Dining Guide · The Grand Palace, Sydney CBD
Your Complete Guide to Indian Whisky in Sydney
India's finest single malts — Amrut, Rampur and Indri — poured alongside authentic Indian food at The Grand Palace, Sydney CBD.
At a Glance
Basement, 261 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 (02) 8021 7696 bookings@thegrandpalace.com.auIndia has a rich and celebrated whisky heritage — and today, Indian whisky is earning the recognition it has always deserved. Distilleries across the country are producing world-class expressions that are winning major awards in London, New York, and Tokyo, and earning the respect of connoisseurs worldwide.
At The Grand Palace, Basement 261 George Street, Sydney CBD, we celebrate this heritage by offering three of India’s finest expressions — Indri, Rampur, and Amrut — each one a distinct reflection of Indian craftsmanship and tradition. This guide covers their history, what makes Indian whisky unique, and a full profile of each expression available at our restaurant. View our full menu and drinks list here.
Quick Answer
The Grand Palace, Basement 261 George Street, is the only Sydney CBD Indian restaurant pouring all three of India's most awarded whiskies — Amrut Fusion, Rampur Double Cask and Indri Triple Cask — from $18 a glass, alongside a full Indian menu.
The Rise of Indian Whisky
India has a long history of whisky production, and the craft of premium Indian single malts — malted barley, pot stills, cask maturation — has grown significantly since the 1990s. The warm Indian climate plays a defining role: higher evaporation rates (the “angel’s share”) and intense temperature variation between seasons accelerate the whisky’s interaction with the cask, building colour, complexity, and flavour. You can now experience all three of these celebrated expressions at The Grand Palace, Sydney CBD.
1948 — Amrut Distilleries, Bangalore
Founded in Bangalore at 3,000 ft above sea level. Their Indian whisky debuted internationally in 2010, scoring third highest in the world at the Whisky Magazine Awards — a landmark moment for Indian whisky.
1943 — Rampur Distillery, Uttarakhand
Established in the Himalayan foothills using pristine mountain water and six-row barley. The Double Cask expression matured in Bourbon then Sherry casks became one of India’s most critically praised Indian whiskies.
2012 — Piccadilly Distilleries launch Indri, Haryana
Using 100% Indian six-row barley and a three-cask maturation process, Indri rapidly accumulated international recognition — winning the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and multiple global rankings.
Indian Whisky
All three expressions below are available to order at The Grand Palace, Sydney CBD. Whether you are visiting for a business lunch, an anniversary dinner, or a private function, our team can guide you through each expression.
Amrut Fusion - $18
Indian Whisky
Amrut Distilleries · Bangalore, Karnataka · Est. 1948
The whisky that introduced India to the world stage. Amrut Fusion blends unpeated Indian Himalayan barley with peated barley from Scotland, distilling and maturing each separately before marrying them in American Oak barrels at 3,000 feet above sea level. The high altitude and Bangalore's warm climate create accelerated, intense maturation.
- Nose - Tropical fruit, light peat, malt
- Palate - Honey, vanilla, gentle smoke
- Finish - Long, warming, lightly peated
- Cask - Old & New American Oak
Rampur Double Cask - 20
Indian Whisky
Radico Khaitan · Rampur, Uttarakhand · Est. 1943
Distilled from six-row barley using Himalayan water, the Double Cask undergoes two-stage maturation: American Bourbon barrels followed by European Oak Sherry casks, creating a rich, elegant whisky with dark fruit and warm spice.
- Nose - Balsamic, raisins, vanilla
- Palate - Dark fruit, caramel, spice
- Finish - Long, dry, lingering spice
- Cask - Bourbon + Sherry Oak
Indri Triple Cask - $22
Indian Whisky — Piccadilly
Piccadilly Distilleries · Haryana, India
Using 100% Indian six-row barley, Indri's Triple Cask passes through Ex-Bourbon, Ex-French Wine and PX Sherry casks, producing one of India's most internationally awarded single malts.
- Nose - Honeyed fruit, floral, chocolate
- Palate - Dark chocolate, orchard fruit, spice
- Finish - Elegant, long, vanilla & molasses
- Cask - Bourbon + French Wine + PX Sherry
Where to Taste Indian Whisky in Sydney CBD
The Grand Palace Indian Restaurant at Basement, 261 George Street, Sydney CBD is the home of all three expressions in Sydney — Amrut, Rampur, and Indri — served in a palace-inspired dining room steps from Wynyard Station. Our team can guide you through each whisky, recommend where to start, or arrange a tasting flight of all three for your group. Indian whisky also makes a distinctive and memorable addition to corporate business lunches and dinners, anniversary dinners, and private functions at TGP.
Wrapping Up
Indri, Rampur, and Amrut are not simply three bottles on a shelf — they are the story of India’s distilling tradition told through craft, climate, and cask. Each expression carries within it the character of the land it was made in: Himalayan water, Indian barley, the heat of Bangalore, the mountain air of Uttarakhand. That story is now being recognised on every major international stage — and it deserves to be experienced, not just read about.
At The Grand Palace, Basement 261 George Street, Sydney CBD, all three expressions are available to taste in a setting that shares the same spirit — Indian heritage, presented with care and pride. Whether you are new to Indian whisky and starting with Amrut, or an experienced drinker seeking the complexity of Indri Triple Cask, our team is here to guide you through every glass.
Ready to experience it yourself? Tables fill fast on weeknights.
Nirav Shah
Nirav Shah is a hospitality professional with a strong passion for food culture, restaurant design, and exceptional customer experience. From over 10 years, he has explored Sydney’s diverse culinary scene with a thoughtful and informed perspective, gaining hands-on insight into how successful restaurants deliver quality dining.
With a deep appreciation for flavor, ambience, and service, Nirav focuses on both lunch and dinner experiences when evaluating dining venues. His recommendations are shaped by personal visits and careful research, highlighting restaurants that consistently offer memorable and well-rounded dining experiences worth returning to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I taste Indian whisky in Sydney CBD?
The Grand Palace at Basement, 261 George Street, Sydney CBD is the only Indian restaurant in the CBD serving all three of India’s most acclaimed Indian whiskies — Amrut Fusion, Rampur Double Cask, and Indri Triple Cask. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days. Call (02) 8021 7696 to reserve.
What is the difference between Indian whisky and Scotch whisky?
Indian whisky uses the same malted barley and pot still process as Scotch, but India’s warm climate accelerates maturation significantly — producing rich, complex spirits in fewer years. Indian distilleries also use locally grown six-row barley, Himalayan water, and diverse cask types (Bourbon, Sherry, French Wine) that create flavour profiles distinct from Scottish expressions — warmer, fruit-forward, and spice-rich.
Which Indian whisky should I try first — Amrut, Rampur, or Indri?
Amrut Fusion is the ideal introduction — smooth, approachable, and the whisky that first put India on the world stage. If you prefer bold, rich, structured spirits, Rampur Double Cask is the choice. For the most complex, multi-layered experience, Indri Triple Cask — India’s most internationally awarded current expression — is the premium option. Our team at The Grand Palace can guide you through all three.
Is Indian whisky considered good quality internationally?
Yes. Indian whiskies now win regularly at the world’s leading competitions. Amrut Fusion was rated third best whisky globally in 2010 by Whisky Magazine. Indri Triple Cask won the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. Leading international critics consistently rank Indian whiskies alongside the best from Scotland, Japan, and Ireland
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