Solan Number 1 Indian Whisky

In our bid to leave no precious bottle undiscovered, my brother in law and I found ourselves in a small out of the way, relatively new liquor store in Calgary, and came across this.

There isn't much information about this whisky to go by. Serge Valentin reviewed it in 2011 here: whiskyfun.com/archivemay11-2.html/

Apparently he paid less than a Euro at that time for 375cc. Here in Calgary it cost $30 CAD tax included for a 750 cc bottle labelled to sold only in Canada.

It is labelled as a Blended malt, or rather a a "specially selected malt blended to perfection". Online there has been speculation about whether this is a blend:

therumhowlerblog.com/whisky-reviews/…

The whisky comes from what may be the highest distillery in the world, up in the Himalayas.

It has a screw cap over a special spout designed to prevent refilling, but which also makes for awkward pouring.

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This was reviewed upon opening the bottle. Nosing and tasting notes were taken over about 15 minutes. Then water was added (4 drops), and it was left for about 10 minutes.

Nose:

Spirity, vanilla, caramel, some savoury indian spice. slight citrus peel. Warming the glass opens up the nose a great deal 21/25

With water, more caramel on the nose.

Taste:

Fruity, medium body. A littly spicy, not too hot. Not very complex. 20/25

With water, a bit sweeter, also spicier. Some tropical fruits, perhaps pineapple. More suggestive of the presence of grain spirit. 21/25.

Finish:

Sour, grapefruit pith, quite long, quite pleasant 22/25

Balance:

The nose and the palate go well together. 21/25

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This was an impulse buy. I would normally not give something like this a second thought on the shelf, but I'm glad I tried it. For a $30 whisky, it punches well above it's weight.

Would I buy it again? not sure. Will I try to pack it and bring it home with me? Absolutely. This is something I can see myself reaching for on occasion. Too bad it can't be gassed.

There is a grain whisky bottled at the same ABV by the same distiller, Mohan Meakin, that looks to be selling for about $5 less. I don't think I will buy it this trip, but certainly something to consider searching for in future adventures.