Setting-up The Perfect Home Bar? Here Are The Super Essential Whiskeys You Should Stock Away Right Now

If there is one drink we call that can coalesce the nation, it's the perfect old-fashioned Whiskey. 

 

Whiskey has gone global or better to say eternal! No more are the days when scotch and bourbon rule the shelves at your local bottle shop. Whiskey not only pours fun to live but also pour life into life. It is the signifier of all the celebrations, be it a friends party, birthday, anniversary or wedding, it is an ultimate drink of entente and the best drink to unwind after a protracted exhausting day of work.  

 

Regardless of whether you prefer to mix a little whiskey in an exotic cocktail or sip your neat sample slowly letting the flavors melt in your mouth, no home bar would be complete without a selection of good whiskeys. You can’t just pour a dram of what you happen to have on hand and hope it’s going to suit every occasion. To get a snapshot of what’s essential in the world of whiskey we've jotted down the 10 super essential whiskeys you should stock away right now for that perfect dream home bar. Read on...

 

1. The Macallan

One of the most highly revered Whisky brands in India, The Macallan, fortunately, is one Scotch that is easy to love immediately. An only Scotch distillery that has its own Master of Wood, The Macallan is the third-largest selling single malt Whiskey in the world and the second-largest by value. The name Macallan is thought to have derived from the two Gaelic words, ‘Magh’, and ‘Ellan’, meaning ‘fertile ground’ and ‘of St Fillan’ respectively – St Fillan is thought to be an Irish monk that spread the Christian word throughout Scotland in the 8th Century. A globally praised single malt scotch whiskey the Macallan promises the sherried sweetness and some spice carry over from the nose. The whiskey is big and creamy. A delicate, charred smokiness permeates the dram. More like a wood smoke than the coal smoke of Islay whiskeys. Not a peat monster, no caramel coloring (though the distillery is probably haunted), Macallan produces both great entry-level Scotch (like the Macallan 10 and 12) and some of the most coveted bottles for serious collectors.

Image Courtesy: Lifestyle Asia

 

Price of The Macallan Whisky Maker’s Edition 70CL in India: Rs. 9250 for 700 ml. 

Alcohol By Volume Percentage of Macallan Whisky Maker’s Edition 70CL: 42.8% ABV

 

2. Talisker 18

An intense drink, this tipple starts offevolved gently with a rich and fruity aroma and mild toffee notes, but as you sit back and relish your drink, you get a more extreme experience, this is smoky and even packs in a bit of a spicy kick!

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Price of Talisker 18 whiskey in India: Rs. 5548 for 750 ml. (10 Years Old)

Alcohol By Volume Percentage of Talisker 18: 45.8% ABV

 

 

3. The Glenlivet 12

This one is pretty refreshing malt! An entry-stage Glenlivet, the 12-year-old packs in a citrusy punch, with the smooth aroma of grapefruit lemon and juicy citrus notes lingering on long after you've completed your drink. 

Image Courtesy: The Whisky Ledger

 

Price of The Glenlivet 12 whiskey in India: Rs. 5610 for 750 ml. (12 Years Old) 

Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of The Glenlivet 12: 40% ABV

 

4. Glenfiddich 12

The World's most awarded single malt Scotch Whiskey and one of the last family distilleries, Glenfiddich 12 is one of the biggest players in this segment globally and proudly fits under the segment of one of the Best Whisky Brands in India. Mild and clean on the palate, this one is thought for a fruity aroma and a sweet, creamy mouthfeel.

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Price of Glenfiddich 12 whiskey in India: Rs. 5750 for 750 ml. (12 Years Old)

Alcohol By Volume Percentage of The Glenfiddich 12: 40% ABV

 

5. Amrut

The first single malt Whisky that is certainly Indian, Amrut is made out of hand-picked Indian barley from the foothills of the Himalayas and has a notable richness of flavor. splendidly layered, be prepared to taste a touch of spicy, floral, sweet and toffee notes.

Image Courtesy: The Distiller Blog

 

Price of Amrut whiskey in India: Rs. 3608 for 750 ml.

