Rampur Double Cask Review

Rampur is a town in Uttar Pradesh, in the north of India, not far from the foothills of the Himalayas. The distillery there has been making spirits since the 1940s, and in 2016 it began releasing single malts under the Rampur name.

The Double Cask is the main one, and the idea is in the name: two types of cask.

Old distillery, new single malt

Rampur Distillery was set up in 1943, and it’s part of Radico Khaitan, one of the biggest spirits companies in India. The single malt range was launched in 2016. The malt is made from Indian barley, and the whisky is matured in ex-bourbon casks and ex-sherry casks, then brought together.

The Double Cask is bottled at 45% with no age statement. Northern India has a very different climate from Goa or Bangalore, with hot summers and cold winters, so the ageing is quick but varied.

Soft and sherried

The description most often given is soft, fruity and slightly sweet, with a bit of spice. For someone who prefers smooth and easy bottles, that sounds like a good fit. The risk is that it’s too gentle and doesn’t have a lot to say.

Trying it

I tried this neat. I’d heard it’s soft and sherried, and I expected something similar to a mild Scotch. It’s softer than that.

Nose: Dried fruit and vanilla, with a bit of spice. It smells gentle and sweet. No smoke.

Palate: Soft and sweet, with raisin, caramel and a gentle spice. It’s smooth and easy, and the sherry is quiet rather than loud. It’s pleasant, though not very deep. At 45% it’s well balanced.

Finish: Medium, smooth and slightly sweet. It fades gently. A bit of ice worked well.

The Rampur range

Select is a lighter style. Asava is finished in casks that held an Indian herbal drink called asava. Sangam is a blend of different malts. The Double Cask is the mainstream bottle and the usual place to start.

Alternatives

Paul John Brilliance is the main rival in the Indian category, and it’s unpeated and fruity. Amrut Fusion is stronger and part-peated. Aberlour 12 Double Cask Matured is a Scotch with a similar idea of two cask types.

Value

A 70 cl bottle usually costs about £60 in the UK. That’s fair for an Indian single malt, but not cheap.

Rampur is generally priced as a mid-range single malt. Availability depends on the country. Compare it with Paul John Brilliance and Amrut Fusion.

Who it is for

It’s for people who like soft, sherried whisky and want to try an Indian single malt that isn’t too aggressive. It’s less suited to people who want a bold flavour.

The easy one

This is the kind of whisky I’d pour for someone who isn’t sure about whisky. It’s soft, sweet and easy, and there’s nothing to be scared of. It doesn’t have the intensity of the Amrut or the Paul John, and I think that’s a point in its favour for some people.

Where it falls short

The downside is depth. After the first glass, I felt I’d got most of what it had to offer. A second glass was fine, but I wasn’t discovering anything new. It’s a whisky to enjoy and not to study.

At £60 it’s reasonable, and I’d compare it with Paul John Brilliance before choosing. The Paul John has a bit more character.

Last word

Rampur Double Cask is a gentle, friendly whisky that does everything quietly. I wouldn’t describe it as exciting, and I’d say it’s enjoyable. It’s a good bottle for a quiet evening and a good bottle for a guest who isn’t sure about whisky.

The honest limit is depth. After one glass I felt I’d seen the whole picture. That doesn’t make it a bad whisky. It makes it a simple one, and simple has its place.

At £60 I’d compare it with Paul John Brilliance and decide which style suits you better. For me, the Paul John has a little more going on, and the Rampur is a little easier. I’d be happy with either.

One more thing. I’d say it’s a good whisky for a quiet night with a book. It doesn’t ask for any attention, and it doesn’t fade. That’s a hard balance, and Rampur Double Cask manages it quite gracefully.

Verdict

Maybe. It’s nice and easy. I’d compare it with Paul John Brilliance before buying again.