Three Asian Spirits to Drown Your Sorrows or Celebrate
When you hear the words “single malt” you’re likely to think Scotch Whisky (or, as a regular reader here, perhaps Japanese). Here are three interesting spirits to try:
Indri Indian Single Malt Three Wood (80.5 proof, $59.99)
If you, like myself, love the Auchentoshan Three Wood, well, this is not at all similar. However, for those with a sweet tooth, this will delight. The three woods mentioned in the name are the barrels used for aging (not just finishing): ex-bourbon casks, ex-French wine casks, and (my favorite) PX sherry casks. This whisky is non-chill filtered and with no caramel color added, but also with no age statement as well; the climate of India leads me to believe that the deep color can be achieved with a relatively short amount of time in the barrel. The nose gives typical honey and toffee, with some spice and sweetness from the PX. On the palate, this sings. Not as rich as something like a Glendronach, but still full and luscious. The raisin/date notes from the PX taste like they’ve been dipped in caramel, and there’s some of that spice and fruit to keep things interesting. Would make a great dessert dram. As with all the spirits mentioned here, buy before the tariffs hit next year.
Kavalan Classic Single Malt (80 proof, $61.89)
Much like the Indri, there is no age statement here; again, the subtropical climate of Taiwan ensures that the whisky needs less time in the barrel to develop the flavor and color of a whisky aged in a cooler climate. Generally with younger spirits like this one, I get a green apple/underripe fruit note (see: Suntory Toki), but here the fruit tastes more mature. The nose gives tropical fruit, vanilla, and caramel notes; on the palate, we get more of the same, with bruleed pineapple, and some spice as well. It doesn’t linger too long on the palate, with very little alcohol burn, mostly caramel and vanilla that fades. Very tasty for the price, makes me excited to try some of their other offerings (especially that sherry cask finish).
Mekhong Thai Spirit (70 proof, $15.79)
Okay, so this isn’t a whisk(e)y, but technically a neutral spirit—it is distilled from molasses and glutinous rice. Unlike the other two on this list, the color comes not from aging (this is unaged rather than the NAS offerings from Taiwan and India), but from caramel color. As expected, the caramel adds sweetness, and though lower ABV, this does feel hotter than a higher proof aged spirit. The molasses and caramel make themselves known on the nose, with the spices also used in the distillation coming through. On the palate, this is sweet and light, with classic South Asian flavors like cinnamon, star anise, and tea, with the sweetness of vanilla and toffee. The finish gives a lingering spice and more caramel. Dessert for sure, and could also be mixed in a cocktail.
