Rampur Whisky: India’s Premium Single Malt Sensation
Introduction
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rampur Whisky has emerged as India’s most prestigious homegrown single malt, challenging Scottish dominance in the premium whisky category. Produced by Radico Khaitan, one of India’s oldest distillers, Rampur combines traditional Indian distillation techniques with European maturation expertise to create whiskies that are winning international awards and captivating connoisseurs worldwide.
About Rampur Whisky
Rampur represents the pinnacle of Indian single malt whisky craftsmanship.
Heritage & Background
- Produced by Radico Khaitan (established 1943)
- Distillery located in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh
- First launched in 2016 for global markets
- Named after the princely state of Rampur
- Part of India’s growing premium whisky movement
Brand Philosophy
- Showcases Indian terroir through whisky
- Combines traditional and modern techniques
- Focuses on cask innovation and maturation
- Targets discerning whisky drinkers worldwide
Rampur Distillery & Production
The Rampur distillery combines Indian heritage with cutting-edge technology.
Distillery Features
- Location: Rampur, Uttar Pradesh (Himalayan foothills)
- Altitude: 900 feet above sea level
- Climate: Extreme temperature variations (accelerates maturation)
- Water Source: Natural Himalayan springs
- Capacity: 1.5 million liters annually
Unique Production Methods
- Uses six-column stills for exceptional purity
- Long fermentation (72-96 hours)
- Indian barley varieties
- Maturation in European and American oak
- Some expressions use Indian wine casks
Alcohol Percentage & Core Range
Rampur offers various expressions at different strengths:
| Expression | Alcohol Percentage | Maturation |
|---|---|---|
| Rampur Select | 43% ABV | American Oak |
| Rampur Double Cask | 45% ABV | Bourbon & Sherry |
| Rampur PX Sherry Cask | 45% ABV | Pedro Ximénez Casks |
| Rampur Asava | 45% ABV | Indian Cabernet Sauvignon Casks |
| Limited Editions | 50-55% ABV | Various Special Casks |
Rampur Whisky Price in India (750ml)
Rampur positions as a premium Indian single malt:
| Expression | Price Range (₹) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Rampur Select | 4,500-5,500 | Nationwide |
| Rampur Double Cask | 5,500-6,500 | Select markets |
| Rampur PX Sherry Cask | 6,000-7,000 | Limited |
| Rampur Asava | 6,500-7,500 | Premium outlets |
| Limited Editions | 8,000-25,000 | Very limited |
Limited Edition Releases
Rampur’s limited editions are highly sought after by collectors:
Notable Limited Editions
- Rampur Signature Reserve (55% ABV)
- Rampur Himalayan Quartet (4-cask blend)
- Rampur Cask Strength Batch #1
- Rampur 25th Anniversary Edition
Collectibility Factor
- Limited to few thousand bottles worldwide
- Often sell out within days
- Secondary market premiums of 30-50%
- Feature unique cask finishes
Tasting Notes & Flavor Profile
Rampur whiskies showcase distinct Indian character:
Core Range Flavors
| Expression | Nose | Palate | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select | Tropical fruit, honey | Vanilla, spice | Medium, warm |
| Double Cask | Dried fruit, oak | Caramel, nutmeg | Long, rich |
| PX Sherry | Raisins, chocolate | Christmas cake | Very long |
| Asava | Berries, wine tannins | Red fruit, spice | Elegant |
Climate Influence
- Hot days accelerate wood interaction
- Cool nights allow spirit to rest
- Creates intense flavors in shorter time
- Results in higher angel’s share (8-10% annually)
Global Recognition & Awards
Rampur has earned impressive international acclaim:
Recent Awards
- Double Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Best Indian Single Malt at World Whiskies Awards
- 95 Points in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible
- Liquid Gold Award multiple years
Export Markets
- United States
- United Kingdom
- European Union
- Australia
- Duty-Free channels
Where to Buy in India
Rampur is available through various channels:
Purchase Options
- Premium Liquor Stores (in major cities)
- Five-Star Hotels (bar and retail)
- Online Platforms (where permitted)
- Airport Duty-Free (international terminals)
- Distillery Visitor Center (Rampur, UP)
States with Best Availability
- Delhi
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Telangana
- West Bengal
Comparison With Other Indian Single Malts
| Feature | Rampur | Amrut | Paul John |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price (₹) | 4,500+ | 3,500+ | 4,000+ |
| ABV Range | 43-55% | 46-62% | 40-55% |
| Signature Style | Fruity, Spicy | Bold, Complex | Sweet, Malty |
| Limited Editions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Final Verdict
Rampur Whisky offers Indian whisky enthusiasts:
✅ Authentic Indian Terroir: Distinct Himalayan character
✅ Cask Innovation: Unique maturation experiments
✅ Global Quality: Award-winning standards
✅ Collector Appeal: Limited editions appreciate well
❌ Considerations:
- Premium pricing compared to some imports
- Limited availability in some Indian states
- Younger age statements than some Scotches
