McDowell Brings A Single Malt Born In India's Wine Capital

When one hears Nashik, the rich cherry red colour of wine comes to mind. Well, not anymore. Hailed as India's wine capital, the lush valley now has a whiskey to its name with McDowell's & Co Distiller’s Batch Indian Single Malt. While purists may be taken aback by this mixing of two distinct worlds, the new creation smoothly straddles the two—not just in spirit, but also in its character. A huge feat given the region's strong-footed role in putting in India on the world's wine map.

Talking about what spurred the makers to take this bold step, Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer, said, "The evolving landscape of the alcohol industry demands innovation and sophistication. Consumers seek quality over quantity, craving unique experiences. In this context, who better than our esteemed brand, India's most revered spirit, to present a meticulously crafted, limited-edition offering? Our goal isn't mass production; it's about refining and redefining the boundaries of excellence."

Given that single malt and wine hold their own, striking the right balance while capturing their individual essences is no easy feat. However, with a legacy spanning 125 years, the team at Diageo was up to the challenge, "In crafting this liquid, we've drawn upon Nashik's rich heritage, ensuring its provenance remains central to its identity. Firstly, its elevation of approximately 2000ft imbues the region with a distinct character. Coupled with its unique microclimate—nestled amidst the Sahyadris—the temperature fluctuations give rise to a liquid of unparalleled quality. Moreover, our maturation warehouse houses casks aged between 7 to 9 years."

As intricate and complex as its flavour profile—marked predominantly with notes of vanilla, citrus, and spice—is its making. The golden liquid is first matured in ex-bourbon and virgin oak casks, and then in casks used for Cabarnet Sauvignon and Shiraz, giving it its unique sweet yet woody aftertaste.

With only 6,000 bottles available, this McDowell’s & Co Distiller’s Batch Indian Single Malt goes against the grain of traditionalism to bring a spirit reflective of the change in India's alco-bev scene that is sure to be a collector's item for the time to come.