Amrut Expedition

Rs 10 lakh. 15 years. 75 bottles. And a whisky.

Amrut Distilleries new whisky, Amrut Expedition, has created a tiny storm in the spirits industry because of the numbers involved: matured for 15 long years, this limited edition single malt, of which only 75 bottles are available, costs a whopping ₹10 lakh.

The art of crafting: The single malt has been aged years in two exceptional casks, the first eight years in a ex-Sherry cask from Europe, which infused it with sherry’s sweetness, and the next seven in an ex-Bourbon cask from the US, affording it layers of complexity and texture.

On the nose: The first scent of sherried truffle and cane molasses is followed by whiffs of fruit marmalade, sandalwood, oak, and even vanilla.

Tasting notes: Bottled at 62.8% ABV, Amrut Expedition’s flavour profile spans sherried truffle, sweet cane molasses, hints of sandalwood and oak. As you sip along, the notes soften and become silkier, before   segueing into hints of black pepper. The finishing notes are long and refreshing with hints of dried fruits, vanilla, and bitter cocoa. “The balanced profile of the whisky has to be spot on. I didn’t want to compromise on that,” said Amrut’s Master Distiller Ashok Chokkalingam. “What’s fantastic at 14 years of age can be completely spoiled at 14 years and 6 months. So the difference between life and death is a few months,” he added, sharing that he tasted samples every two months until it reached perfection.

The bottle: The bottle, designed by Glencairn Crystal Studio, is diamond-shaped, hand-carved with gold engravings, individually numbered, and embedded with an NFC tag and authentication card. Crafted over six months and five prototypes, it comes in a metal-and-wood box. Collectors also receive a handcrafted silver peg measure from a Bangalore silversmith and a scroll with a note from the master distiller.

Davana Vermouth Indica

On a summer afternoon in Goa, ideal for laidback launches, Adarsh Gadvi hosted the tasting of Davana Vermouth Indica, India’s first vermouth brand—a tribute to his love for this bold, fortified, and aromatised wine. Davana aims to carve a unique niche in India's burgeoning spirits market by not only introducing a locally crafted vermouth but also redefining it as a standalone drink, best enjoyed “on the rocks” rather than just in a martini or negroni. “We’re promoting easy serves, like vermouth on the rocks or with tonic and a pinch of salt, alongside cocktails such as our jamun-infused creation, reminiscent of kala khatta—a nostalgic throwback to childhood,” says Gadvi.

His family’s legacy in distillation, under the banner of Naveen Distillery—known for producing spirits for major brands—was his calling card until he set out to launch an Indian vermouth. Joining him is master distiller Evgenii Savvateev, who hails from a lineage of distillers and began exploring distillation, maceration, and production at 18. In India, Savvateev recognised a gap in the market for unique, high-quality craft spirits and played a pivotal role in bringing Davana Vermouth Indica to life, ushering in a new era of Indian craft aperitifs.

Vermouth is an aromatised wine infused with botanicals and herbs, a process Gadvi likens to gin production, but with wine as the base instead of a neutral spirit. Like wine, it is infused with various botanicals, notably the distinctive wormwood. “We are focusing on five pillars,” says Gadvi. “Authenticity—India’s first homegrown vermouth, made with locally sourced ingredients; Innovation—the first vermouth to feature wormwood (called davana in Kannada, and hence the name), a uniquely Indian botanical; Craftsmanship—a precisely developed recipe perfected over two years and 50 trials; Versatility—crafted for cocktails yet refined enough for sipping on its own; and Cultural Heritage—inspired by Ayurveda and India’s rich botanical traditions.”

A mix of herbs, spices and flowers

It is available in two variants. Davana Rosso has a base of white wine infused with a complex blend of 23 botanicals, including herbs, spices, and flowers such as wormwood, cinnamon, cloves, and citrus peel.  Davana Bianco, with 18 botanicals, uses a mix of herbs, spices, and flowers like chamomile, vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus peels.

The art of crafting:  Davana Vermouth is crafted through a meticulous process, with its creation unfolding in three key stages: base wine selection, botanical extraction, and blending and maturation. A high-quality base wine is used, which is then infused with various botanicals, prime among them wormwood. “We use both individual and combined extractions, working with grape and grain spirits, and sometimes infusing botanicals directly into the wine. After testing over 50 formulations, Davana has perfected a method that results in a nuanced, balanced, and distinctly Indian vermouth,” says Gadvi. “The entire process, from extraction to bottling, spans 45 days, with each batch yielding around 1,000 litres.”

On the nose: Davana Bianco offers citrusy notes with hints of honey, vanilla, and white chocolate, balanced by floral, fruity aromas and a touch of spice with dry flower nuances. Davana Rosso exudes warm, spiced aromas reminiscent of Christmas spices like cinnamon, complemented by candied orange, rich red berries, caramel, raisins, and subtle apricot notes.

Tasting notes: During the tasting session, we had the opportunity to check the aroma profile of the concentrate, and the one for Davana Bianco particularly hinted to a delicious citrusy flavour profile. What first hit me is a well-balanced sweetness that transitions into subtle bitterness. The flavours of candied orange is followed by a lingering herbal finish. Adding a cube of ice to the vermouth brings out floral and fruity notes, and decreases the sweetness. Davana Rosso is far more complex blend of sweet and spicy flavours. Notes of orange and lemon, are followed by a subtle peppery finish. Ice enhances the complexity and brings out more of the spice.

The bottle: Davana’s bottle celebrates its Indian heritage, with botanical illustrations on the labels showcasing ingredients sourced from across India. The design evokes an Indian terroir, highlighting the brand’s commitment to local sourcing and craftsmanship.

The Glenwalk

The Glenwalk, a blended Scotch crafted in Scotland and inspired by the picturesque Scottish glens, is the product of a collaborative effort between Cartel Bros' co-founders and actor Sanjay Dutt. This venture is deeply rooted in the Sani family's impressive 50-year legacy within the alcohol industry, a journey that began with a transition from mechanical engineering to alcohol retail, culminating in the establishment of the successful spirits retail venture, Living Liquids.

The Glenwalk's craftsmanship has won the whisky a Gold Medal at the India Wines and Spirits Award (IWS) 2024, and Silver medals at both the 2024 London Spirits Competition and the IWSC 2024.

Distillation and maturation: The Glenwalk’s creation involves a meticulous process of blending fine malt and grain Scotch whiskies, each matured in carefully selected traditional oak casks. This maturation process is crucial in achieving the whisky's signature smooth character and complex flavour profile. With an ABV of 40%, The Glenwalk is designed to offer a balanced and approachable drinking experience.

On the nose: Characterised by sweet caramel interwoven with subtle notes of flapjack and treacle, the inviting bouquet sets the stage for the tasting experience that follows.

Tasting notes: The whisky is smooth on the palate with a more dry finish, offering a clean, spicy medium length with sweet raisin and hay notes, and a distinctive hint of the Mahura flower, adding a regional touch to this otherwise classic Scotch blend.

The bottle: The bottle design features a black label adorned with an illustration of the Scottish Highlands, reflecting the whisky's origin.