Godawan 101: How To Savour The 'Single Malt Whisky Of The Year'
FINE WINES can take a breather. Straight from the heartlands of Rajasthan, Godawan offers a taste of sustainable luxury. A whisky that was created to support wildlife conservation efforts now dominates the homegrown single malt market with its 'Fruit & Spice' and 'Rich & Rounded' variants. Let’s unpack how these spirits not only add to the charm of your home bar but also contribute to a grander cause.
A stark departure from the cold weather in which most whiskies are made, Godawan comes from the scorching environs of Rajasthan. The singular spirit is a reflection of its place of origin in more ways than one. Firstly, this single malt is made out of six-row barley, a crop that thrives in the region's arid geography. The casks in which Godawan matures too incorporate a local element: they're finished with exotic Indian botanicals. What you get at the end of this painstaking process is a rich and smooth single malt that's as exquisitely handcrafted as any of Rajasthan's heritage works of art.
Godawan 'Fruit & Spice'
Starting off with the livelier of the two, 'Fruit & Spice' is vivacious, much like the land it originates from. This spirit is matured in casks that have had a previous life steeping rich Indian botanicals, imparting a zestful note to the whisky. To truly appreciate its complexity, try it neat. Pour 60 ml into a tulip-shaped whisky glass and let it sit. Swirl gently and take in the aromas of apricot and fig, spiked with a hint of cardamom and clove.
If cocktails are more your style, mix up a 'Desert Rose'. Combine 30 ml of 'Fruit & Spice' with 15 ml of vermouth and a dash of orange bitters. Stir well with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist. This drink mirrors the sunset on a hot summer day, streaking the sky pink and orange, promising a refreshing end to any day.
Godawan 'Rich & Rounded'
For those evenings when only something deep and comforting will do, 'Rich & Rounded' offers a velvety texture that will have you coming back for seconds. Its flavour profile has a foundation of caramel and raisin, layered with the subtle smokiness that only the high temperatures of Rajasthan can inspire. Sipping this variant straight might just change your evening ritual. Pour yourself a 30 ml measure, let it breathe, and sip slowly, letting the smooth notes of toffee and smoked almonds unfold.
A classic cocktail to show off this whisky is the 'Royal Old Fashioned'. In a mixing glass, muddle a sugar cube with two dashes of bitters and a tiny splash of water. Add 45 ml of 'Rich & Rounded', a few strands of saffron for that royal touch, and ice. Stir until well chilled and strain into an ice-filled rock glass. This concoction is robust yet warming.
Both of these whisky variants complement meat-based dishes like no other. In the spirit of Rajasthan, we are biased towards relishing a dram of Godawan with a portion of the traditional Rajasthani Lal Maas. For a more modern take on the dish, try Laal Maas Tacos.
Beyond the Bottle
While savouring these whiskies, it’s compelling to reflect on their origin story. Each bottle of Godawan supports the preservation of the Great Indian Bustard, a majestic bird teetering on the brink of extinction. The conservation efforts funded by these whiskies help manage and restore the grasslands that are critical to the bustard’s survival. Thus, every sip supports a step towards ecological balance.
