Whiskey lovers across the world have long debated the origin and flavor of Black Dog whiskey. Is Black Dog Indian whiskey? Is it produced in Scotland, Ireland, or somewhere else entirely? This isn’t your typical barroom conversation – it’s an earnest inquiry into the origins and flavor of a whiskey that has enjoyed a cult following for decades. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history, production, and flavor of Black Dog whiskey and answer the burning question: Is Black Dog Indian whiskey?
Black Dog whiskey is a unique spirit that has been enjoyed by whiskey aficionados for years. It’s a blend of Scotch, Irish, and Indian malts, giving it a unique flavor profile that is unlike anything else on the market. The whiskey was first created by an Indian distiller in Scotland in the late 19th century and has since become a favorite among connoisseurs. We’ll look at the history of
History of the Black Dog 12 Years Scotch Whisky
The Scotch whisky, formerly known as the Black Dog Deluxe, is the first ever variety of the Black Dog Whisky brand. James Mackinlay created the first blend in 1883 to fulfill a request from Phipson & Co. Wine Merchants from Bombay, India. At that time, Mackinlay was becoming more well-known and was referred to as the “Royalty of Whiskey.” Samuel Millard, a Phipson employee in charge of returning the shipment to India, assisted Mackinlay. Originally the Scotch was named Millard Black Dog. According to legend, Millard gave it the name Black Dog after his preferred salmon fly. However, those claims remain unverified to this day.
In addition to ranking among the top brands of Scotch whisky onboard passenger ships and Indian Navy warships, the Black Dog was for a time the premium whisky offered on Air India’s international flights. Unexpectedly, the whisky was not sold west of the Middle East, indicating that all of the Black Dog bottles were sent to India and her neighbors.
After McDowell & Co., Black Dog production and bottling began in Nashik in 1992. and United Distillers India Limited established the first alcoholic beverage joint venture in the nation. The brand was also anticipated to be marketed in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar’s neighboring nations. Operations were later expanded to Malaysia as well.
The current owner of the Black Dog brand in India is United Spirits Limited, formerly McDowell & Co ), a subsidiary of Diageo PLC. The brand directly competes with Pernod Ricard-owned Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch and 100 Pipers Blended Scotch.
Sterling Reserve Premium Blended Whisky B7
Mohan Meakin Limited produces Solan Gold Malt Whisky at the Kasauli Distillery, which is located in the Himalayan Highlands at an elevation of more than 6,000 feet. This distillery received the Platinum Award (Highest Recommendation) Gold at the 2016 International Spirits Challenge. (The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh’s Solan District is home to the town of Kasauli.) Edward Dyer, who founded the distillery in the late 1820s, apparently picked this site because the climate in this part of India is quite similar to that of his native Scotland (and because the British troops in the nearby Punjab had a taste for Scottish style whisky). It is combined with mature malt spirits made in Scotland using age-old techniques such as malting, kneading, and distillation on antique copper pot stills. Madira Spirits Inc., the regional Alberta distributor, recently sent me a sample bottle. ,.
Indian whisky’s main issue is that it is distilled from fermented molasses, so it should be classified as rum by definition. The EU and Indian distillers have in fact had disagreements over the use of the word “Scotch” as a result of this (similar to how the French protect the use of the word “champagne”). After tasting Indian whisky, I’m not even sure you could call it rum. ‘Hooch’ just about describes it.
In the absence of a mixer, I sipped my Black Dog straight with water. This Speyside’s amber hue makes it suitable for a blended drink. Although it is still quite sweet and has hints of honey, a woodsy flavor balances this. Although the recommended retail price of 1835 INR (roughly £20) is expensive and I assume to include government taxes, I would rank it higher than Bagpiper in my preferences. This is annoying because it puts it outside of my price range. I’ll pay up to £35 for a halfway decent malt because I only ever purchase whisky at airports, but £20 for a blended is expensive, especially by Indian standards.
But knowing that there is a half-decent blended to fall back on should my gin supply run out is comforting if need be. Even better would be if I could locate a reliable mixer.
After trying Bagpiper (and enjoying it), I was happy to obtain Black Dog. This cleverly labeled blended, which is also owned by United Spirits (a division of United Breweries), is actually quite good.
Indian breweries have found a way around these problems by purchasing Scottish distilleries and blending authentic Scotch whisky with Indian firewater. For instance, United Breweries has invested in a number of distilleries and brands, such as Whyte and Mackay and Isle of Jura. This is supplying the larger-than-expected market of whisky drinkers among the wealthier Indians who are a little more discerning than the neighborhood drunk I frequently run into in line outside Kerala’s state-run liquor stores.
FAQ
Is Black Dog whisky made in India?
The whiskies used in the blend come from Scotland. By importing the undiluted spirits from Scotland, Black Dog Scotch Whisky is bottled in Parmori District Nasik in Maharashtra, avoiding the import duties imposed on liquor imports to India that are bottled prior to import.
Which whiskey is made in India?
On August 24, 2004, Amrut Distilleries introduced Amrut, the first single malt whisky produced in India.
Is there an Indian whiskey?
Amrut Indian single malt whisky is particularly popular. In the early 2000s, this whisky company was the first to produce single malt whisky in India.
Which is the best Indian brand whisky?
Amrut has consistently been a favorite among all whisky connoisseurs and is regarded as one of the best whiskies in India. Amrut Fusion is a truly innovative beverage that combines the best of two worlds by using barley grown in Scotland and India.