About this whisky

Highbury Classic is a relatively new name on Indian shelves, made by Premium International Spirits Company, a unit of the US-based Hartford Eastern Holdings. Bottled in Goa, it was on sale in Karnataka, Goa, Telangana and Kolkata before it arrived in Delhi in 2022. The recipe marries imported malt spirits with grain spirit, and the maker credits double-charred wood for much of its character: the toasty caramel and biscuit notes that come through first.

Pour a glass and you will find grain and caramel biscuit on the nose with a hint of berries and a whisper of peat. The palate moves through raisins, stone fruit, cinnamon and vanilla over a gentle oak frame, and the finish brings honey, light smoke and a lingering peppery warmth. It is an easy-going, flavourful blend for relaxed evenings at home, works well over ice or with soda, and is a good choice for anyone who wants a little more character than the usual everyday whiskies without moving away from a familiar style.

Key facts

• A blend of imported malt spirits and grain spirit
• The maker credits double-charred wood for its caramel and biscuit notes
• Bottled in Goa
• Sold in Karnataka, Goa, Telangana and Kolkata before its Delhi launch in March 2022

Tasting notes

Nose:

Grain, caramel biscuits, berries and a touch of peat

Palate:

Raisins, stone fruit, cinnamon, vanilla and oak

Finish:

Honey, light smoke and lingering pepper

Serve

Over ice with a little chilled water, or as a highball topped with soda and a slice of orange.

Food pairing

Try it with chicken tikka or Calcutta-style mutton cutlet, or with a sharp aged cheddar and dried fruit.