India’s Indri, beats Scotch and Bourbon to be crowned World’s Best Whiskey
It’s official: India’s very own ‘Indri’ whisky has been crowned ‘Best in Show, Double Gold’ at Whiskies of the World Awards 2023, beating out the traditional Scotch and Bourbon whiskies. This is a huge moment for Indian whisky, as it marks the arrival of a new kid on the block and cements India’s place as one of the great whisky-producing countries. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Indri so special and why it’s been awarded the title of world’s best whisky.
Introducing the Indri : The Indian Whisky that beat all others
Indri, the Indian whisky that has taken the whisky world by storm, has recently been crowned as the best whisky in the world at the prestigious 2023 Whiskies of the World Awards. This is a significant achievement for Indian whisky and marks a new era in the industry. Indri has surpassed traditional Scotch and Bourbon whiskies to claim the top spot, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and quality of Indian whisky production.
Crafted in India, Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023 is a peated Indian single malt made with six-row barley and distilled in traditional copper pot stills. It undergoes a significant maturation period in PX Sherry Casks, benefiting from the sub-tropical climate of North India. The result is a whisky that entices with a subtle smokiness and delights the senses with notes of candied dried fruits, toasted nuts, spices, oak, and bittersweet chocolate.
Indri’s victory at the Whiskies of the World Awards signifies the evolving landscape of the whisky industry. It’s a testament to the global recognition of Indian whisky’s craftsmanship and innovation. This win also opens up new opportunities for whisky connoisseurs to explore the diverse world of Indian whiskies and discover their own favorites.
The Whiskies of the World Awards: what are they?
The Whiskies of the World Awards is a prestigious event that brings together whisky connoisseurs, experts, and enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. It is a celebration of the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating the world’s finest whiskies. Each year, distilleries from around the world submit their best offerings to be judged by a panel of industry experts.
The Whiskies of the World Awards is a highly competitive event that judges over 100 whiskies from around the world. After multiple blind tasting rounds, a panel of influential tastemakers in the industry selects the best whisky in each category, and ultimately, the Best in Show.
The awards recognize excellence in various categories, including best Scotch, best Bourbon, and now, best Indian whisky. The competition is fierce, and winning the top prize is a remarkable achievement. The Whiskies of the World Awards provide a platform for distilleries to showcase their unique products and gain recognition on an international level.
A Surprise Win: How Indri made it to the top?
Indri’s win showcases the rise in popularity and the exceptional quality of Indian single malts in the global whisky industry, Indri’s surprise win is a testament to the distillery’s dedication to quality and innovation. It is a remarkable achievement for Indian whisky, further solidifying its position as a contender among the best whiskies in the world. Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023 is truly a unique expression, deserving of its title as the Best in Show.
Indri’s success in previous years, such as being awarded gold at the Tokyo Spirits and Whisky Competition 2023 and being named Asian Whisky of the Year 2022, highlights the Piccadily distillery’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the industry. The Piccadilly distilleries uphold the mantra that Indri is born in the land of abundance, nourished by the mighty Himalayas and the flowing river Yamuna.
Mysterious distillation
The shape of the pot plays a crucial role in the production of malt whisky. During distillation, the still is heated to just below boiling point as the alcohol and other compounds turn into vapour and pass through the neck. The vapour then passes through large copper coils that are submerged in cold water, causing the vapour to condense into a liquid.
The wash undergoes two distillations. The first separates the alcohol from the water, yeast and residue. The distillate from this initial process, known as low wines, contains roughly 20% alcohol by volume. This liquid is then used for the second distillation in the spirit still.
The condensers of the spirit stills produce three types of liquid: Heads, Tails and the Heart. Only the pure centre cut, or the heart of the run, which has approximately 68% alcohol by volume, is collected in the spirit receiver as new make spirit.
The maturation process begins, and the whisky gains flavour, colour, and smoothness from the cask. During this phase, higher alcohols transform into esters and other complex compounds that subtly enhance the whisky’s unique flavour.
Whisky Trends: is this a sign of changing times?
Whisky enthusiasts around the world are buzzing with excitement following the surprising win of India’s Indri whisky at the 2023 Whiskies of the World Awards. This momentous occasion has sparked discussions about the changing trends in the whisky industry.
The recognition of Indri as the best whisky in the world has opened up a world of possibilities for whisky lovers. It encourages exploration and discovery of new and unique whiskies beyond the conventional choices. This win highlights the diversification and innovation happening within the industry, with distilleries from all corners of the globe pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a great whisky.
As the whisky landscape continues to change, it’s an exciting time for whisky enthusiasts to embark on a journey of exploration, seeking out the hidden gems and rising stars. Who knows what surprises the future holds for the whisky world? One thing is for certain — the emergence of Indri as the world’s best whisky is a sign that times are changing, and whisky lovers have much to look forward to.
