Cask-strength whisky goes from the barrel to the bottle without being diluted, which is why it carries so much more flavour and warmth than a standard one. The strength of the whisky typically ranges from 55% to 65% ABV, against 40% to 46% for regular whiskies, and that extra intensity brings out the sherry sweetness, peat smoke and oak spice from the cask. Because whisky prices vary with state excise duties and the retailer, the same bottle can cost noticeably more in one city than in another. If you are exploring this style, check out these 5 best cask-strength whiskies, ranging from Aberlour A'bunadh, Glenfarclas 105, Ardbeg Uigeadail, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Laphroaig Cask Strength whisky with prices in Delhi, Mumbai and Gurugram.
The list begins in Speyside with Aberlour A'bunadh. It is matured in Spanish Oloroso sherry butts and bottled at natural strength, usually between 59% and 61% depending on the batch, and it packs dried fruit, dark chocolate, orange zest and Christmas-cake spice into a velvety, oak-warmed dram.
Aberlour A'bunadh whisky price in Delhi: Rs 11,040.
Aberlour A'bunadh whisky price in Mumbai: Rs 13,500 to Rs 14,800.
Aberlour A'bunadh whisky price in Gurugram: Rs 11,500 to Rs 12,500.
Another sherried Speysider follows, and it is one of the pioneers of the style. Glenfarclas 105 whisky was among the first cask-strength single malts released commercially, and it is bottled at a precise 60% ABV. Fruitcake, dark honey, toffee and roasted coffee sit on a heavy body, and the finish is long, dry and spicy.
Glenfarclas 105 whisky price in Delhi: Rs 9,500 to Rs 10,200.
Glenfarclas 105 whisky price in Mumbai: Rs 11,800 to Rs 12,500.
Glenfarclas 105 whisky price in Gurugram: Rs 9,800 to Rs 10,500.
From sherry-led Speyside, the list moves to the smoke of Islay. Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky marries peated whisky from ex-bourbon barrels with older sherry-cask stock at 54.2% ABV, so peat smoke and sea brine meet raisins, espresso and dark chocolate before a fiery, lingering finish.
Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky price in Delhi: Rs 9,500 to Rs 10,200.
Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky price in Mumbai: Rs 12,500 to Rs 13,800.
Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky price in Gurugram: Rs 9,200 to Rs 9,900.
The one American whiskey bottle on the list offers a sweeter take on barrel strength. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon whiskey is bottled uncut from charred American oak barrels in batches through the year, typically between 58% and 67%. Expect caramel, toasted oak and vanilla, then dark brown sugar, baking spice and a long, sweet wood warmth.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof whiskey price in Delhi: Rs 11,800 to Rs 12,500.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof whiskey price in Mumbai: Rs 13,800 to Rs 15,000.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof whiskey price in Gurugram: Rs 11,200 to Rs 12,000.
The list closes back on Islay, with the most medicinal bottle of the five. Laphroaig Cask Strength whisky turns up the distillery's signature smoke, usually at 58% to 60% ABV. Peat, iodine, sea salt and charred oak give way to vanilla, leather and coastal ash.
Laphroaig Cask Strength whisky price in Delhi: Rs 11,500 to Rs 12,500.
Laphroaig Cask Strength whisky price in Mumbai: Rs 13,200 to Rs 14,500.
Laphroaig Cask Strength whisky price in Gurugram: Rs 11,000 to Rs 11,800.
Note: Whisky prices in Delhi, Mumbai and Gurugram are approximate and can change by retailer, state excise rules and batch. Check the latest local whisky price listings before you buy.