Indian whisky – Some of the Best Brands of Whisky in India

Distillations of the alcoholic beverages, especially Indian Whisky, are commonly made on the base of neutral spirits. The spirits are extracted from the fermented molasses along with a tiny part of traditional malt whisky, normally 10% to 12%. Outside of India, the same drink will be labeled rum. According to the annual report of 2013 of the Scotch Whisky Association, “the definition of Indian whisky is not clear as it's done in the countries of the European Union (EU). There is not many Indian whiskies that are qualified the standard of whisky of the EU. The neutral or molasses alcohol come after a limited maturation with the utilizing of the flavors.” 90% of the Indian whisky is based on molasses, but actually whisky is distilling mainly from grains and malt.

 

History of the Indian whisky

The drinking practices of Scotch whisky were started in India during the period of the British Raj in the 19th century. The first distillery of hard drinks like wine was established in 1820s in Kasauli, India by Edward Dyer. It was shifted soon due to the lack of spring-water in Solan, the summer capital of the British in Shimla, India. This first distillery is still operating in the same place by Mohan Meakin.

 

The pioneer of manufacturing of whisky in India from malted grains by Amrut Distilleries. The Managing Director and Chairman of Amrut Distilleries, Mr. Neelakanta Jandale, take decision to produce whisky from the barley of malted and unmalted combination. At that time, most of the Indian whiskies were producing from molasses alcohol. After the freedom of import duties liberalization in 1990, many distilleries were established in India, such as United Breweries, Dalmore, Isle of Jura, Whyte & Mackay, John Distilleries and many more. All of the distilleries import better technologies to produce better and the best whiskies in India. According to the volume, whisky is consuming in India in the largest amount in the world. 

 

Now, let’s see the best brands of whisky in India, according to their leading quantities in the market and popularity:

 

1. Lagavulin (Single Malt)

The brand of Lagavulin is a production of Islay Distilleries of Scotland that is newly added in the markets of hard drink of India. It got a good place after coming in the Indian markets with its very smoky flavor and distinctive aroma. It has awarded many international awards in the ‘Single Malt Category’ of the “Best Scotch Whisky” award. It's also best Scotch whisky to mention in the category of peated whisky. Its beauty is lying on the fruity sweetness of this brand of Lagavulin Single Malt whisky.

 

2. Johnnie Walker (Black Label Whisky)

This brand of whisky is perhaps the most popular and famous in India among the whisky brands. It’s originating in Scotland, but getting the real appreciation in India. It got huge popularity among Indians after arriving in the markets; this one is the best liquors in India and also all over the world with its own connoisseurs and recognition. This brand, Black Label Whisky of Johnnie Walker, is created with care from the combination of 40 types of whiskies. As a result, it provides you the best and real taste of a scotch whisky. The owner of the brand is Diageo, a famous and worldwide popular whisky maker.

 

3. Glenlivet (Single Malt Whisky)

This is one of the famous brands of scotch whisky producer of Scotland named Pernod Ricard. The area of its production is Speyside, Scotland and it turns huge responses from the consumers of India making a large buzzes in the Indian markets. The amazing tasty aroma has already won two international awards in the whisky competition. It has achieved awards of the best whisky in ‘Speyside in 2015’ in the single malt category also the single malt of distillery award. It might be the costliest scotch whisky in India.

 

4. Amrut Fusion (Single Malt)

Amrut Fusion is the one of the best Indian whisky of single malt that's taking place in this list for its amazing taste and quality. It’s produced in the Amrut Distilleries in Bengalore, India. The brand has achieved many international awards in the competition of Scotch whisky due to its huge popularity in India.  There are three types of its varieties are available in India. This is the best whisky brand of Indian originality.

 

 5. Aberfeldy (Single Malt)

The Aberfeldy of the Single Malt whisky is a classic Scotch and brewed in the regions of the Scottish highlands. It has a sweet taste of malt. This is regarding to the finest Scotch to find in the Indian market and it has made itself highlands in India of Scotland. For the incredible quality, it already bagged many prestigious international prizes of ‘spirits and liquors festival’ all places in the world. It has won the awards of the best ‘Single Malt Whisky’ consecutively in 2014 & 2015.

 

So, these are some top and popular brands of whisky in India. But, you will find many more brands and taste of Indian brands, including Laphroaig Single Malt, Ballantine’s Finest blended, Ballantine’s Scotch, Paul John Brilliance and Chivas Regal, etc.

Where to Buy the Best Brands of Indian Whisky in Dhaka, Bangladesh?

Although, there is not openly selling store of alcoholic drinks in Dhaka city, but you can buy all types of alcoholic beverages, including Indian whisky, German White Wine, red wines, rum, vodka, whisky, beer, champagne, etc. In various bars in Dhaka, along with some other top, 5-star hotels and licensed warehouses in Dhaka, Bangladesh. So, Dhaka is no more a city of dull or old fashioned. Purchasing alcoholic hard drinks from the warehouses is comparatively cheap instead of expensive ’ bars. 

 

Some Licensed warehouses and bars in Dhaka: Asha Meditec (Agargoan, Taltola, Dhaka), CCI (Mirpur Road, Dhaka), Eehamm International Ltd (Banani, Dhaka), Akij Food & Beverage (Uttara Model Town, Dhaka), Anon Enterprise (Mazar Road, Mirpur-1 in Dhaka), Auposhok (Banani DOHS, Dhaka), Banglaway trade (Baridhara Diplomatic Zone in Dhaka), Bd Global (North Goran, Dhaka) and many more. Furthermore, there are suppliers of hard drinks in the following locations: In Farmgate, Dhaka (Shalimar Bar and Red Button Bar), in opposite of Ruposhi Bangla Hotel (Sakura Bar), in Kawran Bazaar, Dhaka (La Vinci Bar). Moreover, some more bars in Dhaka are situated in Gulshan (STL Duty Paid Shop), Mohakhali (H Kabir warehouse), and in Dhaka airport areas (Parjatan store), in Shaheed Sayed Nazrul Islam Swarani, Bijoy Nagar (Gentleman’s Rest bar). There are some other bars in Gulshan, New Market, Banani areas as well.

 

The Gentleman’s Rest bar – the Best Bar in Dhaka

The best bar in Dhaka is the Gentleman’s Rest Bar. This is a part of the ‘Hotel 71’, an affordable, city. The bar of Hotel 71 is nicely arranged with decorations, lights, tables, chairs and other necessary modern amenities that are needed to demand an international standard. Their top class hospitality, presentation and wide range of drink selections made them a top attraction for the foreign guests. And definitely the prices of different types of drinks are really reasonable. It just requires a single visit and you will never forget the amazing experience of this Dhaka bar. Your one visit will take back again for many times, even all times you visit Dhaka next times.