Dipping A Toe Into The Weird World Of Indian Whisky

It’s Scotch single malts! It’s oak-infused Indian neutral grain spirits! It’s… Royal Ranthambore! (Photo courtesy of Radico Khaitan)

If you’re an American talking about Indian whisky, you’re likely referring to the terrific and innovative single malts coming from the likes of Amrut and Paul John. If you’re an Indian, however, you’re likely referring to brands that few people in Europe or the States have heard of, whiskies that may not even meet the legal definition of the term in most countries. Artificially flavored booze bottled below 80 proof, mostly consisting of “neutral grain spirits” (read: vodka). Since India has an enormous population, and they consume a LOT of whisky, some of these cheapo brands are among the best selling in the world, even if you can’t find them outside the country’s borders.

And then there are Indian whiskies that occupy a middle ground, neither bottom-shelf garbage nor top-tier quality. That’s the turf that Royal Ranthambore occupies. And I was surprised to discover that it’s pretty delicious turf. Read all about it in my latest Whisk(e)y Of The Week over at Forbes! The link? Right -> HERE <-.