Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky

Amrut Fusion is an Indian single malt whisky launched in 2009 by Amrut Distilleries in Bangalore, India. The whisky is made from a mix of Scottish and Indian barley, thus giving it the name “Fusion”.

In 1982, the Amrut brand of whiskies became the first single malt whisky produced in India. Amrut is a Sanskrit word meaning nectar of the Gods and was introduced to the global market in the year 2004.

History of Amrut Single Malt Whisky

Amrut Distilleries Private Limited was founded in 1948 in the Indian state of Karnataka by J.N. Radhakrishna Rao and was known as Amrut Laboratories. Their distillery business initially faced a lot of difficulties due to the unavailability of good quality, local equipment since the alcohol industry was not a priority in the country back in the day. While most distilleries in India were still manufacturing whisky using molasses, the Amrut distillery decided to produce premium whisky from barley and malt in 1982 and prepared their first batch in 18 months.

The distillery discovered that India’s hot and humid weather helps the whisky mature faster than it does in the United States or Europe, and one of the master blenders at the distillery, Surinder Kumar estimated that one year of ageing in India is around three years of ageing in Scotland, with taste profiles matching some of the 12 year old Scotch whiskies.

This is when the company decided to launch its whiskies in the European market as well. After conducting tests of their single malt whisky in Scotland and noticing a positive reception from the consumers, the brand Amrut Single Malt Whisky was launched in Glasgow, Scotland in 2004, following which the brand spread across Western Europe and other Scandinavian countries in the next two years, and eventually took over other international markets. Back home in India, the brand was only available in Karnataka and it was only in 2013 when they launched it in Mumbai and gradually spread it across other states.

Making Process of Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky

Amrut Fusion is made from 75% unpeated Indian barley, and peated barley sourced from Scotland. The Indian grains are sourced from Punjab and Rajasthan, and are malted in Jaipur and Delhi, finally making their way make to the distillery in Bangalore.

The malted barley is mashed with water and added to stainless steel fermenters. The water used in the production process is obtained from a well almost 25 kilometers away. These steel fermenters are water-cooled to maintain its temperature and prevent them from heating. After the fermentation is complete, the wort is transferred to wash still, where it is distilled in small batches. This helps preserve the natural aromas of the spirit.

The resulting spirit is re-distilled in and is added to oak and ex-Bourbon barrels that are imported from the United States. The whisky is aged for around three-four years. Due to Bangalore’s climate, the whisky is ready for bottling at a much younger age. The whisky is not chill filtered in order to maintain its natural character and flavours.

Alcohol Percentage in Making Process of Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky

The Amrut Fusion contains 50% ABV (100 US Proof), which is much higher than the standard permissible limit for single malt whiskies.

Awards

Gold at the Liquid Gold Award – Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible in 2014.

Gold at the Wizards of Whisky (Asian and African Whisky) in 2014.

Gold at the Wizards of Whisky (Asian and African Whisky) in 2012.