For readers of legal drinking age. The legal age differs between Indian states, so check yours. Please drink responsibly.

A single malt is whisky made from malted barley at one distillery. That is all the term means, and everything else is a matter of taste and curiosity.

What the label tells you

  • Single malt: made at one distillery from malted barley.
  • Age statement: a bottle marked 12 years contains only whisky that has been matured for at least 12 years. A bottle with no age statement is not necessarily worse, but the maker has chosen not to say.
  • Cask type: whisky takes much of its character from the cask it matures in, such as ex-bourbon or ex-sherry.

Scotland's regions in one minute

Scotch is often described by region. Speyside is known for gentle, fruity and sweet styles. The Highlands are broad, from light to rich. Islay is known for smoky, peaty whiskies. Lowland whiskies tend to be light and soft. These are tendencies, not rules, so treat them as a starting map.

India's own single malts

India has built a respected name in single malt. Amrut, from Bengaluru, and Paul John, from Goa, are two well-known Indian single malts that have found admirers abroad. The warm climate matters. Whisky matures faster in heat, so Indian malts can reach full flavour in fewer years than they would in Scotland, though a lot of the liquid also evaporates during that time.

How to taste it

  1. Pour a small measure into a tulip-shaped glass if you have one.
  2. Smell first, gently. Notice fruit, spice, smoke or honey.
  3. Take a small sip and let it sit on your tongue.
  4. Add a few drops of water and see what changes. Many drinkers find it opens the aroma.
  5. Take your time. This is not a drink to hurry.

Starting a small collection

Three bottles are plenty: a light, fruity Speyside, a peated Islay for contrast, and an Indian single malt. Store bottles upright, away from sunlight and heat. An opened bottle keeps its character for a long time if the cork is tight.

Gifting and prices

Prices vary widely between states because of excise rules, so compare before you buy and buy only from licensed retailers. If you give a bottle as a gift, make sure the person drinks and that the setting is appropriate. A single malt is a good choice for someone who has told you they enjoy it, and a poor guess for someone who has not.

The best bottle is the one you enjoy, shared with people whose company you enjoy as well.