Amrut NAS 100 (57.1%%, OB, 2011)

After the Amrut Peated Single Malt Whisky had been matured in ex-bourbon casks, the whisky was emptied into brand new 100 litre handmade virgin casks for a further year in the tropical climate of Bangalore. The nose is very good, some peat smoke shows right out of the gate along with a hint of effervescence, some really sensational cocoa powder (unsweetened), black tea with a deep rich earthiness and some dark fruit cake. Quite sensational. The taste is of the cocoa powder, then changes for the briefest of moments to Cadbury’s Milk followed by the earthy malt and loads of peat smoke. Again still very sensational. A heady mix of the cocoa and peat smoke to be sure. To hell with water, this is brilliant as it is. The finish is long, peppery and filled with some excellent oak spice, cocoa, a little rose and then the peat smoke come crashing to the fore. Everything fills the head, a veritable assault.

Sensational. What a treat.

Advance sample no price available

Score 90 points

Amrut NAS Two Continents 2nd Edition (50%, OB, 2011)

Available in the United States, Canada, Europe and Taiwan. Bananas, cough syrup on the nose along with a good earthiness with the addition of some buttery richness, buttered raisin buns and grapefruit rinds. Over ripe fruit and aged musical instruments also pop into the picture. Malt and bees wax. Time for some water; things have settled down with a little more on the sweet side revealing itself, all very good. The undiluted taste is much gentler than the Herald but still gives them a run for their money. Some good solid vibrancy here and then some malt and fruit but still very peppery. With water it slows down and the sweetness is revealed, syrupy and very good. There’s also now some hints of heather or roses; just a tinge of some floral notes adds to the whole picture. The addition of water is very welcome; don’t be afraid to add a good splash. The finish is very BIG and very long, again lots of fruit, pepper, oak spice, MALT (almost like a sweet meal biscuit) and some good hard candies.

Another excellent example from Amrut

Advance sample no price available

Score 88 points

Amrut NAS Herald (60.8%, OB, C#2857, 231 Bts, 2011)

A single cask bottling matured for four years in India and then a further 18 months in Helgoland, Germany. The alcohol strength has dropped from 64.8% to 60.8% upon maturation in Helgoland. The nose is very sharp and filled with sour cherries, lemon zest, a little pot-pouri, juniper and mint. The cask influence is evident which only adds to the whole picture. A good dollop of water does nothing to change the nose (so far so good!). The undiluted taste is very much Amrut however it’s very vibrant with a very good combination of fruit and oak spice, black pepper and chilies. The water helps to tame this wild beastie a little…and now it’s much more sociable with some aromatic wood and some toast (white bread, unbuttered). A little green apples and hints of some cold bacon. Still a very big whisky with lots of very good things going on. Prior to water being added the finish is HUGE, lashings of chilies, dryness from the cask and then as a reward for having survived this far some good fruit and sweetness. After the addition of water the sample is still very active with sandalwood and even more pepper.

A truly amazing whisky that takes water and shrugs if off unnoticed.

Advance sample no price available

Score 88 points

Many thanks to Ashok Chokalingham for the samples.