Amrut Raj Igala

Amrut Raj Igala, NAS, 40 %

I have recently had the chance to catch up on some of the recent and not so recent releases from Indian distiller Amrut. Today I look at the entry level whisky Amrut Raj Igala.

The name refers to The King of Eagles. It is produced using Indian barley grown at the feet of the Himalayas. The Amrut Raj Igala is fully matured in ex-bourbon barrels, and released in small batches.

You can pick up a bottle of the Amrut Raj Igala in Norway at NOK 650 (6367401), and in Sweden at SEK 430 (8752201). It appears to currently be sold out in the UK, but normally sells at around GBP 36.

Nose: Hmm..at first this comes across as mainly oaky. Obviously I need to dive back in to find out more. Yep, oaky in the sense of sawdust and wet planks. Underneath that I find bananas, vanilla, caramel and hints of alcohol. It feels young, in a way I have not found in any Amrut whisky before. I find barley and cereal notes after a bit.

Taste: Smooth mouthfeel and medium body. Caramel, banana, pears and black peppercorns. Toasted oak and sugary sawdust.

Finish: Medium to short finish. Caramel with a touch of burnt toast with orange marmalade. Watery towards the end.

Comments: A bit of a let down, especially when I know to what heights Amrut can soar. This eagle does not reach the sky for me. More of an entry level dram, perhaps.

Score (78/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas