In this review, we dive into the Amrut Fusion Indian Single Malt Whisky, an intriguing blend of barley from India and peated barley from Scotland. This whisky is a true fusion, combining the traditions of Scottish peat with the unique characteristics of Indian barley, creating something truly special.
Coming in at 100 proof, this whisky stands out among single malts, which typically don't reach this high of an ABV. We were excited to explore what this Indian whisky had to offer and see how it would compare to more familiar single malts.
The following review is taken from our episode "Seven Samurai / Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: The nose on this whisky was incredible. It was super fruity, but not in a light, bright way—more like dark fruits. I got notes of plum, raspberry, and cherry. There was a nice creaminess to it as well, almost like those creamsicle or dreamsicle hard candies. Remember those cream savers? It was like the raspberry flavor from that. I gave it an 8.5/10.
Bob: I found the nose interesting, with some underlying floral notes. It wasn’t quite rose petal, but it reminded me of wildflowers. There was also a ton of caramel and vanilla, which I wasn’t expecting, along with that great peated scotch malt influence. The complexity here is fantastic, and you don’t usually get this much fruit or floral in a peated whisky. I’m going with 8.5/10 as well.
Taste
Brad: The palate took a slight dip from the nose but still remained impressive. I got some nice coffee notes, and the plum flavor stuck around. There was a bit of dark chocolate, almost like cacao bitterness, and a soft honey note that you expect from barley products. It’s a complex whisky. I’m giving it an 8/10.
Bob: I picked up a lot of orange on the palate, maybe more like a blood orange. It’s really good, but I’m having this strange sensation where all the flavor is concentrated in the front half of my mouth. When I went to swallow, there wasn’t much happening on the back end, although the finish was long-lasting. There was orange, cherry, and the peat, which wasn’t overwhelming but rather complementary. I’m sticking with an 8.5/10.
Finish
Brad: The finish continued in the same vein as the nose and taste. It got a bit oaky towards the end, with the fruitiness drying out and leaving my mouth tingling. There was even a hint of mint. This is an incredible whisky, and I’m back up to an 8.5/10 on the finish.
Bob: My second sip filled in that missing flavor zone I mentioned earlier, and I started picking up on more of the subtleties, like the coffee and herbal notes. The honeyed flavor came through stronger as well. This whisky is more complex than I initially thought, and I’m going with a 9/10 on the finish to reflect that.
Balance
Brad: The balance on this whisky is fantastic. There’s incredible depth and complexity, and all the flavors work together harmoniously. I’m giving it a 9.5/10.
Bob: I can’t argue with that. It’s not a perfect whisky, but it’s damn good, and everything about it is really well-balanced. I’m also giving it a 9.5/10.
Value
Brad: The value here is interesting because it’s not widely available in Ohio, and I’ve seen it priced anywhere from $67 to $95 online. Let’s call it $80. For that price, I think this whisky is not just a good value, but a great value. The fact that it’s from India, a region not typically known for whisky, and that it combines Scottish and Indian elements, makes it even more impressive. I’m giving it a 9/10 for value.
Bob: I agree. I got this on a last-call rack in Ohio for somewhere between $70 and $80, and it was definitely worth every penny. It’s a shame they stopped carrying it here. I’m also going with a 9/10 on value.
Final Scores
Brad: I’m coming out to a 43.5/50.
Bob: I’m at a 44.5/50, which averages out to a 44/50 or 88/100.
Conclusion
With a final score of 88/100, Amrut Fusion has earned a spot among the best whiskies we’ve reviewed this season. It's a whisky that impresses with its complexity, balance, and unique blend of Indian and Scottish influences. While it’s not perfect, it’s incredibly good, and at around $80, it offers fantastic value. We typically recommend trying a pour at a bar or buying a bottle when a whisky scores 35/50 or higher, and this one, scoring a stellar 44/50, is definitely worth seeking out. Whether you're a fan of single malts or looking to explore something new, Amrut Fusion is a whisky that won’t disappoint.
