The 20 Most Popular Whisky Brands In India *Hic*

 

Have you ever wandered into a liquor store or a duty-free shop and wondered at the overwhelming variety of alcohol on display? Navigating the world of alcohol can be exciting sure, but also very confusing! Doesn’t really need to be tough. Once you learn more about the various spirits (not talking about the departed here) and understand your own palate and preferences, you can easily pick up the correct whiskey for yourself. I’m sure it holds true for all alcohol, but since this article is only about whiskey, that’s what I will be focussing on.

What really differentiates one whiskey from another is its origin, the grains used to make it, and its distinct distillation procedure. First introduced in the 18th century in Scotland, whisky has been one of the most popular spirits ever since.

Now before you comment on a potential typo, please note, whisk(e)y may be spelled both with an “e” and without! The spelling is defined by where it is made. The Americans and the Irish spell whiskey with an “e” while the Scottish leave out the “e”. The rest of the world, including the 3 major whisky producers, Japan, Canada, and India also follow the Scottish spelling.

All scotch is whisky, but not all whisky is scotch.

Scotch is a pure and refined beverage, originally made from malted barley. Scotch whisky is a legalized term that can be only used for whisky made in Scotland. All bottles labeled Scotch whisky must be made from grain that has been distilled in Scotland and aged in oak barrels for at least three years in Scotland.

Single Malt Whisky vs Blended Whisky

To fully understand the vast array of whisky, it’s significant to know the distinction between single malt and blended whisky.

The term Single Malt Whisky refers to a whisky that is produced by a single distillery using a single malted grain, which is typically barley. Technically, Single Malt Whisky is also a blend, but it is a blend of malt whisky produced in just one distillery, so in effect, the word ‘single’ means single place of origin. Malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley and has to be distilled in pot stills. Therefore, for example, Glenfiddich 12 may be a blend of a few hundred barrels, but all of them come from the Glenfiddich distillery.

Whereas Blended Whisky is a blend of grain whiskeys and malted barley whiskeys which often come from multiple distilleries. The biggest determining factor here is how many distilleries played a role in making the whisky. Some of the popular blended scotch whiskeys are Dewar’s, Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker, etc.

There are some other kinds of blends, such as Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, formerly called vatted malts, which are a blend of single malts from two or more distilleries.

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Any whisky connoisseur knows just how incomparable a quality single malt is. Single malt scotch is considered an elite, rarefied category of whisky. Single malts are complex spirits that are built around flavor nuances derived from every step of production.

Listed below is a selection of some of the best Single Malt Scotch Whisky brands available in India:

1. Lagavulin 16-Year-Old Scotch Whisky

If you are looking for a rich malt with a mouthful of flavor, Lagavulin 16-year-old Scotch Whisky is the one for you. An iconic one, Lagavulin was founded in 1816 and is exclusively matured in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, which gives it a robust flavor, uncompromising smoke, and a salted-fish character. Lagavulin 16-year-old Scotch Whisky is a firm favorite of countless malt fans in the world. Heavy on the peat-like classic southern Islay, this one is pungent and is loved for its Lapsang Souchong tea nose, fruity palate, and smoky vanilla finish. It pairs like a dream with salt-heavy blue cheese.

This southern Islay from Lagavulin won a Double Gold Single Malt Scotch – 13 to 19 Years – 2013 – San Francisco World Spirits Competition & a Gold Islay Single Malt – 13 to 20 Years – 2016 – World Whiskies Awards among several other accolades and is also one of the most popular Scotch Whisky Brands in India too.

2. Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Scotch Whisky

Celebrated for being the world’s richest single malt scotch, Laphroaig’s award-winning family of whiskeys is the product of a 200-year-old tradition of unique whisky making and maturing in a range of different woods and casks. The 10-year-old’s iodine-seaweed admixture is one of Laphroaig’s signature medicinal malts and is a classic peated from Islay. This Scotch Whisky is full-bodied and smoky with a lingering sweetness, decay, charcoal, leather, wet stone, and hints of salt, iodine, and seaweed. Prepare yourself for a sneak attack of black pepper and chili as you hold this over your tongue, and you will get a bit of “medicinal nose” as well.

3. Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

With a beautifully crafted bottle, deep flavor, & smooth finish, Glenfiddich’s 12-Year Single Malt is perfect for cocktails as well as diluted consumptions. Glenfiddich is a Speyside single-malt Scotch whisky. It is matured in many different casks, such as rum casks from the Caribbean, bourbon whiskey barrels from America, and sherry butts from Jerez in Spain. The Glenfiddich Distillery, founded in 1886, was the first single malt to be marketed outside Scotland, and now accounts for about 30% of all single malt sales worldwide.

Mild and clean on the palate with a hint of floral, Glenfiddich 12-Year Old is thought for a fruity aroma and a sweet, creamy mouthfeel.

4. Monkey Shoulder

Monkey Shoulder is a modern scotch whisky that pays tribute to the maltmen who suffered to produce fine whisky and their dedication to quality. Monkey Shoulder is a vatting of 3 unique single malts that come from the houses of Kininvie, Glenfiddich, and Balvenie. It doesn’t have any grain whisky, just 100% malt, making it one of a kind. It has a sophisticated and rich flavor profile since each batch of scotch is aged in carefully selected 27 casks. The palate of delicate vanilla with hints of peach & apricot along with honey, oak, and toffee imparts a great taste.

5. The Glenlivet 21-Year-Old Archive

The Glenlivet distillery was founded in 1824 and the brand is the second biggest-selling single malt brand globally. The Glenlivet 21-year-old is a pretty refreshing malt and packs in a citrusy punch, with the smooth aroma of grapefruit, lemon, and juicy citrus notes lingering on long after you’ve completed your drink. One of the most primo bottles to have on your shelves, with its dark amber color, and complex and elaborate flavor profile, and texture as smooth as butter, The Glenlivet 21-Year-Old has no competition.  This elite scotch whisky is one of the costliest brands in India and has won several awards. The warm and rich finish is best set off by a cheese platter, heavy on the camembert.

6. The Macallan Fine Oak 12 Years Old

The Macallan Single single malt is the most sought-after single malt scotch whisky in the world. The brand has an alluring reputation among collectors. Macallan distillery, founded in 1824, is located in Moray, Scotland. The Macallan has a palate of dried fruit, nutmeg, and fruitcake and was matured only in oak sherry casks. The classic Speyside is aged to perfection for 12 years in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and American casks. The scotch comes in alluring harvest sun color with the gentle aroma of creamy butterscotch and vanilla custard, citrus from candied oranges, and freshly felled oaks. The Macallan single malt scotch whisky is rich-bodied with pleasing sweetness and smokiness with a sugar-almond and nectarine nose, and a rich, raisin finish.

7. Dalmore 15-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky

The elegant and smooth scotch is yet again one of the most sought-after and best scotch whisky brands in India. One of the most legendary distilleries in the world, The Dalmore was founded in 1839. It has a unique maturation process; many expressions of The Dalmore are matured in 2 precious wooden casks: American white oak ex-bourbon casks and exclusive aged sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass. It is undeniably a rich, full-bodied whisky, with orange, chocolate, and coffee flavors. The Dalmore Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky (aged 15 years), a premium scotch, is matured in American oak casks for 12 years and further for 3 more years. An award-winning Highland scotch, this rich beverage is intense and full of currants, hazelnut, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

8. Talisker 10 Years Old

Check out this whisky if you are after Talisker’s signature smoky, peated flavors. Talisker distillery, founded in 1830 is based in Carbost, Scotland. The spirit is most frequently matured in the American oak cask and is well known for its marine character. It has a fresh and fragrant nose and pungent smoke with black pepper, with a touch of brine and dry barley. Orchard fruit provides a beautiful and delicate balance. One can smell the rocky sea-salted riddled turf of the Isle of Skye in its top notes, with a peppery-sweet finish, making it a delightfully layered dram.

