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Whiskies From Unexpected Countries - AFAR

"In the foothills of the Himalayas, the Rampur distillery was established in India back in 1943, making it the oldest distillery in the country although today it’s owned by Radico Khaitan, India’s largest spirits producer. But it wasn’t until recently that Rampur released this robust single malt—made from North Indian six-row barley—in the United States. For the first two-thirds of its aging process, it’s kept in American ex-bourbon barrels, before spending the last third in European oak casks that once held sherry oloroso. The result is a delicate blend of balsamic vanilla and tropical fruit notes on the nose—somewhat unique to Indian whiskies—and the American white oak is complimented by hints of rich caramel, dried and stewed dark fruits, and spices like pepper and clove from the European oak. Due to the climate in the Himalayas (the temperature ranges from 30 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity is typically between 70 and 80 percent), this whisky matures much faster than most, lending it a smooth, mellow taste with a long-lasting finish." - Devorah Lev-Tov