Amrut 12 YO Greedy Angels - Chairman's Reserve
Amrut 12 YO Greedy Angels - Chairman's Reserve, 60 %
A few months ago Indian distillery Amrut released the Amrut 12 YO Greedy Angels - Chairman's Reserve. The first ever 12 YO Indian single malt whisky. It is also the most expensive Indian whisky ever, at around USD 1000 per bottle. Only 100 bottles were made, and it sold in a crystal decanter, with a nice box also holding two crystal Glencairn glasses.
This is the third release in Amrut’s Greedy Angels series. I have previously reviewed the Amrut Greedy Angels 8 YO released in 2012, and the Amrut Greedy Angels 10 YO released in 2015.
The Amrut 12 YO Greedy Angels - Chairman's Reserve was released late 2016 to commemorate Amrut having reached 12 years of presence on the international whisky market.
I have been told that the total angels' share over those 12 years for this whisky was around 82 %! I assume the same technique used on previous Greedy Angels were used, where you start off with several casks. Then after about four years they're only half full, so you combine the liquid into half the amount of casks. Then after a further four years or so you repeat the process, ending up with one half empty cask after 12 years. No wonder it is expensive!
Nose: Oooh, this is one of those rare whiskies that caresses your nose, gives it an ever so gentle little kiss. It is so, so well integrated and balanced. You'd never guess an ABV of 60 % by this nose. It is very rich, but at the same time it appears light on its feet. Intense and delicate. Oily. Sugary, candied fruits, like a cocktail of tropical fruits. The standout fruit is oranges, but there's so much more going on as well. It keeps developing over time.
Taste: Intense, oily - almost buttery mouthfeel. Oranges and all sorts of tropical, candied and dried fruits. It also has a soft nuttiness to it - almonds spring to mind. Soft caramel notes and some vanilla.
Finish: Very long finish. Steady as she goes, really. The profile remains unchanged, and it stays ... for ... so ... long! Caramel, oranges (more towards bitter oranges now, perhaps?), and almonds.
Comments: I should not be surprised, really. But - wow! This is the nectar of the gods indeed!
Score (93/100)
Sláinte! - Thomas
