Radico Khaitan hosted the first public tasting of its newly launched single malt, Rampur 1943 Virasat, in New Delhi. The exclusive event brought together whisky lovers, collectors and industry leaders for an evening led by world-renowned whisky critic Jim Murray.
A milestone moment for Rampur
Held at ITC Maurya, the tasting marked a significant step for the Rampur brand as it celebrates ten years in the single malt segment. The evening was hosted by Abhishek Khaitan, who described the launch as both a tribute to the distillery’s legacy and a bold step toward the future.
Earlier, Jim Murray had visited Rampur Distillery, gaining first-hand insight into the craftsmanship behind the new expression. During the session, he walked guests through the whisky’s production process — from the use of six-row Indian barley grown near the Himalayan foothills to the newly introduced pot stills designed to enhance refinement while preserving Rampur’s signature character.
Crafted by climate and cask
Murray highlighted the whisky’s maturation journey, which begins in American bourbon barrels before finishing in ruby port casks. He explained how North India’s extreme climate — intense summers, monsoons and cold winters — speeds up ageing and adds layers of richness, depth and complexity. According to him, these conditions give Indian single malts a distinctive identity on the global stage.
Reflecting on his long association with the distillery, Murray noted that he first visited Rampur nearly 30 years ago and later featured it in his book, The Whisky Bible. In the 2026 edition, the nine Rampur single malts he reviewed achieved an average score of 91.9 out of 100 — a result he described as a strong endorsement of the brand’s evolution. He also expressed confidence that Rampur 1943 Virasat would further strengthen its international reputation.
A blend of heritage and innovation
Inspired by the heritage of the distillery, established in 1943, Rampur 1943 Virasat combines decades of expertise with a modern approach to whisky-making. The introduction of new pot stills signals a new phase for the brand, aimed at intensifying flavour and appealing to a new generation of whisky drinkers while staying true to its roots.
The event underscored the growing recognition of Indian single malts among global whisky enthusiasts and positioned Rampur as a key player in the luxury spirits space.
