Kamet Single Malt

Kamet is one of India’s most exciting single malts — and if you’ve only ever thought of single malt as a Scottish thing, this is the bottle that changes your mind. It’s distilled at the Piccadily Distillery in Haryana and named after Mount Kamet, one of the highest peaks in the Indian Himalayas. (Don’t let any ‘Japanese whisky’ shelf tag confuse you — this is proudly Indian.)

It’s made from Indian-grown six-row barley, distilled in copper pot stills, and matured in a thoughtful trio of casks: ex-bourbon for backbone and vanilla, French-oak ex-wine barrels for fruit, and PX and Oloroso sherry casks for that dark, raisiny richness. India’s warm climate coaxes a maturity that belies the spirit’s years. It’s bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, so the full texture and aroma stay intact.

Expect a fruity, layered nose of vanilla, caramel, and raisins over nutty dark chocolate; a palate that moves between fresh and dried fruit with oaky spice; and a long, warm finish that’s nutty with a balanced dry-and-sherried sweetness. Pour it neat or over a single large cube to let it open up — it’s also a fine partner for dark chocolate or a board of aged cheeses. At well under fifty dollars, it’s a remarkably accomplished way into Indian single malt.