There’s a new favourite whisky in the market, and it’s an Indian single malt.
Spirit producer Radico Khaitan’s single malt Rampur Asava has been recognised as the ‘Best World Whisky’ in the 2023 edition of the John Barleycorn Awards. The highly competitive and prestigious international spirits competition takes place every year in the US, with a series of experts tasting the spirits blind.
Going by their official bio, the John Barleycorn Awards is the world’s leading spirit competition honouring innovative distillers, writers, marketers, designers and more. This year’s blind-tasting combat was judged by Barleycorn Society members, including Clay Risen, Wayne Curtis, Zach Johnston, Susan Reigler, and John McCarthy.
This Indian whisky has been labelled ‘World’s Best Whisky’ at John Barleycorn Awards, here’s how much it costs
Matured in ex-Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks
The Rampur Asava beat a number of scotch, American and Irish whiskies to clinch the title. The single malt is a unique offering, with the whisky being matured in a distillery in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. It is first matured in ex-American bourbon casks and then finished in ex-Indian Cabernet Sauvignon casks. It’s the red wine casks that give it its zing; adding to its distinct dryness sweet notes of apricot, manuka honey and hints of vanilla. Every sip is accompanied by the warming notes of oak with a peppery and baking spices finish.
Indian whisky is the best in the world
It’s been a good season for Indian homegrown whisky. With India commanding about a 48 per cent share of the global whisky market, according to Business Wire, Indian whiskies are witnessing an influx in international stores. Being declared the top pick in international spirits competitions is only adding to its value.
In October 2023, the Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023 was declared the world’s best whisky at the 2023 Whiskies of the World Awards. That time too, this Indian whisky beat out over 100 other varieties including scotch, bourbon and British single malts.
Price
The Rampur Asava single-malt is currently available in Duty Free for Rs 9,390 and will be available in the Indian market soon.
