Rampur Double Cask

Rampur Double Cask is an Indian single malt from the foothills of the Himalayas, bottled at 45% ABV and non-chill filtered. The maturation is in two stages. The whisky first rests in ex-bourbon barrels, then gets a shorter finishing period in sherry casks. The region has a wide swing between summer heat and winter cold, which tends to speed up the exchange between spirit and wood. Indian single malts often show more oak influence than their age would suggest. Because the second stage is a finish and not a long sherry maturation, expect the bourbon-cask character to lead. That usually means vanilla, toasted oak and a soft grain sweetness, with the sherry layer showing as dried fruit, nuttiness and a little baking spice. The producer has not published an official tasting profile, so treat these as the typical outcome of this cask combination and not a measured description. Skipping chill filtration generally keeps more of the natural oils, which shows up as a fuller, slightly oilier texture on the palate. The 45% strength is above the common 40% bottling, so the flavors stay more defined and the finish holds longer. Neat is the best place to start, in a Glencairn glass. The tapered bowl concentrates the aromas, which helps pick out the oak and the sherry-cask fruit. Add a few drops of water once you have tasted it, since water at this strength loosens the spirit and tends to bring out the sweeter, fruitier notes. A rocks glass with one large cube also works well for slower sipping. The cold mutes some of the spice, so it suits those who prefer a gentler profile. In cocktails, the bourbon-cask backbone makes it a natural fit for an Old Fashioned. A sugar cube, two dashes of aromatic bitters and an orange peel complement the vanilla and dried fruit without hiding the whisky. A Manhattan with sweet vermouth leans into the sherry-cask influence. In a Highball, pour over ice and top with chilled soda at roughly one part whisky to three parts soda, and finish with a lemon twist for a light, dry serve. A Whiskey Sour also works, though a neat pour shows the double-cask finish better.