This is the world’s first Indian wine cask-finished whisky, produced in the foothills of the Himalayas. Anup Barik, Rampur’s master distiller, is in impeccable form here, re-casking mature whisky into Indian cabernet sauvignon barrels and monitoring them judiciously to find the perfect balance. Enticing aromas of damson, black currant, aromatic spices, vanilla essence, and pipe tobacco rise from the glass. The jammy autumnal fruits are immediate and compelling on the palate, developing red cherry, honey, peppery spice, and candied peel notes. Delectable expressions from this nation are flourishing, and with Asava, Rampur has beautifully captured the spirit of Indian whisky. —Jonny McCormick