Amrut Neidhal

Amrut Neidhal, NAS, 46 %

Amrut Distilleries has now started a series called Single Malts of India, where act as an independent bottler; maturing and bottling single malt whisky from around India. So this whisky has not been disitlled by Amrut themselves.

The Neidhal is the first release in the series. It is limited to 12000 bottles and described as follows:

“Ancient Tamil texts, dating back to the Sangam period (300 BC - 300 AD), classify mother Earth into five regions called tinais, each being associated with its own distinct style, grammar, mood, subtle as well as overt form of romance, culture and even cuisine. “Neidhal”, according to this classification comprises all Oceans and neighboring regions or in short Coastal Plains and the way of living associated with them.”

So, this is an independent bottling from an undisclosed coastal distillery in India. I tasted batch 01, which was released for sale July 2021.

You can buy the Amrut Neidhal in Norway at NOK1350 (14089701).

Nose: Peaty and salty with a slight medicinal touch. All evidence so far definitely points to a coastal whisky. Rather fruity as well, a mix of ripe banana, mango and strawberries. Also vanilla and coconut.

Taste: Full bodied and on the dry side of the spectrum (a subtle hint to the next Amrut whisky up for review there). Wet oak planks and tropical fruits with a fair dollop of iodine, sea salt and peat.

Finish: Medium long finish. It remains fairly dry all the way. Peaty, malty, salty and with medicinal hints. Softly oaky. Sweet licorice and earthy vanilla.

Comment: This is actually quite enjoyable.

Score 86/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas