Amrut Distilleries dedicates its first city-specific single malt to Kolkata; City of Joy to cost Rs 5,680 for 750 ml

A worker sealing whisky bottles at the Amrut distillery in Bengaluru; and Amrut Distilleries' latest release: City of Joy single malt, dedicated to the spirit of Kolkata.

City of Joy, Amrut Distilleries' first city-specific "exclusive edition" single malt, is dedicated to Kolkata. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Amrut is no stranger to limited or exclusive edition bottles - indeed, across the luxury lifestyle space, from spirits to watches, limited releases can be a great way to drum up excitement and spike sales.

Amrut Distilleries has been making malt whisky since 1979-80. Since the turn of the 21st century, it has also released limited edition whiskies like its Madeira Finish single malt and the Amrut Fusion X of which 1010 bottles were released to mark 10 years of Amrut Fusion whisky.

City of Joy contains 48 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) and is described by the company as being fruity, and "not too dissimilar to orange marmalade though the citrus is completely controlled with a tone of dried fruits", with hints of vanilla, clove and mint. Amrut is releasing 1,800 bottles of the single malt. A person in the know explained that the release was planned for before Pujo but the licensing got delayed. The family-owned company will now hope to make the most of the wedding season and the upcoming Christmas and New Year 2025 celebrations.

As for why Kolkata? A press statement accompanying the launch explained: "Kolkata embodies the soul of India’s diverse, cosmopolitan culture—a city where heritage and modernity blend seamlessly... People here understand and celebrate depth, authenticity, and artistry..." The whisky packaging is intended to serve as a "visual love letter to Bengal", with an illustration depicting the Howrah Bridge, the city's historic streets and folk dances, and the Victoria Memorial.

Amrut Distilleries is releasing a limited run of 1,800 bottles of the 'City of Joy' single malt whisky.

Amrut Joint Managing Director Thrivikram G Nikam said in the statement: “The ‘City of Joy’ Edition is a celebration of Kolkata’s timeless spirit and the cultural tapestry of West Bengal. The first-of-its-kind release captures the soul of the city in every sip and detail, honoring our deep connection with Bengal and its people.”

Priced at Rs 5,680 for a 700 ml bottle, Amrut Distilleries' City of Joy will only be available in whisky retail shops in Kolkata.

Amrut had also released its first aged rum (three-year-old) Bellary earlier this year. The rum is made from jaggery sourced from sugarcane farms near its Bengaluru distillery.