Time for another one of the exciting bonus samples from our tour group. An Indian single malt from Amrut where the malt being used is rye instead of the traditional barley. The only other Amrut I’ve had was 10mL of the cask strength greedy angles that was provided by @PBMichiganWolverine (as was this one) and that was superb. Let’s see how this one fares. Bottled at 50% ABV, this NAS expression is non chill filtered and is most likely natural color of a beautiful mahogany. Strong minty oak starts the nose, promising a powerful palate to follow. It’s very rye heavy, as is to be expected from a 100% rye, but it’s also quite fruity. Apples, pears and a little banana. Walnuts, toasted coconut, more oak and barrel char. Vanilla and caramelized brown sugar. New and old leather, cocoa powder and tea, fairly herbal as well. Pink bubblegum towards the bottom of the glass (I’ve found this in many bourbons) with a bit of a pineapple/mango combo. WOW, a hugely powerful arrival. You’d think it was well above 50%. Spicy peppery oak. Rye and warm buttered rye toast. Strong mint and dill with some clove. Mixed nuts, underripe bananas, yellow apples, pears. More rye and oak make their way back around. Tropical fruits appear the more you get accustomed to the intensity. Papaya, mango and guava. Those tropical fruits really help to add complexity to a fairly simple whisky. I say simple, but the sheer power of it really negates that descriptor. A full bodied mouthfeel. HOT, oily, mouthwatering and mouth coating. The finish is medium long with oak, mint, herbal and fruity. This is my second Amrut, and it’s another winner. Far too strong to be a daily sipper, but when the mood hits and you want something with power, or to torture friends expecting something soft, this would be a great choice. Can’t say I’d buy a bottle at $170, but it’s got great character. While it’s not very complex, it’s powerful flavors make up for any shortcomings. 4.25-4.5, but closer to 4.25 I think. Cheers