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Millwater Malt of the Month Malt whisky, from any of the dozens of countries where it is made, is always worth tasting and discussing. Some purists try to claim that only Scotland can produce fine single malt whiskies, but they would be very wrong. In fact, this series of articles will set out to show that great whiskies do come from some of the most unexpected countries. This month, we will start with something completely different – a top quality single malt whisky from India. Amrut Fusion single malt is unexpectedly good – great, even, according to many reviews. Nose: Heavy, thickly oaked and complex; some curious barley sugar notes here, shrouded in soft smoke. Big, but seductively gentle, too.
Taste: The delivery, though controlled at first, is massive! Then, more like con-fusion as that smoke on the nose turns into warming, full-blown peat, but it far from gets its own way as a vague sherry trifle note (curious, as there are no sherry butts involved) – the custard presumably is oaky vanilla – hammers home that barley – fruitiness to make a bit of a free-for-all; but for extra food measure the flavours develop into a really intense chocolate fudge middle, which absolutely resonates through the palate. Adding a little spring water enhances the experience enormously. Finish: A slight struggle here as the mouth-feel gets a bit puffy with the dry peat and oak; enough molassed sweetness to see the malt through to a satisfying end, though. Above all, the spices, rather than laying down and accepting their fate, rise up and usher this extraordinary whisky to its exit. AMRUT FUSION, 50% ABV, bought from The Liquor Spot, 1F Polarity Rise, Silverdale
