All Whiskies are not Scotch, but all Scotches are Whisky! Originally made from malted barley, Scotch is a pure and refined beverage. Whisky was first introduced in the late 18th century and was made from wheat and rye. By law, scotch whisky is a legalized term created to protect whisky made in Scotland. It has to be distilled and matured in oak casks for at least three years.
Scotch can be purified to 94.8% ABV. This is higher than bourbon. It has to be bottled at a minimum 40% ABV. Moreover, the number on the bottle is meant to denote the minimum age of the drink.
Current statistics reveal that India is a nation of whisky drinkers. Indians are consuming more than half of the Scotch that is globally sold.
All About Scotch
Scotch could taste like anything. Since it is produced among many distinct regions nowadays. The environmental conditions alongside refining traditions eventually strongly influence the final flavor of the Scotch.
We are in the thick of the holiday season right now. Don’t let the celebrations go dull! It means that it is high time to stock our home bar with the best whiskies in India.
Ring in the festivities! Get into the groove of the season! Take a look at some of the best Scotch brands that are sold in India. We have listed here all the top brands of scotch whiskies available here.
The Best of Scotch Whiskies in India
Scotch whiskies complement the holiday season! So, choose and pick from our list to usher in the New Year! Wish for better days to roll in!
- Antiquity: This comes in 2 variants: Antiquity Blue and Antiquity Rare. Blended with grain spirit, Antiquity Blue has a rich woody aroma. Antiquity Rare is a blend of Indian malts matured in oak casks. It is then amalgamated with scotch whisky and has a golden color.
- Ballantine’s: This whisky’s flavor is dependent on fingerprint malts. It is blended with fifty single malts and four single grains. This favorite brand has won several accolades and awards for its products. It is the world’s second-largest-selling Scotch whisky. Ballantine stands out for its smokey barley, creamy vanilla, and sweet caramel flavors.
- Black Label: Black Label is a true icon! The archetypal square bottle makes it one of the world’s most recognizable scotch whiskeys. Moreover, it is recognized as the benchmark for all other brands. Be it on its own or as a mixer, Black Label can be enjoyed in any form. It is, however, most often recommended to have it with soda. This scotch whisky is created using only spirits aged for at least 12 years or more, coming from the four corners of Scotland. It is then matured in heavily charred old oak casks. Black Label has a smooth, deep, complex character along with a sweet, fruity aroma.
- Bruichladdich: This brand’s distillery was built in 1881 by the Harvey brothers. It sits opposite the western shore of Loch Indaal on Islay. This distillery produces mainly single-malt Scotch whisky. It is one of eight working distilleries located on the island. Bruichladdich has characteristics of apple, butterscotch, and lemon.
- Chivas Regal: Tracing its roots back to 1801, Chivas Regal is a world-famous scotch produced by Chivas Brothers. This distillery is the oldest operating Highland distillery. It is a very refined blended scotch whisky, with herbs, honey, and fruits springing forth on the palate. Experts describe Chivas Regal as “the blend for grown-ups”. This scotch whisky is awarded an impressive 9 out of 10 by deft professionals. Chivas Regal sales grew by 61% between 2002 and 2008.
- The Dalmore: The Dalmore is one of the most legendary distilleries in the world, It was founded by Alexander Matheson in 1839. This spirit undergoes a unique maturation process. A variety of expressions of The Dalmore include being matured in 2 precious wooden casks The American white oak ex-bourbon casks and exclusive aged sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass. The Dalmore with orange, chocolate, and coffee flavors is undeniably one of the richest, full-bodied scotch whisky in the market.
- Glen: Glen Grant is a hugely popular young malt whisky sold in Europe. Normally drunk with cola, it is usually marketed as a very mild, light five-year-old. Scotland’s Highlands has fresh air and bright sunlight that imparts its distinctive, pale golden appearance alongside a clean taste to the whisky. Go for it! Glen Grant is worth laying your hands on.
- Glenfiddich: It is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Glenfiddich Distillery which was founded in the year 1886. The word Glenfiddich means “valley of the deer” in Scottish Gaelic. This is why its logo is a Stag. This exceptional spirit is matured in many different casks including Bourbon whiskey barrels from America, Rum casks from the Caribbean, and Sherry butts from Jerez in Spain. It presently accounts for about 30% of all single malt sales worldwide. Moreover, Glenfiddich was the first single malt to be marketed outside Scotland. It goes mild and clean on the palate along with a fruity aroma and a sweet, creamy mouthfeel.
- The Glenlivet: This distillery was founded in 1824. The Glenlivet brand is the largest-selling single malt whisky sold in the US. It is also the second largest-selling single malt brand globally. Glenlivet is a pretty refreshing malt and packs in a citrusy punch. Along with the smooth aroma of grapefruit, lemon, and juicy citrus notes that linger on even after you’ve completed your drink.
- Imperial Blue: This scotch whisky, favorite of the masses, is famous for being enjoyable in any form. Be it with mixers or straight over ice, Imperial Blue is a perfect blend of Indian grain spirits and imported scotch malts for exquisite smoothness. Originally launched in 1997, Imperial Blue has preserved the tagline for its brands in the form of ‘Men Will Be Men’. This brand is quite popular in Southern India.
