: Full-bodied, intense, and warming – no wonder at 62.8% ABV. The smoke is present, but well integrated and accompanied by sweet, malty notes. Dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and a hint of licorice permeate the palate. In the background, a hint of tropical fruit is reminiscent of the origin. The high alcohol content creates a veritable explosion of flavor, yet remains surprisingly balanced.
• Finish: Long, dry, and smoky with a pleasant, spicy warmth. The peat remains dominant but not overpowering, accompanied by some pepper, wood, and a slightly sweet aftertaste. Despite the strength, the finish is not fizzy, but complex and lingering - like a campfire slowly dying down.