Amrut Distilleries
History of Amrut Distilleries
Founding and Early Years
Amrut Distilleries, a prominent name in the Indian liquor industry, was founded in 1948 by J.N. Radhakrishna Rao Jagdale in Bangalore, Karnataka. The company initially focused on producing Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), which includes alcoholic beverages manufactured in India but resembling foreign spirits.
During its early years, Amrut supplied its IMFL products primarily to the Canteen Stores Department, serving the armed forces, and to the states of Karnataka and Kerala. Challenges marked this period as the company sought to establish itself in a competitive market, yet it gradually gained recognition for its quality products.
Transition to Single Malt Whisky
In the 1980s, Amrut Distilleries made a pivotal decision to venture into the production of single malt whisky. This move was initially met with skepticism, as the concept of Indian whisky was relatively novel at the time. However, the distillery saw a unique opportunity to highlight the rich flavors and distinct characteristics of Indian barley. Despite facing challenges, including India’s tropical climate which accelerated the whisky maturation process, Amrut pursued excellence.
Launch of Amrut Single Malt and International Recognition
A significant milestone was achieved in 2004 with the launch of Amrut Single Malt Whisky. This release garnered international attention and acclaim, challenging existing perceptions about Indian whisky. The distinct flavors and quality of Amrut Single Malt Whisky helped put Amrut Distilleries on the global whisky map.
Current Status and Innovations
Today, Amrut Distilleries is renowned for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The company has continued to experiment with various cask finishes and techniques from different whisky regions around the world, earning a loyal following among whisky connoisseurs.
Amrut Distilleries produces a range of spirits, including whisky (blended and single malt), brandy, rum, vodka, and gin. The distillery employs a labour-intensive process, with most of the bottling and packaging staff being women, and produces around 4 million cases of liquor a year.
Production Process
Amrut’s production process is notable for its traditional approach. The distillery uses double distillation in pot stills for malt whisky production. The malted barley is mashed with water and fermented using commercial distillers yeast. The fermented wort then undergoes slow distillation, followed by a second distillation in copper spirit stills.
The whisky is aged in a mix of new oak and used Bourbon barrels imported from the United States, with the hot Indian climate accelerating the maturation process. One year of barrel ageing in India is estimated to be equivalent to three years in Scotland.
Expansion and Capacity
Responding to increasing demand, Amrut Distilleries has expanded its capacity. Originally producing 350,000 litres per year, it has scaled up to produce over a million litres annually. This expansion includes a new distillery commissioned in late 2018, designed to increase production capacity while maintaining the quality and character of its spirits.
Awards Won by Amrut Distilleries
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Amrut Two Indies received the Double Gold award in 2022. This award is particularly significant as it is only given to spirits that receive a gold medal rating from all members of the judging panel, signifying them as among the finest products in the world.
New York International Spirits Competition: In 2022, Amrut Two Indies was awarded a Gold medal. This competition is unique for its judging panel, which consists exclusively of members from the beverage trade.
Chilled 100 Spirits Awards: Amrut Two Indies scored an impressive 93 points in 2022. This award is notable for its reliance on the expertise of working bartenders, who use it as a quality-ranking tool.
International Spirits Competition (SIP Awards): In 2022, Amrut Two Indies received a Gold medal. The SIP Awards stand out for being the only internationally recognized consumer judging spirits competition, representing a unique judging approach without industry bias.
John Barleycorn Awards: Amrut Two Indies won a Gold medal at the 2022 John Barleycorn Awards. These awards feature an elite panel of spirits journalists who conduct a blind-tasting competition, influencing consumer perception and buying decisions.
Bartenders Spirits Awards: Amrut Distillery has been recognized at the Bartenders Spirits Awards, a leading spirits competition in the USA that rates spirits with a focus on the bar industry. This competition invites bartenders, on-premise buyers, and bar managers worldwide to provide independent and honest reviews.
World’s Best Whisky 2018: One of Amrut’s creations, “naraangi”, was awarded “World’s Best Whisky 2018”. This whisky, aged three years in an ex-oloroso sherry cask and then seasoned with wine and orange peel for another three years, exemplifies the innovative spirit of Amrut Distilleries.
Amrut Distilleries Tour Information and Experience
The Amrut Distilleries offers a unique tour experience for whisky enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed overview of what you can expect:
Tour Experience at Amrut Distilleries
- Innovation and Craftsmanship: As you step into the distillery, you are welcomed into a world of innovation and craftsmanship. The tour provides an insightful walk-through of the process of creating world-class whisky.
- Charges and Age Restriction: The visit to Amrut Distillery is chargeable at INR 750 per person. It’s important to note that individuals under 21 are not allowed for the distillery visit.
