Reviewing Godawan: “Very Interesting” Single malt whisky from India 🇮🇳

Summary

The video discusses the award-winning Godawan 100 single malt whiskey, highlighting its unique production process and sustainability efforts. Godawan 100 won the prestigious 'Whiskey of the Year' award in London, with only 100 bottles produced. The two expressions, Godawan 01 and 02, are aged in Pedro Ximénez sherry and cherry wood casks, respectively, before being finished in bourbon barrels infused with Indian botanicals like Rasna and Jatamansi. The tasting experience is rich and complex, with Godawan 01 featuring sweetness and honeyed notes, while 02 is more fruity and spicy. The video also emphasizes the brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Godawan 100 recently won the 'Single Malt Whisky of the Year' award in London, marking a significant milestone for the brand.
• 😀 Only 100 bottles of Godawan 100 were produced, making it a rare and exclusive whisky.
• 😀 Godawan 01 and 02 are the two expressions being reviewed, each with unique aging processes and flavor profiles.
• 😀 Godawan 01 is aged in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks, giving it a sweet profile with honey, caramel, and citrus notes.
• 😀 Godawan 02 is aged in cherry wood casks, imparting spiciness, warmth, and a slightly sweet, fruity flavor reminiscent of candied figs.
• 😀 Godawan whisky is produced in Alwar, Rajasthan, and named after the endangered Godawan bird, reflecting a deep connection to the local environment.
• 😀 The brand focuses heavily on sustainability, using sustainably sourced materials for packaging and promoting ecological protection in Rajasthan.
• 😀 After aging in sherry or cherry wood casks, both whiskies are finished in ex-bourbon barrels that have been treated with two Indian botanicals—Rasna and Jatamansi.
• 😀 The botanicals add a unique aromatic quality to the whisky, especially influencing the nose and aroma rather than the taste.
• 😀 While both expressions are praised, Godawan 01 is recommended for its rich sweetness from the PX sherry cask, making it a top choice for those who enjoy sweeter whiskies.
• 😀 The speaker describes the mouthfeel of both whiskies as buttery, which contributes to their smoothness and overall appeal.

Q & A

What recent achievement did Godawan whisky receive?

Godawan 100 won the prestigious 'Single Malt Whisky of the Year' award in London, marking a significant achievement in the global whisky scene.

What is the primary difference between Godawan 01 and Godawan 02?

The main difference lies in the cask aging process. Godawan 01 is aged in PX Sherry casks, which impart sweetness, while Godawan 02 is aged in Cherry Wood casks, offering a spicier and more complex profile.

Why is Godawan whisky associated with sustainability?

Godawan whisky is committed to sustainability by supporting the preservation of the endangered Godawan bird and ensuring that its packaging, as well as production methods, are sustainably sourced.

What is the role of Rasana and Jatamansi in Godawan 02?

Rasana and Jatamansi are two Indian botanicals that are infused with water and placed in bourbon barrels before the whisky is added. This process imparts a unique aroma to the whisky without altering its taste significantly.

How does the PX Sherry cask influence the flavor of Godawan 01?

The PX Sherry cask imparts a sweet, rich flavor profile to Godawan 01, with notes of honey, caramel, and citrus, making it a smooth and unexpectedly sweet whisky.

What are the tasting notes for Godawan 02?

Godawan 02 has a spiced and warm flavor profile, with a peppery aroma from the Cherry Wood cask and hints of figs and candied fruits. It has a buttery mouthfeel with a unique combination of sweetness and spice.

Why is Cherry Wood cask used for aging Godawan 02?

The Cherry Wood cask provides a distinctive spice and warmth to the whisky, enhancing its complexity. It also adds a peppery aroma and a unique mouthfeel that differentiates it from other whiskies.

How does the use of Cherry Wood and PX Sherry casks affect the mouthfeel of the whiskies?

Both Godawan 01 and 02 share a buttery mouthfeel, making them smooth to drink. The Cherry Wood cask in Godawan 02 adds a spicier, warmer texture, while the PX Sherry cask in Godawan 01 contributes to its rich, sweet finish.

What makes Godawan's production process stand out compared to other whiskies?

Godawan’s production process stands out due to its use of unique cask aging techniques (such as Cherry Wood and PX Sherry casks) and its focus on sustainability, with all ingredients and packaging sourced responsibly.

Which Godawan expression is recommended for someone who prefers a sweeter whisky?

Godawan 01 is recommended for those who prefer a sweeter whisky, as it has a rich sweetness from the PX Sherry cask, with notes of honey, caramel, and citrus.