9. Bruichladdich 12-Year-Old Islay Single Malt Whisky

The classic Bruichladdich is beautifully aged in bourbon casks and refilled in Spanish Oak casks. With a bright golden color, medium weight, and lovely texture, this beautiful beverage feels like the warm sun and fresh air. The Bruichladdich distillery was built by the Harvey brothers in 1881. The distillery produces many single malt Scotch whisky and is one of the eight working distilleries on the island. It has the characteristics of butterscotch, apple, and lemon.

The palate is heavy with floral and fruity aromas hitting right at the start. You can taste sea saltiness with an extremely creamy texture, followed by custard, citrus, and a great finish with blackberries.

10. Balvenie Doublewood 12 Year Old

The two casks aged whisky is famous for its oloroso sherry nose and a distinct, spicy nuttiness that comes in a cask with old-school gravitas. DoubleWood 12 was launched in 1993, using a process commonly known as wood finishing, designed by Malt Master David Stewart in 1982. The whisky matures for about 11 years in traditional whisky casks, American Oak ex-bourbon barrels, and hogsheads, and an additional 9 months in Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks. The whisky is then transferred to large oak vessels called tuns for further 3-4 months to allow the whiskies from individual casks to marry.

A very evocative treat, it is packed with surprises. With hints of fig, oil, candied red fruits, and a faint whisper of fennel, it has a long, sweet finish. It's known to be rather enjoyable before or after dinner.

Blended Scotch Whisky

Blended Scotch, however, is not at all inferior to single malt and can be equally complex, delicious, and thought-provoking as their single malt counterparts. Aging time, vessel, peat, and other factors have just as much to do with the final flavor profile of a given scotch, whether blended or single malt.

Listed below are the top picks of the best Blended Scotch Brands available in India:

1. Chivas Regal 12 Years Blended Scotch Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 Years Blended Scotch Whisky is regarded as the Best Scotch Whiskey of the Chivas Regal Range. It has also won many accolades and rave reviews from critics and consumers as well. This whisky traces its roots back to 1801, produced by Chivas Brothers. The distillery is the oldest operating Highland distillery. This is a very defined blended whisky, with herbs, honey, and fruit springing forth on the palate and hints of butter toffee, aniseed, and cassis to the nose.

2. Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

Originating in the Scottish town of Kilmarnock, Johnnie Walker is a brand of Scotch whisky first established by John Walker but now owned by Diageo. It is a widely distributed brand of blended Scotch whisky sold in almost every country. Honey with thick caramel notes and a subtle nutmeg spice allows the smooth elements to come through, along with spicy vanilla with a sweet finish.

3. Ballantine’s Finest

The Ballantine is blended with fifty single malts and four single grains. The brand has won many awards for its products and is the world’s second-highest-selling Scotch whisky. This scotch stands out for its creamy vanilla, smokey barley, and sweet caramel flavors.

4. Royal Salute 21 Year Old

Royal Salute is another brand of Scotch whisky produced by the Chivas Brothers, founded in 1801 in Scotland. Named after the traditional 21-gun salute, Royal Salute whisky is aged for at least 21 years and is a luxurious and distinctive spirit. This Scotch Whisky is widely loved for its oak, honey, and dark chocolate flavor notes.

5. Dewar’s 15-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky

Called ‘The Monarch’, Dewar’s 15-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky, promises a mindblowing sipping experience. The palate is full of golden honey, toffee, warmth, and complexity of citrus and green apple notes. Succulent exotic fruits with hints of coconut and vanilla aromas deliver a delicate, smooth, well-rounded warming finish.

6. Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is one of the rarest whisky produced by the world-famous brand. It has legendary status & continues to be one of the best-selling Scotch Whisky brands in the world. The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch Whisky is supple with a smoky taste and smooth finish. You will get hints of oak, spices, dry fruits, pastries, and berry fruits. It is fragrant with a slight nose of cedar, aniseed, spice, and citrus. This Scotch Whisky has won many accolades including Gold Scotch Whisky – Blended in 2019 at International Wine & Spirit Competition, and offers a wholesome palette as well.

