Page 37 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 3 | February - March 2024

WHISKIES

As anyone who has attended an Indian wedding or event
where alcohol is involved will attest, whisky is the lifeblood
of the celebration, especially among our beloved uncles
– in fact, each year, around 6 billion litres of whisky are
consumed in India. Aside from a deliciously-smooth
Glinlivet or the classic Johnny Walker (Blue Label, of
course), parties have now been incorporating Indian
whiskies, as India has been producing labels that are
considered some of the best in the world. Names such as
Indri and Rampur Asava are being recognised globally, Western Coast
but there are plenty more single-malt labels being brewed
around the country. If you’re heading to Goa to party, make sure to try India’s first charred whisky, from
Adinco Distillery, only just produced in 2023. Called Cotombi Reserve, the whisky
North uses charred barrels in the production of the bourbon, and infuses it with coconut
shells, toasted vanilla, and oak chips that are deep roasted for robust flavours. Other
Your first stop should be the state of Haryana, the home of whiskies from Goa include any from Paul John Distilleries, known throughout
Piccadilly Distilleries, where Indri whiskies are produced. the world and with an array of flavour profiles to satisfy even the most discerning
Just started in 2021, it has produced Indri-Trini, India’s whiskey aficionado. However, the one thing tying all the labels together is that
first-ever triple-barrel single malt, and the label has won Goa is their inspiration, whether it’s the cinnamon and spices used or simply the
numerous accolades in just the few years since it was stunning landscapes. Fullarton Distilleries is also based in Goa, in Candepar, and
produced. Part of the appeal of the smoky-flavoured whisky it produces Woodburns Contemporary Whisky. Although it’s not a single malt,
is its maturation period in PX sherry casks in North India’s this blended whisky is unusually bold, with dark chocolate notes. Aged in charred
oak barrels, it’s also won a few accolades already, and is worth a tumbler, or two.
subtropical climate, lending it fruity, nutty, and spiced notes.
While you’re up North, consider heading even further While you’re at the Western coast, head to Maharashtra and try the whiskies from
north to Jammu, where you can find GianChad, one of South Seas Distilleries & Breweries, which has been brewing since the 90s but
India’s newer single malts, just launched in 2022. With has only recently launched their first consumer-focused single-malt whisky, Crazy
the cooler climes, the whiskies brewed here are mellow Cock, made by distilling six-row North Indian barley.
and easy to drink, with spicy and fruity notes, and only
a hint of smokiness. Brewed in swan-neck copper pots, South
they’re sure to be unique to the region. Or, from Haryana
take a trip a little south to Uttar Pradesh, to check out the If you’re heading south from Goa to Bengaluru, try the famed Amrut single malts, a
whiskies from Rampur Distillery, which are unusually household name when it comes to Indian whiskies. Their range of labels is immense,
robust because of the disparity in temperature between and you’ll be treated to uniquely local spice notes such as molasses and liquorice.
the region’s summers and winter.

GINS

Gin has found a foothold in India only in recent years, but
since then, its popularity has skyrocketed, thanks in part
to brands like NÄO Spirits, who were at the vanguard of
the trend in the country. As any gin lover (me included)
will tell you, what sets gin apart is the botanicals used in
its flavouring, spanning herbs, spices, fruits, and flowers.
India, of course, is home to a diverse range of flora unique
to the country, so it’s no surprise that the gins brewed there
are distinctive and delicious.

Goa

Deserving of a separate category by itself, no search for
gin in India is complete without a visit to Goa, known from the Himalayan region. Other must-try options in the region include Seqer,
in contemporary circles as the gin capital of India. The produced by Spirit de Goa and featuring 10 botanicals including cashews as a
catalyst for this so-called “gin-aissance” was NÄO Spirits, homage to Goa; Samsara, which has a popular pink gin label and favours flavours
who decided to make India’s first official gin label, Greater such as vetiver grass, orange, and Kashmiri kahwa and saffron; Jin Jiji, an Indian
Than, in Goa, using local ingredients such as fennel, Dry Gin that includes tea-inspired labels; Terry Sent Me!, a label with notes of
coriander, and ginger, and employing the London dry cardamom and cinnamon that’s currently only available in Goa; Satiwa, a gin
distillation process. From its popularity, Hapusa, their that includes hemp and is a self-proclaimed “happy, high gin”; Stranger & Sons,
premium label, was born, which infused the gin with which uses nine different botanicals, with citrus-forward flavours; and Doja, an
even more local flavours, including turmeric, mango, Indo-Japanese gin with Indian spices mixed with distinctively Japanese elements
and coriander seeds, going so far as to source their juniper such as yuzu lemon and sansho pepper.