|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Short Summary
This article explores five Indian whiskies ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 6000, highlighting options for every budget—from the affordable Royal Green, to premium blends like Royal Ranthambore, and acclaimed single malts such as Amrut Fusion, Rampur Select, and Paul John Bold. Whether you’re new to whisky or a seasoned enthusiast, these Indian-made spirits offer quality, diversity, and world-class craftsmanship.
Introduction
India’s whisky scene has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Once dominated by mass-market blends, the shelves are now populated by finely crafted single malts and premium blends that rival international labels in quality and character. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a budding connoisseur, the Indian market now offers something for every palate—and every pocket. Here’s a curated list of five Indian whiskies ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 6000 that showcase the diversity and richness of Indian whisky-making.
1.Royal Green (Approx. Rs 1000–Rs 1200)
Category: Budget-friendly blend
ABV: 42.8%
Starting at the lower end of the price spectrum, Royal Green is one of the best value-for-money Indian whiskies available. It’s a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers, offering a surprisingly smooth and consistent taste profile for its price. The blend features Indian whiskies grain spirits with a hint of imported Scotch malts, making it a good everyday sipper or mixer. Expect notes of honey, mild spices, and a slightly smoky finish.
Best For: House parties, casual drinking, or whisky-based cocktails.
2. Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection (Approx. Rs 3000–Rs 3500)
Category: Premium blend
ABV: 42.8%
A newer entrant in the premium Indian whisky space, Royal Ranthambore by Radico Khaitan has already garnered attention for its luxurious packaging and sophisticated profile. This whisky blends select Indian whiskiesmalts matured in oak barrels with fine grain spirits, offering layers of complexity. The nose carries sweet vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits, while the palate is warm, with hints of spice, toasted oak, and a lingering, slightly smoky finish.
Best For: Special occasions, gifting, or sipping neat.
3. Amrut Fusion (Approx. Rs 4000–Rs 4500)
Category: Indian single malt
ABV: 50%
A game-changer in Indian whisky, Amrut Fusion has received international acclaim and put India on the global whisky map. Made by blending Indian malted barley with peated Scottish barley, this single malt is bold, complex, and full of character. It offers aromas of tropical fruits, oak, and smoke, followed by a palate rich in chocolate, spice, and dried fruit, with a long, warm finish.
Best For: Whisky aficionados who enjoy layered and bold flavors.
4. Rampur Select (Approx. Rs 5000–Rs 5500)
Category: Indian single malt
ABV: 43%
Produced in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rampur Select is a luxurious single malt from Radico Khaitan. Aged in American oak barrels, it boasts a velvety texture and a refined, smooth finish. The nose is fruity with hints of apple, apricot, and honey, while the palate offers rich vanilla, floral notes, and a touch of spice. Its smooth and mellow character makes it approachable yet elegant.
Best For: A refined sipping experience, ideal for unwinding or sharing with close friends.
5.Paul John Bold (Approx. Rs 5500–Rs 6000)
Category: Peated Indian single malt
ABV: 46%
Hailing from Goa, Paul John Bold is a smoky delight crafted from Indian six-row barley and peated with Islay-style techniques. Unlike many peated whiskies that overpower, Paul John Bold balances the smoke with sweetness and spice. The result is a richly textured whisky with notes of oak, honey, pepper, and dry smoke that lingers beautifully on the palate.
Best For: Fans of smoky whiskies looking for a unique Indian take on peat.
Final Thoughts
Indian whisky has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Today, it offers a remarkable range of styles—from approachable blends like Royal Green to complex single malts like Paul John Bold. Whether you’re stocking up for a celebration or exploring nuanced flavors for a solo tasting session, this list covers a spectrum of choices under Rs 6000.
The beauty of Indian whisky lies in its diversity—both in flavor and price. With increasing recognition globally, brands like Amrut, Paul John, and Rampur continue to push boundaries, proving that world-class Indian whiskies don’t always have to come from Scotland or Japan. If you haven’t already explored these homegrown gems, now is the perfect time to raise a glass to Indian craftsmanship.
FAQ
1. What is the best Indian whisky under Rs 1500?
Answer: Royal Green is one of the best options under Rs 1500. It offers a smooth blend of Indian grain spirits with imported malts, making it great for casual sipping or mixing in cocktails.
2. Is Royal Ranthambore a single malt or a blend?
Answer: Royal Ranthambore is a premium blended whisky, not a single malt. It combines Indian malts matured in oak barrels with select grain spirits to create a complex yet smooth profile.
3. Which Indian single malt is best for beginners?
Answer: Rampur Select is a great option for beginners. It has a smooth, mellow character with fruity and floral notes, making it approachable for those new to single malts.
4. What makes Amrut Fusion special?
Answer: Amrut Fusion stands out because it blends Indian whiskies malted barley with peated Scottish barley, creating a bold, complex flavor profile. It’s also internationally acclaimed, putting Indian whisky on the global map.
5. Is Paul John Bold very smoky?
Answer: Yes, Paul John Bold is a peated single malt, so it has a noticeable smoky flavor. However, the peat is well-balanced with sweet and spicy notes, making it enjoyable even for those who aren’t hardcore smoke lovers.
Krishna Mishra
Krishna is a renowned writer who is dedicated to delving into the intricate universe of alcoholic beverages. His thought-provoking works intertwine historical context, cultural significance, and the art of mixology, guiding readers on an enthralling expedition through the history of drinks.
