Radico Khaitan Limited, one of India’s most respected and longstanding distillers, has unveiled its latest creation: Rampur 1943 Virasat Indian Single Malt.
More than just a whisky, it represents a moment of reflection—a bridge between the distillery’s 80-year heritage and its steady march into a modern era of craftsmanship. Rooted in a history that began in 1943, the year Rampur Distillery , Virasat embodies the same idea of tradition carried forward, refined and shaped by the country’s dramatic climate.
Developed at the foothills of the Himalayas, Virasat celebrates the very essence of Rampur: an approach to whisky that parallels time-honoured methods alongside new, evolving techniques, and a commitment to quality.
The Making Of Rampur 1943 Virasat
The story of Rampur 1943 Virasat begins with six-row Indian barley—dark, full-bodied, and rich in its malty character. This carefully-selected grain is distilled in Rampur’s newly designed pot stills, which keep the brand’s signature style intact while introducing refinements that elevate the spirit to a rather modern expression.
What truly sets Virasat apart is its journey through casks and seasons. First, the whisky is matured in American bourbon barrels that render warm notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel to it. It is then finished in ruby port pipes, which lend additional layers of depth and a red fruit sweetness (who doesn’t love their single malt to have just that tinge of fruitiness?).
The cask gets half the job done, the climate does the rest.
Rampur’s extreme temperatures, swinging from blistering summers at 45°C to chilly winters as low as 2°C, play a vital and transformative role in the whisky’s making.
The humidity, the monsoons, and the constant push-and-pull of the seasons accelerate maturation in ways that are unique to India. Each year adds dimension, complexity, and a distinct richness shaped directly by the environment. Thus, Virasat is a whisky matured not just in wood, but in weather.
The Flavour of Heritage
In the glass, Rampur 1943 Virasat is designed to offer an experience that echoes the distillery’s history while showcasing its newfound character. The whisky opens with aromas of sweet vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. As it evolves on the palate, the malty richness from the Indian barley becomes obvious, joined by notes of tropical fruits that brighten the experience.
The ruby port pipe brings the final finish with notes of red berries, stewed fruits, and a gentle, silky spice that lingers long after each sip. The result is a full-bodied single malt that is shaped by craftsmanship and climate in equal measure.
Speaking on the launch, Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director of Radico Khaitan, said, “Rampur 1943 Virasat represents the timeless heritage of our distillery and pays tribute to our journey of over eight decades.”
Information
Rampur 1943 Virasat will first be available in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, with a nationwide rollout to follow.
Priced between INR 3,500 and INR 4,500
Read more: New Alcohol Launches That You Need To Get Your Hands On Before The New Year
Also read: Matcha Cocktails Are The Next Big Thing; Here’s Where To Sip Them
