My dad liked just a little glass of whisky on the finish of every day and who might blame him. He labored lengthy hours and nicely, he deserved to unwind with a glass of one thing particular. In his honour, on Father’s Day this yr, I had the pleasure of releasing an distinctive bottle of Indian whisky in his title – Mr Ghotra!
After a 5 years course of of affection and keenness, working with some unbelievable folks I’ve been capable of create a really distinctive whisky and it is on sale right here so that you can purchase.
This is how we did it.
Unique and restricted
With solely 211 bottles produced, Mr Ghotra is without doubt one of the most original single malts produced this yr. By bringing collectively the science of ageing Whisky and the artwork of mixing Champagne, we’ve created one thing so spectacular that each whiskey connoisseur and novice collector will experience.
It originates from the tropical shores of Goa in India and is comprised of mashed Himalayan barley that is fermented and distilled in copper stills with the experience and data of Master Indian distillers from one of many greatest whiskey homes within the area. This is the unique cask – quantity 4030.
For three years this ‘new make spirit’ matured above floor to take in the Indian solar and attract all of the fantastic parts of the Goan local weather, the aromatics of outdated wood bourbon casks to disclose a daring and fantastically balanced golden spirit.
After an intense tasting session with Giles from Dumangin Champagne House we chosen the liquid from barrel 4030 as our alternative. It was aromatic and had an unbelievable spice which I believed would actually lend itself to just a little French finesse.
With the professional assist of Giles we have been capable of ship this liquid over 4,500 miles to France to provide it a champagne makeover. Mr Ghotra’s true uniqueness begins right here.
It was decanted into it new casks for ageing and spent the next yr in beautiful Estate barrels of Ratafias Champenois. This allowed it to relaxation and mature revelling what can solely be described as a spectacular single malt that harnesses all of the daring attributes and power of a real Indian whisky, with the light finesse of a tasty creamy French champagne. It sat in barrel quantity 76 – which simply occurred to be my start yr – bizarre proper?
What can we name it?
As it sat we labored behind the scenes to create a model and a reputation that might be becoming for my dad. After a couple of months and lots of concepts it grew to become apparent that there was just one title becoming for my dad – Mr Ghotra and so with the assistance of my very expertise buddy Mark Deeprose we set about designing and producing the branding. Being the inventive genius that he’s and after a couple of iterations, the Mr Ghotra the Indian whisky got here into being and this lovely label was designed. I hope you’ve gotten observed the little nod to my father within the branding!
This ageing within the Ratifa barrels added a singular refinement to the liquid that softened it, added some caramel notes and making it good to sip with spiced dishes. The deep color comes from being aged above floor in casks the place the Goan local weather (sizzling and funky) allowed the barrels to increase and retract so the liquid was ready to attract from the wood barrels making it wealthy and darkish and really totally different to a Scotch whisky.
After tasting and testing Giles was assured that the liquid might lastly be bottled, labelled and packaged for supply.
So after 5 magnificent years – right here it’s the most lovely bottle of whiskey you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting. Each numbered bottle isn’t solely full of a splendidly produced distinctive whisky nevertheless it embodies the essence of the younger man that travelled to the U.Ok again within the 60’s from India with nothing and construct up an incredible legacy via his love, kindness and laborious work. I hope you get pleasure from it!
Tasting notes
An intense, wealthy solar soaked bronze liquid with the scent of candy
Demerara caramel, cassia and honey. Results in a cacophony of warming spice
on the palate ending with a crisp French citrus freshness. A protracted enjoyable, clean
end with an intense vanilla creme. Mr Ghotra makes the perfect accompaniment
to a deep darkish curry, spiced grilled fish, meat or greens, it’s also chic to
sip with an expensive decadent dessert. Oh and he actually likes chocolate too!
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