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| Viskey, viskey, hic! | |
| Aabhas Sharma / New Delhi October 24, 2009, 0:30 IST | |
Whisky is still India’s favourite drink and, going by the number of new launches that have happened in the category, it seems that habit is unlikely to be broken. In the last few weeks there have been no less than three new brands which have made their presence felt, while others are trying to bring more variants into the market so as to reach out to yet more whisky guzzlers. We list some of the new whiskies that you might now find at duty-free shops or even retail outlets.
Rare and expensive
Glenfiddich’s 50-year-old is one of the rarest and, indeed, most expensive whiskies to be distilled. Only 500 bottles of Glenfiddich 50 will be released at a rate of 50 a year over the next decade, and each will retail for £16,000. Not only that, finished in the finest Scottish silver, each hand-blown bottle is individually numbered and presented in a hand-stitched, leather-bound case, which includes a book in which proud owners can record their tasting sessions for posterity, that is if they actually end up drinking it. Buyers will also receive a certificate of authenticity signed by four of the distillery’s long-serving craftsmen.
A little less pricey
If you can’t afford the 50-year old, then go for the 21-year-old. Glenfiddich 21 completes its maturation in casks that previously held aged Caribbean rum. The Glenfiddich Malt Master regularly samples whisky from the casks to ensure that the Glenfiddich has acquired just the right level of finish. Price: Rs 12,000
New entrant
Bowmore is another big name which has launched its Scotch whisky, Islay, in the country. Four variants including the 17- and 25-year-old whiskies are now available through Kyndal in the Indian markets. The brand is confident that it will make a dent in the already crowded whisky market in India. The price of a 1 litre bottle of Bowmore Islay is between Rs 5,000 and Rs 40,000, depending on the age, which varies from 12 to 25 years.
Scotland’s best
Famous Grouse has been around for quite some time in the country now, but a new variant called the Black Grouse, too, has hit Indian shores. Black Grouse, however, is available at the moment in New Delhi only. It will soon be making its way to other metros as well. It comes in a 1 litre bottle priced at Rs 2,250. Black Grouse is a smokier and more “peated” whisky than Famous Grouse. It is one characteristic the brand is banking on, as the brand believes a lot of people have an affinity for it.
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