7. Vat 69 Blended Scotch Whisky

Vat 69 is a popular Scotch Whisky brand in India. It was first manufactured in 1882 in Leith, Scotland. The blend uses a whopping forty different grains and malts for this perfectly balanced and smooth scotch whisky. With hints of spice and caramel and notes of barley malt, with a soft wheat and pear juice character; it offers a sweet rounded palate with a woody, caramel, and spiced finish.

8. J & B Rare Blended Scotch Whisky

J & B Rare Blended Scotch Whisky is a mixture of both Scottish malt whiskey and Scottish grain whiskey. The brand, Justerini & Brooks, founded in 1749 in St. James, provided premium wines and spirits to aristocrats and royals in London. According to J & B, the Rare Blend is made from 40 different whiskies that include malt whiskies from Glen Spey, Auchroisk, Benrinnes, and Strathmill and grain whiskies from North British distilleries and Cameronbridge. It works well with little water, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

9. Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky

Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky was created in 1884, originally known as the House of Commons. The palate is full of caramel and lemon, sugary dried fruit with a hint of little vanilla. It is a sharp grain alcohol with peat and a slightly sweet touch with a honey finish. It is one of the most popular Scotch whisky brands in India and has won several awards, namely, the Silver Award in International Wine & Spirit Competition, in 2011, and Bronze Award in the year 2016.

10. Famous Grouse Scotch Whisky

Famous Grouse is one of the best-selling Scotch Whisky in Scotland and is rated among the world’s Most Popular Scotch Whisky brands. It has a rich and rounded malty, and a slightly sweet palate with the aroma of melon and smoky with a hint of peat lingering in the background. It is crisp and balanced with notes of toffee apples and hints of dried flowers. To bring out the maximum flavor, it is recommended to be taken with a lime wedge.

Famous whisky cocktails

Be it scotch, bourbon, or another variant, whisky makes for a great cocktail ingredient and is a key component of several classics. The ability to produce a delicious whisky cocktail is an accomplishment to be proud of and to help you with this skill, here’s a collection of some classic whisky cocktails with their basic recipes:

1. Sazerac

Ingredients:

• 45 ml rye whiskey
• 10 ml absinthe
• 3 dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters
• 1 sugar cube
• A  few drops of water
• Lemon peel

Method: Rinse a pre-chilled Old Fashioned glass with absinthe, then add crushed ice to it and set it aside. Stir bitters, sugar, and water together, and also add rye whiskey and ice and stir. Discard the ice and absinthe and strain the whiskey into the glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.

2. Old fashioned

Ingredients:

• 60 ml whisky
• 3-4 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 sugar cube
• A few drops of water
• Orange peel

Method: In an Old Fashioned glass, add cocktail bitters, sugar cube, and water. Stir. Add bourbon and ice and stir. Rub an orange peel over the top and drop it in the glass.

3. Rob Roy

Ingredients:

• 60 ml scotch whisky
• 20 ml sweet vermouth
• 3-4 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Cherry for garnish

Method: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass along with ice and stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.

4. Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 60 ml rye whiskey
• 15 ml sweet vermouth
• 1-2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Cherry for garnish

Method: Stir liquid ingredients together with ice. Strain it into a chilled coupe glass and garnish it with a cherry.

5. Whisky Sour

Ingredients:

• 60 ml whisky
• 30 ml lemon juice
• 20 ml simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• Cherry for garnish

Method: In a shaker tin, add all ingredients except for ice and dry shake for 10-15 seconds. Add ice and shake again. Double strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.

6. Mint Julep

Ingredients:

• 60 ml whisky
• Fresh mint
• 1 sugar cube
• A few drops of water

Method: In an Old Fashioned glass add all ingredients and stir. Add a few fresh mint leaves. Fill the glass with ice and add water over the ice.

Share with me your favorite brand(s) of whisky. Feel free to add your personal whisky cocktails to the list as well.