Amrut Fusion Single Malt Indian Whisky
This one will be a shorter review than that for Amrut Single Malt Indian Whisky, if only because there’s really only one difference.
Whereas the “classic” Amrut uses Barley from the north of India, Fusion uses 75% of that malt and pairs it with 25% peated Scottish barley. Unsurprisingly, that adds some peat, smoke, and char to the Fusion that isn’t in the Amrut Single Malt.
It’s not disclosed where the peated barley is from in Scotland, nor where the peat itself is from, but my guess would be the Highlands. There’s no salinity to suggest Orkney, and none of the notes Islay peat can bring (note that Islay peat is not homogenous!). Could be Lowland peat, I guess, but Highland feels closer.
I’m sure that 25% peated malt is not an arbitrary number, and that Amrut likely played around with the right percentage for the blend before settling there. I’d be curious to know if they explored using different peat sources, too.
One other notable change is a slight proof increase to 50%/100º. While not a huge difference, I do believe it makes the peat more palatable for an audience that’s not used to the flavor.
The best part of this, of course, is the mouthfeel and richness. Those are still there in spades. And whether you like the peat or not, the classic Amrut profile is still there.
I know this isn’t the longest review or writeup, but I ask you to take one thing away from it: try this. Peat is not just Laphroaig or bandaids or stuff like that, it can also be woodsmoke, earthiness, campfire, salty smoked meats, and a number of other things, too. This is a super approachable peat profile that will introduce you to the woodsmoke type. Like it or hate it, it’s not going to blow your mouth away, and at the price point it’s worth a shot.
Thank you to Glass Rev Imports for providing this sample with no constraints.
Amrut Fusion Single Malt Indian Whisky: Specs
Classification: Indian Single Malt Whisky
Origin: Amrut Distillery
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Age: NAS
Location: Bengaluru, India
Amrut Single Malt Indian Whisky Price: $64.99
Amrut Fusion Single Malt Indian Whisky Review: Tasting Notes
Eye: Golden apple juice. Medium rims bend but hold with slow syrupy droplets.
Nose: Gentle peat, smoky with just a hint of earthiness. Delighful level of smoke that doesn’t blow out the rest of the flavor. Orchard fruits and orchard wood being split open after the peat. Speyside/Highland-style malt with classic Amrut richness.
Palate: Earthy black truffle at first with a bit more oak and proof right away. The peat settles gently under the tongue and along the sides of my mouth. Dark chocolate and coffee grounds add back palate depth. Mouthfeel is silky, a little thinner than the classic single malt, pepper on the front but most flavor coming on the back half of the palate and my throat.
Finish: Turns darker, roasted malt and stout beer. Dutch cocoa powder and lingering but mild peat on a medium-to-long finish.
Overall: An approachable peat level for sure, though I want more flavor and impact on the front half of my tongue and palate. There’s fruitiness to be found there, but it’s largely dominated by the back palate explosion of chocolate and coffee behind the peat. Flavor-wise this is well-balanced.
Final Rating: 6.5
10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close
9 | Incredible | Extraordinary
8 | Excellent | Exceptional
7 | Great | Well above average
6 | Very Good | Better than average
5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary
4 | Has promise but needs work
1-3 | Let’s have a conversation
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