A Legacy Poured to Perfection: Amrut unveils India’s Oldest & Rarest Single Malt

Amrut’s Expedition launch marks a historic first for India’s alco-bev industry, as Amrut proudly unveils the oldest single malt ever produced in the country-a true masterpiece sculpted by time, patience, and masterful craftsmanship. This extraordinary expression has undergone an unprecedented 15-year maturation period, a feat never witnessed in Indian single malt-making. It first spent eight years in a specially sourced Sherry cask from Europe, cultivating deep, opulent flavors, before transitioning to an ex-Bourbon cask from the United States for an additional seven years, further refining its complexity and depth. With only 75 bottles ever crafted, this release is more than just a single malt-it is a tribute to Amrut’s relentless pursuit of perfection and a defining milestone in India’s single malt heritage. A senior food and single malt critic who has sampled majority of Indian Single Malt expression and has covered the topic extensively critiqued that the “Indian Single Malt category can be broadly classified into two : Amrut and Amrut Inspired” rightfully touting the pioneer tag.

Amrut launches Indias first oldest and the rarest single malt whisky

At first glance, the Expedition packaging exudes the grandeur of a royal heirloom, a treasure reserved for the modern-day monarchs. Crafted to mirror the rarity and grandeur of the single malt within, the packaging of Amrut Expedition stands as a true marvel of design and engineering. Merging metal and wood seamlessly was an intricate challenge-one that took six months of relentless innovation and five prototypes to perfect with designers working round the clock meticulously bringing the outer case to life. Each box is handcrafted and painted, housing individually engraved and numbered bottles, making every unit a unique collector’s piece. The bottle features a distinctive diamond-cut design, adorned with intricate gold engravings that form an elegant bespoke pattern, and houses the precious liquid as it undergoes a voyage to meet its rightful owner. Adding to its exclusivity, a regal silver peg measure, handcrafted by a skilled Bangalore silversmith, accompanies each bottle. Ensuring authenticity, every bottle is embedded with an NFC tag and a bespoke authentication card, narrating the story behind this historic release. A testament to Amrut’s uncompromising commitment to excellence, Expedition is not just India’s oldest single malt-it is also the most exquisitely packaged single malt the country has ever seen.

The global launch of Amrut Expedition is a momentous occasion, spanning key markets across India, the USA, the UK, Europe, Dubai, Singapore, and Australia. Amrut loyalists from across the globe have flown in to witness this historic unveiling, underscoring the brand’s worldwide admiration. With only 75 bottles ever produced, this extraordinary release has already cemented its status as a coveted collector’s item-one that Amrut enthusiasts across the globe are eager to acquire. Expedition’s price tag of over USD 12,000 echoes a twist of destiny moment, as Indian manufacturers were once shunned to be a home of economical and unsophisticated offerings. A single malt of this caliber is not just an indulgence; it is an investment in history, offering a once-in-a-lifetime tasting experience, an heirloom to be passed onto to future generations.

The launch of Amrut Expedition is more than just a historic single malt release-it is a tribute to 75 years of Amrut’s pioneering journey, a voyage that has been nothing short of an expedition in itself. At the heart of this legacy stands Mr. Neelkanth Rao Jagdale, Chairman and Managing Director of Amrut, fondly known as the Father of Indian Single Malt. His unwavering vision, relentless pursuit of excellence, and commitment to putting India on the global single malt map have made this moment possible. This exceptional release is a fitting homage to his contributions, celebrating not just India’s oldest single malt but also the remarkable journey of Amrut over the decades-a journey that began with the foresight and entrepreneurial spirit of its founder, Mr. JN Radha Krishna Rao Jagdale, whose pioneering foundation laid the groundwork for Amrut’s rise as a global icon.

Mr Rakshit N Jagdale (MD – Amrut Distilleries) comments, “Amrut Expedition is more than just a single malt-it is a celebration of our 75-year journey, a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence started by grandfather, Mr JN RadhaKrishna Rao Jagdale. Aged for 15 years across two exceptional casks, every drop tells a story of heritage and craftsmanship. With only 75 bottles available worldwide, it is a true collector’s piece crafted to near perfection. This launch is also a tribute to my father, Late Mr. Neelkanth Rao Jagdale, whose vision and pioneering spirit put India on the global single malt map. Seeing Amrut reach this milestone is an emotional and proud moment for us. Expedition is not just a single malt-it is history in a bottle.”

Tasting Notes

Colour: Cola

Nose: It is Sherried truffle as the first impression and leading to a very delicate nose with a dose of cane molasses. It is fruity with an alter ego of sherbet complemented with a dose of vanilla pod sitting on the top. It is so velvety and vibrant at 62.8% abv and creates a confusing wood aroma of sandalwood and then the subtle oak is dancing in the background.

Taste: It is chocolate coated sherry and the mid-palate is so delicate and silky. Then there is a sharp contrast of cracked black pepper for a few seconds and the bitter coca emerges to put that off with a marvellous dose of vanilla and dried fruits. It is spectacularly soft and velvety with a layered note of fruit marmalade. The third layer is of subtle oak tone with a bitter cocoa note and is refreshing!

Finish: It is salivating beneath the tongue and with a classic bitter cocoa finish.