- Jim Bean Bourbon Black: Can your list of whiskey ever be complete without a Jim Bean? Probably not, this is a classic drink and Indian favorite at INR 4,300 worth every paisa that money can buy. With caramel and warm oak, this one of the best whiskies elegantly packaged in a glass bottle is a must-have product for the holiday season. Claim your right to savor delicacy in every sip!
- Johnnie Walker: Johnnie Walker originated in the Scottish town of Kilmarnock. It is a brand of Scotch whisky now owned by Diageo. This brand was first established by grocer John Walker. Johnnie Walker now is the most widely distributed brand of blended Scotch whisky in the world. It is sold in almost every country across continents. Johnnie Walker on the nose is all about honey with thick caramel notes and subtle nutmeg spice. Along with sweet, spicy vanilla and a sweet finish, smooth elements do come through clean on the palate.
- Jura: This distillery was founded in the year 1810. It is a Scotch whisky distillery on the island of Jura. And is the only legal distillery operating on the island of Jura as of now. It sits in the middle of Craighouse, with less than 200 people living on the island. Craighouse is the island’s biggest town and is the heart of the island community. With notes of honey and toffee, Jura is an easy-sipping enjoyable spirit.
- Kilchoman: Situated in a picturesque background, the Kilchoman distillery began production in the year 2005. It produces single-malt scotch whisky. Kilchoman uses barley grown on-site and releases separate bottlings. The blended spirit is aged in bourbon and sherry casks and has vanilla and smoky caramel notes.
- Lagavulin: This brand was founded in the year 1816. It is representative of Islay-style malt. Lagavulin is exclusively matured in ex-bourbon casks. It gives the spirit a robust flavor, uncompromising smoke, and a salted-fish character. This scotch whisky still remains a solid favorite of countless malt fans worldwide. With breath-taking views over Lagavulin Bay, there are 5 bottles of Lagavulin navy made at a distillery in the south of Islay.
- Laphroaig: This distillery sits on the south coast of Islay. The scotch whisky it produces is celebrated for being the world’s richest single-malt scotch. Laphroaig portrays an award-winning family of whiskeys that are the end result of a spirit matured in a range of different woods and casks. Laphroaig is the product of a 200-year-old tradition of unique techniques for making whisky. It is loved by those who enjoy its medicinal, and smoky flavor.
- Macallan: This distillery was founded in the year 1824. It is located in Moray and was one of the first Scottish distilleries to be legally licensed. It was reported in 2009 that Macallan is the world’s third-largest-selling single malt and second-largest-selling whisky by value. The characteristics and styles of Macallan include dried fruit, fruitcake, and nutmeg. Both, effort and time invested in the making of Macallan are elaborate and the resultant spirit is matured only in oak sherry casks.
- Monkey Shoulder: This is a fairly modern scotch whisky. Monkey Shoulder Scotch is a vatting of 3 unique single malt whiskeys. It pays tribute to the malt men who suffered to produce fine whisky alongside their dedication to quality. The malts are first matured in ex-Bourbon casks. And only then are vatted together in small batches for up to 6 months. Subsequently, they are bottled at 40% ABV. The fallout spirit is slightly creamy with hints of woody spice and citrus having characters of butterscotch, honey, popcorn, and vanilla.
- Old Pulteney: This distillery produces the Old Pulteney single malt whisky at a number of ages. The spirits are matured in ex-bourbon casks and feature flavors of herbs, spices, and toffee. The Old Pulteney whisky is deep amber in color and has a clean, dry finish. It also is faintly salty along with a slight sherry note.
- Royal Salute: The Royal Salute brand of Scotch whisky produced by the Chivas Brothers was founded in 1801 in Scotland. The brand is named after the conventional 21-gun salute. The Royal Salute scotch whisky is aged for at least 21 years. It is a luxurious, and distinctive spirit. The first batches of the spirit were launched at the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II. Royal Salute whisky is loved for its dark chocolate, honey, and oak flavor notes.
- Talisker: Founded in the year 1830, the Talisker distillery is an Island single malt Scotch whisky distillery based in Carbost, Scotland. Spirits produced at this facility are most frequently matured in American oak casks. It is loved all over the world for its marine character. Talisker has a fresh and fragrant nose and pungent smoke with black pepper along with a touch of brine and dry barley. The orchard fruit in the spirit provides a beautiful and delicate balance to the whisky.
With more and more international brands coming to India, alcohol is a big world after all. People now are more welcoming, and proudly say, ‘we love our drinks!’ What are you waiting for? Grab a glass of your favorite whisky right now! 2023 is the best time for you to try them out!
FAQs
- Which Scotch is the smoothest in India?
Chivas Regal 12 Years beyond doubt. It is the smoothest whiskey in India.
- Which Whisky is the # 1 in India?
The most popular Indian whisky brand is Officer’s Choice. It also happens to be the world’s largest-selling spirit brand. The producer Allied Blenders & Distillers is one of the largest spirit brands in India.
- Is Scotch Whisky good for health?
Not on commission, or by health experts; but Scotch Whisky has been praised by real people across the world. It has the ability to lower the risk of blood clots, and dementia, and prevents heart attacks, and strokes. It even fights cancers. It boils down to the ellagic acid that is found in Scotch Whisky. Ellagic acid is a potent antioxidant.
