About this whisky

Blenders Pride first appeared in 1995 and joined the Pernod Ricard family in 2001, and it has since become one of the most familiar whisky names in Indian homes and bars. Its recipe is straightforward and well judged: Indian grain spirit blended with imported Scotch malts sourced from Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky house behind Chivas Regal. The Rare Premium expression is bottled at 42.8% for the Indian market, a strength that keeps the flavour from thinning out once ice and water go in.

In the glass it is aromatic and gently fruity, with a woody backbone and a faint wisp of peat at the edges. It is soft enough to sip over ice, yet structured enough to stay interesting in a long highball. This is the dependable bottle for a Puja get-together or a family dinner where you want something everyone recognises, and a sensible gift for a host who prefers the classics. If you are thinking of moving towards blended Scotch later, it is a comfortable place to start.

Key facts

• Launched in 1995; part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio since 2001
• A blend of Indian grain spirit and imported Scotch malts from Chivas Brothers
• Rare Premium is bottled at 42.8% for India
• Official profile: aromatic, woody and fruity with a hint of peat

Tasting notes

Nose:

Aromatic, with soft orchard fruit and light oak

Palate:

Smooth and rounded, woody and fruity with gentle sweetness

Finish:

Mellow, with a faint hint of peat smoke

Serve

Over ice with a splash of chilled water, or as a highball: 60 ml over ice in a tall glass, topped with chilled soda and a twist of orange peel.

Food pairing

Works well with chicken reshmi kebab or kosha mangsho with luchi, and just as happily with salted cashews or a platter of cheese and cold cuts.