LuxeBook May-2021

CASK STRENGTH WHISKY There has been a shift towards cask-strength whisky, a type of whisky that is taken out of a cask, undiluted with water and bottled straight away, usually leading to higher alcohol by volume (ABV), upwards of 50%. Most whiskies are 40% ABV, but some premium ones are bottled at higher alcohol content. Though laws in India don’t allow you to sell alcohol higher than 50% ABV except in Goa, where you can sell up to 60% ABV. A lot of whiskies that fetch a premium value are bottled at cask strength. BLENDED WHISKY Dispelling the notion that blended whiskies are inferior to single malt, Singh laments the lack of consumer awareness and education in the Indian market. “There is a big taboo against blended whisky, but blended whiskies are phenomenal.” Most single malts are also blends, but they are from one distillery, hence the word ‘single’. Blended Scotch, however, it is all about using variable input whiskies to get the same result time after time after time, a truly admirable skill Innovation in blends, and their smoothness is attracting a new segment of drinkers, the millennials. BRIGHT FUTURE Whisky looks poised for a golden future. It is finding a niche with millennials and a fan base of women drinkers, who are choosing their favourite drams with care. As a millennial just starting out in the world of whisky, you can find me raising a glass of Chivas XV , aged for 15 years, with a refined fruity flavour and velvety finish. Millennials enjoy their whisky neat and also in cocktails. Home of Chivas Regal, Strathisla Distillery in the Scottish Highlands was founded in 1786. M AY 2 0 2 1 | L U X E B O O K | 15 14| L U X E B O O K | M AY 2 0 2 1