Rampur Select Indian Single Malt

A bit to sweet. Very prominent pear

I had a pour of this at a Diwali party this evening. Open bar, sitting next to a Balvenie 12, Paul John, and a Talisker 10. Talisker 10 was undoubtedly the best in the lineup, but I’ve never even heard of this one...so why not, might as well give it a spin. At this point, Amrut is the de facto standard whiskey out of India, followed next by Paul John. But, Rampur...never heard of it. Apparently, it’s out of the subcontinent’s oldest distillery called Radico Khaitan from Uttar Pradesh. What’s interesting is that Uttar Pradesh’s climate is totally different than Amrut’s Bangalore and Paul John Goa. Bangalore is very Texas like; Goa is more Hawaiian type. While Uttar Pradesh has chilly winters and dry hot summers. So...maybe more like Utah / Colorado. I’d expect less wood interaction than the blistering Bangalore or Goan heat. Anyway—-tasting this is very much like a Dalwinnie. Honey, cereals, light. It lacks the muscle of Amrut...and the complexity. Very mild and restrained. Maybe a good foray into Indian whiskey, but not something I’d buy anytime soon. Instead, stick with Amrut, or if you want less horsepower, Paul John. Buy, pour, or bust...solid bust.