Until recently, appreciating whisky meant either droning on to your coworkers about peat characteristics and casks or being droning on to by a so-called “expert” on how you should be sipping your whisky. Then, something intriguing began to occur: a new generation of bartenders and distillers chose to abandon the rules, experiment with the blend, and abandon the drink-a-scotch-old-enough-to-order-its-own-scotch-douchebaggery. They popularised whisky among the populace! Today, even the most renowned brand ambassadors will tell you that the optimal way to consume whisky is as you prefer it. And while they (or we) may not advise you to use a 21-year-old whisky to mix a drink, there are many whiskies in a variety of price points and ages with which you may still have fun. These, my friend, are the whiskies in question.
7 excellent whiskies under ₹7,000
We recognise that single malts and whiskies might be scary to the ordinary drinker. You don’t want to go bankrupt, but you also don’t want to stock your bar with the same questionable blend you drank in college. Since we are currently living in the golden age of spirits, there are several whiskies from which to choose. And so that you never have to choose between the one you can afford and the one you appreciate, we have compiled (in no particular order) the seven greatest whiskies under 7,000.
1. The Glenfiddich Select Cask
Glenfiddich Select Cask, a peppery whisky with a finish of fresh cream, brown sugar, and blueberries, is delectably smooth and seduces slowly and fully. Despite the freshly remodelled turquoise cask, this bottle also makes an excellent present.
The price of Glenfiddich Select Cask is 4,490. (approx)
2.Monkey Shoulder
A mixture of single malts from three renowned Speyside distilleries, this spicy-cocoa firewater is an unassuming spirit that was intended to be combined. Its oaky-vanilla and cinnamon aromas combine well with coconut rum, coconut water, lime, and pineapple; nevertheless, it pairs best with strong cheese.
Price of monkey shoulder: Rs.3,900 (approx)
3. Bowmore 12 Years Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
This is a medium-peated Islay whisky that aficionados are likely to choose for their daily dram; pineapple, peach, and mango aromas are prominent on the palate. It has a wonderful, soft finish, but it is heavily smoked, so keep that in mind when choosing.
The price of Bowmore 12 Years Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is Rs.2,970. (approx)
4. Amrut Peated Single Malt
Rich and powerful, the Amrut Peated Single Malt with citrus notes and a butterscotch-vanilla finish is one of India’s most approachable drams. The famed whisky critic Jim Murray gives it 94 (out of 100) marks in the Whisky Bible, expressing his approval unreservedly. What else do you require?
Amrut Peated Single Malt price: ₹6,020 (approx)
5. Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve
When the conventional 12 YO just won’t do, reach for this cult classic, whose devotees vouch for its rich, cinnamon-clove palate and oaky top notes. The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Wood Reserve is matured in French Limousin oak casks, the same type used to age cognac, which imparts its fruity, nutty, and spicy characteristics.
Glenlivet 15-Year French Oak Reserve: Rs. 4,690 (approx)
6.Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
If you’re a fan of American whisky, you’ll love this handmade, small-batch product from Kentucky, which is named for ancient buffalo routes. This whiskey has overtones of vanilla, mint, and molasses. There are also hints of brown sugar and spice, followed by oak, toffee, dark fruit, and anise. A bourbon that is always cocktail-ready, albeit a simple chaser of ginger ale or Coca-Cola can suffice.
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon: ₹6,000 (approx)
7. Chivas Regal XV
Last year, this 15-year-old blended Scotch whisky hit the market. The Chivas Regal XV, aged in Grande Champagne Cognac casks, bursts with aromas of rich sultanas (also known as kishimish in India) and undertones of cinnamon, with the cognac casks bringing out the fruity notes and rich wood. Chivas Regal XV is precisely the type of whisky for which you would abandon your preferred single malt.
Chivas Regal XV price: ₹5,720 (approx, Duty Free)
