Snapshots
If you are wondering about the number 1 blended scotch in India, you have arrived at the right place! But before we uncover this mystery, here’s all you need to know about what blended Scotch is, from distillation to composition!
The majority of Scotch whiskies sold globally are blends, which are combinations of grain and single malt varieties. Blending a wide variety of materials into a single, consistent whole is an art form that borders on alchemy, and these goods embody the essence of that craft.
So what exactly is a blended Scotch whisky?
Whiskies made from both malt and grain are known as blended Scotch, and they are aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. Blended Scotch whisky is an incredibly challenging craft that requires more than just a good nose for flavour. It needs years of practice and extensive knowledge of distilleries (including those that have since closed), their stocks, and how they respond to wood and other grains and malts. It requires a terrifying amount of palate memory and intuition. Simply put, it's not an easy task.
The first thing brewers need to do is clarify that the word "blend" has both an informal and a formal, legal meaning. A Scotch whisky blend, in its most basic definition, is a combination of two or more whiskies; in this instance, the whiskies are bottled and marketed together. Mixtures of grain whiskies and malt whiskies that have been matured in barrels are known as blended whiskies in the whisky industry.
Many people mistakenly believe that a whisky with the designation "single malt" may only be made from a single barrel or batch of whisky. No, that's not right. Like most blends, most single malts are actually a combination of several whiskies.
How is it different from a single malt?
The humble word "single" is the source of all misunderstandings. Just one distillery's output is all that's required to make single-malt scotch whisky. Single-malt scotch whisky is not produced in a single run through the distillery, but rather from a single batch or barrel. A single-malt Lagavulin will only contain whiskies made at the Lagavulin distillery; however, it may include whiskies from many casks.
The sole distinguishing feature of single-grain Scotch whisky is the presence of barley, sometimes accompanied by another cereal grain such as wheat or maize. The word "single" is deceptive once again, as it describes a product created at more than one distillery rather than one derived from a single grain.
And now for the big reveal…
Now for the big reveal: the number one blended scotch in India is Royal Stag Deluxe! This blended Scotch whisky perfectly balances affordability, accessibility, and overall popularity. Known for their long antlers, deer species inspired the famous whisky's moniker when it launched in 1995.
How much and where to get
Among the many reasons why Royal Stag Deluxe is the most popular blended scotch in India, the affordable price is high on the list. In major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Pune, you can expect to pay from Rs 900 to Rs 1,200 for a 750 ml bottle.
About the brand - The Royal Stag
The Royal Stag, launched in 1995, revolutionised the Indian spirits market and quickly became one of the country's most beloved whiskies. Being the first Indian blended scotch whisky to offer a blend of international quality without artificial flavourings, it was a pioneer in the mixing of Indian grain spirits with foreign Scotch malts. Since becoming a part of Pernod Ricard in 2001, Royal Stag has grown into a legendary brand beloved by a huge and devoted fan base.
Sip and savour - Predominant notes of the drink
The predominant notes in this Barrel Select Whisky are a blend of Scotch malt and Indian grains, and it has a golden amber hue. Leaves, wood, fruit, and a hint of smoky burnt wood make up the aroma. It has a medium-bodied, rounded taste, a toasted, smoky, sweet, and very smooth texture and finish.
The premium distillation process
Traditional and contemporary distillation processes are combined to create Royal Stag Deluxe. Grain spirits, such as barley and maize, are first crushed into a coarse flour and then combined with hot water to make a mash, which is used to make the liquid. To extract the alcohol from the remaining components, including water, the fermented mash is heated and distilled using pot or column stills. Another round of distillation helps get rid of any remaining impurities and brings out the spirit's full taste. The next step is to add matured Scotch malts to the distillate, which gives it its signature taste.