It's hard to choose a good Indian whisky. If you're a true-blue aficionado, you might already know your stuff. But if, like a lot of people, you're just getting into the game, it's tricky to know who to ask for a solid recommendation. Preferences and biases can lead you astray; but here in this list, we take those variables out of the equation. Six of the country's top bar runners and bartenders - who live and breathe premium spirits - tell you the one Indian-made whisky that they would go to bat for. A better curation you will not find.
Paul John Christmas Edition 2021:
RECOMMENDED BY
Sheldon Abranches, Owner, Hideaway Goa
WHY THEY LOVE IT
I don't generally drink whiskey, but when I do it's usually a drink to mark a moment. I tried the Christmas Edition 2021, during the holidays and it holds a special place in my heart. It's a lovely single malt, finished in ex-bourbon and port casks, mildly spiced and has hints of butterscotch; basically all things Christmas.
HOW TO DRINK IT
Poured on a large and clear block of ice.
Paul John Pedro Ximénez:
RECOMMENDED BY
Arijit Bose, Head of Operations, Countertop India (Tesouro by Firefly)
WHY THEY LOVE IT
I've been in Goa for the last couple of years, and I appreciate what Paul John has done for the industry. Their innovations and constant development have kept the category exciting. They have a fair bit of a fan following in the Asian market as well, and that recognition always helps. I like Pedro Ximénez in particular because I have always had an affinity for ports and sherries. The industry uses these casks extensively in both rum and whiskey production. When I found out that they'd launched a whiskey aged in the Sherry Pedro Ximénez casks, I immediately got it for the bar. The sherry barrels add a nice deep nose and layer to the malt, which I like drinking and offering to our guests.
HOW TO DRINK IT
On a big rock with a splash of water, or in an old fashioned. This is my recipe:
- Demerara sugar cube: 1
- Angostura bitter : 2 dashes
- Pedro Ximénez: 60 ml
- Stir in some ice and garnish with an orange twist!
Paul John Nirvana Peated Single Malt:
RECOMMENDED BY
Yangdup Lama, Co-Founder, Sidecar
WHY THEY LOVE IT
I love it because of its subtle, grounded flavour. It isn't a very bold whisky, which works for me. But it's the kind of whisky that is a nice blend of smooth and fruity.
HOW TO DRINK IT
The best way to drink it is simply over ice. Lots and lots of ice.
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