Bhakta 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky launched

It’s also a homage to the whisky-forward heritage of the brand’s Founder, Raj Peter Bhakta. Half-Indian and half-Irish, Bhakta is a first-generation American entrepreneur who burst onto the craft spirits scene by trendspotting the imminent rise of rye—and then catalysing the category’s climb through his iconic brand WhistlePig Whiskey. Just fifty years after his father had arrived in America as an Indian immigrant with only fifty dollars to his name, Bhakta had, from a broken-down dairy farm in a forgotten corner of Vermont, grown WhistlePig into a billion-dollar behemoth.

Bhakta 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky symbolises the convergence of an accomplished category-builder and three on-the-rise categories: Indian whisky, Armagnac, and single vintage spirits. Born from northern India’s grain-rich fields and copper pot distilled in the tropical landscapes of Goa, Bhakta 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky is the product of more than ten years of initial aging.

Double distilled in 2012 on copper pot stills from fine 100 percent 6-row malted barley grown in the rich soils of northern India, Bhakta 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky is the product of being aged for over a decade in non-climate controlled rickhouses—in a fiercely tropical environment that regularly sees an angel’s share of 8-9 percent. The result is a whisky of true intensity whose complexity and depth belie an already impressive age statement.

This superlative single malt is also the product of going through an additional 131 days of finishing in French oak casks of the House of Vintage’s acclaimed Bhakta 1982 Armagnac (SRP $309).

Offered at a cask strength of 113.8 proof, Bhakta 2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky tells an inspiring tale of heritage and tradition. 

“Indian whiskies are virtually unknown to the mainstream of the American whiskey-drinking public,” says Bhakta. “But this is a stunning and sublime example of what Indian whisky can be. India has a tremendously rich distilling tradition — and you are simply going to get more flavour out of Indian whisky than you'll get out of a Scotch single malt, which is unsurprising. Consider it like comparing, flavour-wise, fish and chips versus chicken tikka masala,” he added.

“ Bhakta   2012 Indian Single Malt Whisky offers a sensory journey like no other,” said Master Blender Peter Lynch. “A visual delight in the glass, this topaz-hued single malt shows cardamom, cacao, and tropical fruits on the nose. On the palate, it unfolds with a malty, delicate sweetness showing roasted chestnut, toasted oak, and peat smoke. The finish is long and insanely vibrant. This is whisky you won’t soon forget—and one which has without question won its place in our House of Vintages,” he pointed out further.