Introduction
Royal Ranthambore Whiskey is my first introduction to Indian Whisky. During this conversation with the team from Royal Ranthambore, we explore the connection between Indian and Scotch Whisky and discuss the unique ability for Indian Whisky to take center stage in the global bourbon and whiskey landscape.
Just the Facts: Royal Ranthambore Whisky
- Style: Indian Whisky
- Mashbill: 100% malted barley
- Price: $53.99 at Total Wine
Jake’s Tasting Notes: Royal Ranthambore Whisky
Nose: Buttery Nose, light caramel, vanilla, and salty smoke
Palate: Salinity; drinks with a hint of earthiness and true Scotch Whisky flavors. It follows up with notes of soft melted butter, vanilla, and caramel
Finish: Light, buttery finish
An Interview with Royal Ranthambore Whisky
Q1: When creating the brand, Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection Whisky, what were your basic objectives from a view of the world whiskey landscape?
When we embarked on the journey to create the Royal Ranthambore Whisky, our objectives were firmly rooted in the global whiskey landscape. We recognized that India had the potential to produce exceptional spirits that could mesmerize consumers worldwide. To achieve this, we meticulously considered several fundamental objectives. First and foremost, we were committed to upholding high-quality standards and ensuring consistency in flavor and quality across all batches. We understood that this consistency was essential in building trust and a loyal customer base.
Moreover, we set out to craft a distinct flavor profile that would distinguish our brand from others, making it not just memorable but also appealing to a diverse global audience. Our aspiration was to develop a brand identity that would resonate with the rich ethos and culture of India while simultaneously captivating international consumers. This encompassed everything from the brand’s name and logo to its packaging and marketing materials, all of which were carefully aligned with the brand’s narrative and values. Our ultimate aim was to strike a balance between traditional Indian design elements and a contemporary, international flair, ensuring that the Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection Whisky would be both accessible and attractive to consumers worldwide.
Q2: What is unique about Indian Whiskey that consumers don’t understand?
Indian whisky possesses several unique characteristics that consumers may not fully grasp, especially if they are more familiar with Scotch, bourbon, or other types of whiskey. Firstly, Indian whisky often blends a variety of grains, including barley, corn, wheat, and molasses, as opposed to relying solely on barley or corn, as is common in Scotch or bourbon production. This diverse grain selection results in a distinctive and intriguing flavor profile. Furthermore, the maturation process of Indian whisky unfolds in a vastly different climate compared to traditional whiskey-producing regions. The hot and humid Indian climate
expedites the aging process, leading to increased interaction between the whisky and the wooden casks in a shorter time frame. This accelerates maturation and imparts unique flavor characteristics that set Indian whisky apart.
Another distinguishing feature is the art of blending, which is highly developed in Indian whisky production. This blending process involves harmonizing various malt and grain whiskies, culminating in a symphony of flavors that contribute to the complexity of Indian whisky.
Lastly, Indian whisky often boasts a higher alcohol content compared to whisky from other regions. It is not uncommon to find Indian whiskies with alcohol by volume (ABV) percentages exceeding 40%. This elevated ABV can significantly influence the overall flavor and aroma, resulting in a robust and distinctive drinking experience.
Q3: How do you distinguish Royal Ranthambore from other Indian Whiskies?
Distinguishing Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection Whisky from other Indian whiskies is a matter of blend composition, blending process, and product packaging. This captivating and luxurious blended whisky is meticulously crafted using bespoke blended malt spirits sourced from different geographical regions.
From the moment one lays eyes on the bottle, a sense of luxury and sophistication is palpable. The golden hue, adorned with a subtle amber tint, perfectly complements the rich color of the liquid within. This visual appeal is best appreciated when the bottle is held up to a source of light, accentuating its brilliance. Yet, it is upon tasting that the true distinction becomes evident. The palate is treated to a flurry of rich flavors that dance across the taste buds, culminating in a long and exceptionally smooth finish. It is an experience that leaves the drinker yearning for more, transcending the realm of a mere beverage.
In marketing parlance, Royal Ranthambore Whisky is a rich symphony of taste, aroma, and finish. It represents not just a drink but an embodiment of new-age Royalty and Valor, inviting consumers to savor and experience its uniqueness fully. This brand embodies the spirit of modern sophistication and excellence, and its consecutive Grand Gold awards at the Monde Selection Global Quality Awards 2023 for two consecutive years affirm its position.
Q4: How does Indian Whiskey play in the global world of whiskey?
Indian whisky has steadily been making its presence felt on the global stage of whiskey over the past couple of decades. Indian whisky brands have earned numerous international awards, cementing India’s status as a serious contender in the world of spirits. Indian whisky is carving out an ever-expanding role in the global whiskey landscape, characterized by its unique attributes, growing reputation, and innovative approach to whiskey-making. This remarkable journey can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Indian whisky’s distinct characteristics, including ingredients, climate, cask types, blending techniques, and the influence of local terroir, have piqued the curiosity of whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. These unique attributes have allowed Indian whisky to find its place alongside more established whiskey-producing regions, making it a noteworthy and influential player in the global whiskey market.
Q5: Does the popularity of Bourbon around the world have an impact on how you approach getting your whiskey exposure?
We perceive the popularity of Bourbon as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Indian whisky possesses inherently unique characteristics that set it apart in a crowded market. It offers a distinct and captivating experience that stands on its own merits, regardless of the popularity of other whiskey types like Scotch or Bourbon. The distinctiveness of Indian whisky extends from its ingredient choices to the maturation process, cask types, blending techniques, and the influence of the local environment. These
factors combine to create a whiskey with a unique flavor profile and aroma that can surprise and delight consumers who are accustomed to other types of whiskey. Rather than competing directly with Bourbon, we believe that Indian whisky can complement the whiskey landscape by offering something refreshingly different and appealing to a diverse range of palates.
Q6: If you could give someone your elevator pitch on why Royal Ranthambore whisky, what would it be?
The Brand: Royal Ranthambore Whisky draws inspiration from the Royal Heritage of Rajasthan, an erstwhile princely state of India, and the majesty of the magnificent tigers that once roamed freely in one of Asia’s largest tiger reserves. It embodies sophistication, fineness, refinement, and true royalty. The brand represents the essence of new-age Royalty and Valor and the fact that it bagged a Grand Gold award at the Monde Selection Global Quality Awards 2023 two years in a row is a true testimony of the brand being “India’s Finest Yet”.
The Blend: Our blend comprises rare imported malts and 100% malted barley, carefully crafted with oak-infused Indian Grain Neutral Spirit. Each sip offers a royal symphony of taste, aroma, and finish. Pour it, hold it up, take a whiff, savor the sip that lingers on the palate, and swallow the essence of royalty. It’s an experience that leaves you yearning for more.
The Packaging: The bottle exudes opulence with its Icosagon (20-sided paragon) design, embossed with the brand insignia. The woody-colored cap-on-cap closure, along with a unique blue tube resembling a cork, adds to the exuberance. The leather texture finish on the canister provides an elegant and premium feel. It cradles the whisky bottle snugly, sealed by a metal cap. The canister bears the crest, label, and information on Ranthambore, along with the geo-coordinates of the place that inspired this brand. On one side, it narrates the story of Ranthambore, while on the other, it provides tasting notes. Available in three SKUs with a family shape pack, it’s a package that perfectly complements the royal liquid within.
Closing Thoughts:
This unique experience is one that I will remember. I appreciate the opportunity to be enlightened into the unique tasting experience that the Royal Ranthambore Whisky provides. If you are a fan of Scotch Whisky, and looking for alternatives from around the World, give this pour a try!
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