India’s Rampur Distillery has launched a Jugalbandi series of eight single malt whiskies. The first two expressions are set to roll out in selected travel retail markets later this year.
Part of a limited release at cask strength, Rampur Jugalbandi #1 and Rampur Jugalbandi #2 featured at this week’s Whisky Live event in Paris, France. They are now available in France before rolling out to markets in the USA, Singapore and Australia. The series will be available in the UK next year.
Rampur Distillery is owned by Radico Khaitan, the largest Indian drinks company and one of the country’s oldest whisky distillers.
Underlining the connection between Jugalbandi and Indian classical music, the distillery said that the name Jugalbandi translates to ‘entwined twins’. It refers to a duet of two solo musicians and instruments that “own the stage in perfect partnership”, said the brand owner. In the Jugalbandi series, the two casks used in each expression are said to complement each other “in perfect harmony”.
Rampur Jugalbandi #1 (56.1% ABV) is matured in American bourbon barrels in the north of India. The liquid is finished in Moscatel casks from Portugal to create a blend of spice and sweetness, combined with aromas of dark dried fruits including raisins, dried plum and grapefruit.
Rampur Jugalbandi #2 (56.3% ABV) is matured in similar barrels but finished in Calvados casks from Normandy to offer a layer of baked apple, with notes of pear, apricot and honey.
Rampur Distillery Master Distiller Anup Barik said: “We are always striving to make the highest quality Rampur expressions that are exciting for malt whisky drinkers. I was inspired to create the Rampur Jugalbandi series as I wanted to show how different casks marry together in true Jugalbandi style.”
Radico Khaitan President of International Business Sanjeev Banga commented: “We created Jugalbandi to celebrate the ancient Indian ancient art form and are proud to showcase our Indian heritage with the launch of this latest Rampur whisky. We are excited to introduce Rampur Jugalbandi to the world.”
Note:The Moodie Davitt Report has launched an e-newsletter, Spirits Curated, in association with William Grant & Sons. It offers a curated selection of stories focused on the key spirits category in travel retail and beyond.
To subscribe free of charge please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com headed ‘Curated Spirits’. All stories are permanently archived on this website. If you would like to be added to its mailing list (or to those for any other Moodie Davitt titles), please click here.
