Spirit bohemath Diageo has been taking a keen interest in the Indian Subcontinent, gradually and steadily investing in a host of establishments and ventures, with their recents being Godawan and United’s Epitome Reserve. In fact, United Epitome Reserve‘s first expression released in the first half of 2021 was very well received, a single grain spirit made of rice, limited to 2000 bottles. Their second release, this time a peated single malt, and our whisky of interest, remains one of 3,600 released by the artisan craft distillery.

The distillery has its roots firmly planted in the tropical region of Goa but source their ingredients, both near and far. Their barley is harvested from the foothills of the Himalayas; peat from Islay, and water from the local Mandovi River. The distillate is matured in American ex-bourbon barrels and finished exclusively in cabernet sauvignon casks. Being from the tropics and aged close to the sea, the rate of maturation would be higher than their scottish counterparts, giving in all liklihood a more fuller, mature spirit with possibly some brine / maritime influence.

The bottle comes in a lovely warm red shade, with the banyan tree taking centre stage. The colour reflects the hue of its contents while the design itself is meant to show off the spirits’ deep layers and complexities. Moreover, the banyan tree is very much Indian, having extremely tight associations with the culture, representing longevity and immortality.

Abv : 42.8%

Eye : Almost tawny | Non-chill Filtered, Natural Colour

Nose : Peat and caramel, with the sweetness of creme brulee, raisins, and dried fruits. Some brine, charred plums, stone fruits with mild hints of lychee, white pepper and spiced wood.

Taste : Brown sugar interleaved with rum n raisins and dried fruits. Smoke and charred wood, along with mulberries and a host of spices, bay leaves and peaty influences.

Finish : Medium to long | Peaty and sweet with caramel, rum, and smoked wood.

The Epitome is such a layered and surprising whisky, one that has done well in holding onto those lovely dollops of dried fruits, stone and spices, inherited from its time in the wine casks. The peat is a welcome addition, caressing the whisky, not overly peaty but not subtle either – with just the perfect bite! Great breadth and depth overall, with good complexity, delivering an optimal experience on the senses.

On the flip side, it isn’t as bodied as I would have expected, but nothing I would complain about. But the whisky can be seen as wine-cask affinite, which runs the risk of being polarising for some. At AUD $115, it boasts of a host of flavours and lives up to its name. In all honesty, i’m quite impressed with this spirit and would surely go back to this one with little to no hesitancy.  

Slainte!