Amrut Fusion

With Whisky Live Glasgow 2010 fast approaching, It got me thinking about last years event. The whiskies i tasted, hated, adored and how i think my palate has changed over the last year. I do remember being introduced to the Amrut range. From what i remember, there was a Bourbon Oak and a peated variant on offer. What i do remember is that i wasn't particularly impressed by either. However, after Jim Murray voted the Amrut Fusion 3rd finest Whisky in the world 2010, i knew it was time to revisit the Bangalore distillers.

Amrut distillers originally started in the 1950's making dark rum for the armed forces and civilian market. Progressing to grape brandy in the 1970's and , with the help of Scottish experts, malt whisky in the 80's.

So, the fusion title relates to the combination of Indian and Scottish barleys. The Scottish barley is peated and the spirit bottled at 50%. It really is a big and punchy dram, a mouth filler.

On the nose: Big, Juicy, ovaltine chocolate, orange barley sweets with the next door neighbours' peat fire gently smouldering away just hinting at the smoke.

Palate: We've arrived next door now. The peat warms and is gladly followed by that malty chocolate. Oak and custard show their face and the taste flows well around the mouth.

Finish: Long, leaving you to decide on what bit you liked best. Smokey, sweet or woody

A massive whisky with a reasonable price tag. Nice to have a big hitter for a smidge over £30

Craig