Alcohol By Volume Percentage of The Amrut: 46% ABV

 

 

6. Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Amber with bright gold notes around the periphery this Blue Label is Johnnie Walker's most prestigious whiskey. The Cristal of the blended whiskey world. Probably the most famous super-premium blend made up of the finest old-aged malt and grain whiskeys. Wisps of peat smoke, hints of charred oak, rich vanilla cream, sweet chili pepper flake, bittersweet chocolate. Blue Label transitions into the finish like cotton candy melting in the mouth: almost imperceptible from mid-palate through the lingering notes of caramel, cocoa, peat, and cinnamon. Blue Label’s bold, multi-layered palate and silky delivery ensure that it sits unchallenged at the top of the Johnnie Walker pile.

Image Courtesy: Drinkhacker

 

Price of Johnnie Walker Blue Label In India: Rs. 20,500 for 1L

Alcohol By Volume Percentage of The Johnnie Walker Blue Label: 40% ABV

 

7. Black And White

The classic old blend of some of the finest whiskeys in Scotland, with a high proportion of quality grain. This legendary whiskey is originally known as House of Commons (after the British House of Commons), its nickname, referring to the black and white labeling, was eventually adopted as the official brand instead. Soft and vanilla-ed like ice cream, the kind where cream actually appears in the ingredients. Unripe kiwis, light citrus, and a little celery salt. Immediately sweet, and slightly smoky, salty even, then a bit souring, some pepper and oak. Definitive standard blend. Predominantly sweet without much else to compete. Balanced, simple, and generally inoffensive.

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Price of Black And White Whisky In India: Rs. 1768 for 750 ml.

Alcohol By Volume Percentage of The Black And White: 40% ABV

 

8. White Walker by Johnnie Walker

A limited-edition whiskey from Johnnie Walker, inspired by the absurdly popular television program, Game of Thrones, this whiskey features malts from Clynelish and Cardhu, among others. The bottle has a temperature-sensitive graphic that will spell out the words “Winter is here” when it's at the right temperature for serving. Starts with a thin hint of orange Fruit Pastilles and dried apricot and then tuned with a toffee, vanilla pod and ginger snaps. Rich on the palate more vanilla again, this time paired with cinnamon and almond with a hint of fresh cherry and cut oak heat and finally finish with lingering peppery malt and festive spices.

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Price of White Walker in India: Rs.4450 for 750 ml. 

Alcohol By Volume Percentage of The White Walker: 41.7% ABV

 

9. Blender's Pride

Blenders Pride is the leading core brand of premium blended whiskey within the Pernod Ricard portfolio in India. Without artificial flavoring, this whiskey is made by blending Indian grain spirit with imported Scottish malt.  It doesn't give you a hangover or a headache like other cheap whiskeys and it goes well with Coke. Blenders Pride was launched in 1995 in the Premium admix category. A blend of imported scotch malts from Chivas Brothers and select premium Indian grain spirits. Blenders Pride is the result of 140 years of Seagram’s great tradition of blending fine whiskeys. No artificial flavors, consistent quality, exceptional taste, and aspiration led communication has powered the brand to category leadership with current annual volume exceeding 5 Million cases.

Image Courtesy: bildungsministerin

 

Price of Blender's Pride in India: Rs. 929 for 750 ml.

Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Blender's Pride: 42.8% ABV

 

10. Chivas 18

A smooth tipple even if neat, Chivas 18 has quite a creamy mouthfeel with plenty of orange and vanilla notes and a warm oak finish. One of the Best Whisky Brands in India to try out for. 

Image Courtesy: Luxury Insider

 

Price of Chivas 18 in India: Rs. 5202 for 750 ml. (18 Years Old)

Alcohol By Volume Percentage Of Chivas Regal: 40% ABV

 

Still not sure exactly what you’d like to add to your home collection? Well, our Handy And Comprehensive Guide To The 30 Best Whisky Brands in India would help you make that choice better. With a diverse selection of Whiskies to choose from single malt to double and from triple malt to the blended and from the Bourbon to the expert's selection we have it all at one place.

 

So what are you waiting for? Develop your palate and discover what you really like!

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