- Booking Process: Visitors are required to book their visit in advance. This can be done through an online reservation form available on their website. The form requires basic information such as name, date of birth (to ensure visitors are above 21 years), email, mobile number, country, preferred date of visit, and the number of people (note that a maximum of 5 people can be booked once).
- Confirmation Process: Submitting the online form does not constitute final confirmation. The staff from Amrut Distillery will get in touch to collect more details and confirm the visit.
Additional Information
- Payment Method: Payments for the tour are accepted in cash (Indian currency only) at the Distillery. Credit/debit cards are not accepted.
- Terms and Conditions: Visitors are advised to carry valid ID proof and are required to adhere to the terms and conditions applied by the distillery.
The tour at Amrut Distilleries is more than just a visit; it’s an immersive experience into the world of premium Indian Single Malt Whisky.
Flask & Barrel Review of Amrut Distilleries
As someone who’s visited countless distilleries and added many a bottle to my whiskey collection, my recent visit to Amrut Distilleries was a standout experience. I’d rate it a solid 4.7 out of 5.
First off, the location in Bangalore adds a unique charm. The blend of traditional and modern India sets a captivating backdrop for the distillery. Amrut’s approach to whiskey-making is a fascinating mix of age-old techniques and innovative methods, which I found really intriguing.
The tour itself was a deep dive into the world of Indian single malts. I was particularly impressed by the distillery’s meticulous process, from selecting grains to the distillation and aging. It’s clear they take pride in every step, ensuring the whisky’s distinct character and quality. The highlight for me was the tasting session. Amrut’s range, especially the Fusion and the Peated Indian Single Malt, was exceptional. Each had a unique profile, rich in flavor and beautifully smooth.
What stood out to me was the warmth and knowledge of the staff. They were not just well-versed in their craft but also passionate about sharing their love for whiskey. Their insights added layers to the tasting experience, making it more than just sipping whiskey but understanding the story behind each bottle.
The visitor center was welcoming and well-organized, making the whole experience comfortable and educational. I appreciated the little details, like the display of historical photos and information about the distillery’s journey. It added a personal touch that you don’t always get on these tours.
If I had to nitpick, I wished the tour included more behind-the-scenes peeks into the whiskey-making process. As a collector, I always want to learn more about the craft. However, this is a minor point in an otherwise superb tour.
What To Do Nearby Amrut Distilleries
Bengaluru Palace: This historical palace offers a glimpse into the city’s royal heritage. It’s about 11 miles from the distillery and is known for its beautiful architecture and lush gardens.
Shivoham Shiva Temple: Located approximately 10 miles from Amrut Distilleries, this temple is a serene spot known for its massive Shiva statue and spiritual ambiance.
Samsung Opera House (Largest Exclusive Store and Experience Centre): For tech enthusiasts, this landmark, around 9 miles away, provides a unique retail and technology experience.
PVR Cinemas, The NEXUS Mall, Koramangala: If you’re in the mood for a movie, this cinema is about 8 miles from the distillery and offers a variety of films in a comfortable setting.
Bengaluru Fort: Around 12 miles from Amrut Distilleries, this historic fort is a testament to the city’s rich past and offers a fascinating exploration of Bangalore’s history.
Freedom Park: Located approximately 10 miles away, Freedom Park is a versatile space, previously a central jail, now hosting various events and protests, and is a symbol of liberty and democracy.
Cubbon Park: A bit further at about 11 miles, this expansive park is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Amrut Distilleries?
Lotus Pavilion, ITC Gardenia: This restaurant boasts a rating of 4.6 stars. For reservations, you can contact them at +91 80 2211 9898. The address is 1, Residency Rd, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025, India.
Kazé Bar & Kitchen: Kazé Bar & Kitchen has a rating of 4.4 stars. You can reach out to them for reservations at +91 90084 72111. It’s located at 21st Floor, SKAV, 909, Lavelle Road, near to ITC Gardenia, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, India.
The Bangalore Cafe: With a rating of 4.3 stars, The Bangalore Cafe can be contacted for reservations at +91 98442 40786. The address is 4, Kengal Hanumanthaiah Rd, Bheemanna Garden, Shanti Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560027, India.
What hotels are near Amrut Distilleries?
Ramanashree Richmond Hotel: This hotel has a rating of 4.1 stars. For reservations, you can contact them at +91 80 4135 0000. Their address is Ramanashree Richmond, 16, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, Sampangi, Sampangi Rama Nagara, Rama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025, India.
ITC Gardenia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bengaluru: This luxury hotel boasts a rating of 4.7 stars. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +91 80 2211 9898. The address is 1, Residency Rd, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025, India.
ibis Bengaluru City Centre: Ibis Bengaluru City Centre has a rating of 4.7 stars. You can contact them for reservations at +91 80 4254 8000. It is located at Plot No – 30, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, off Richmond Road, Sampangi Rama Nagara, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560027, India.