Rampur Barrel Blush
We’re halfway through summer with record-breaking temperatures on both sides of the Atlantic. Even for avid whiskey drinkers, a pour of whiskey neat isn’t as refreshing as, say, whiskey with a large cube or even in an iced sweet tea. And definitely not for those that “don’t drink whiskey.”
Enter Rampur Barrel Blush.
Rampur Barrel Blush is a premium Indian single malt whisky, made exclusively from 100% six-row North Indian barley produced at the Rampur Distillery in Northern India, located near the base of the Himalayas. Its under the oversight of Anup Barik, Master Distiller at Radico Khaitan, the parent company of Rampur Distillery. (Radico Khaitan is among the oldest and one of the largest manufacturers of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in India.)
The name for this premium whisky is inspired by its maturation which begins in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in rare Australian Shiraz wine casks. Notably, its presentation also features a custom embroidered silk pouch.
Rampur Barrel Blush Indian Single Malt Whisky
Category: World Whisky
Class: Indian Single Malt
Notes: NAS and bottled at 45% ABV (90 proof)
Color: Honey amber
Price: Priced at US$79.99 (Please note actual cost may vary by state and country.)
Nose
Upon introduction, your olfactory is greeted with notes of dark fruits, vanilla, oak, and soft spices, highlighting its double cask finish from the bourbon and Shiraz barrels.
Palate
On the palate, it starts with a light vanilla custard taste followed by baking spices. Its robust profile features a malty richness with a viscosity that can be attributed to the six-row barley that generally has a higher protein and enzyme content. Subtle tannic undertones and dark fruits create a bold, yet balanced, profile.
Finish
Caramel cream flavors transform into a berry bake for a lingering close. Its complexity and richness are also an homage to the accelerated maturation that occurs due to the hot and humid weather in the region.
Conclusion
Add Rampur Barrel Blush to your collection for both personal enjoyment and creating whisky conversations. This whisky pulls double duty as appealing both to the seasoned imbibers and those whose idea of “whisky” is a peaty Scotch. It’s a “sessionable” (unashamedly borrowing this from the world of beer) whisky when you’re looking for something lighter to begin with or you are looking to enjoy a few pours. For those averse to “whisky neat,” that are more wine, bubbles, and cocktail drinkers, it’s a great entry level whisky. For everyone, it’s a great addition for your world whisky collection.
Score: 88/100
Slaynt vie!
