Amrut Distilleries Launches CaféX Indian Single Malt with Coffee-Seasoned Casks

Amrut Distilleries has expanded its premium whisky portfolio with the launch of CaféX, a limited-edition Indian Single Malt developed in collaboration with Harley Estate, a coffee estate established in 1864 in Sakaleshpur, Karnataka. The new expression combines Indian single malt whisky with coffee-seasoned cask maturation, reflecting the company's continued focus on product innovation in the premium spirits segment.

The whisky has been matured in casks seasoned with coffee beans sourced from Harley Estate, introducing a different approach to whisky maturation. Traditionally, whisky is matured in oak casks previously used for wine, sherry, port or other spirits, while CaféX explores the influence of coffee-seasoned casks on flavour development.

The launch continues Amrut's portfolio of experimental single malts following releases such as Naarangi, Spectrum, and Herald. The distillery said the collaboration celebrates Karnataka's strengths in both premium whisky production and coffee cultivation.

The whisky is presented in packaging inspired by the Western Ghats and will be released as a limited edition of 2,400 bottles worldwide.

Rakshit N Jagdale, Managing Director, Amrut Distilleries, said, "CaféX is a celebration of two things India does exceptionally well—crafting world-class single malt and growing exceptional coffee. Bringing them together through an innovative approach to cask maturation reflects our enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of whisky making while remaining deeply rooted in our heritage. At Amrut, innovation is not an occasional achievement; it is part of our DNA and ethos."

Purnesh, owner of Harley Estate, said, "At Harley Estate, we explore how time, wood, and provenance shape flavor. Partnering with Amrut gave us access to their award-winning whisky barrels — casks of incredible depth that don’t just impart oak and spice, but layers of vanilla, fruit, and that signature Amrut warmth. Ageing our estate-grown specialty coffee in them bridges two worlds of Indian craft, creating a bold, complex cup unlike anything we’ve processed before — the soul of Indian whisky meets Harley Estate specialty coffee, to give us our most coveted whisky barrel-aged coffee."

Ashok Chokalingam, COO and Master Distiller, said, “This is a landmark bottling. To encounter a distinct jalapeño and capsicum profile within a single malt is an extreme rarity. The ability of the spirit to integrate these savory, vegetal notes with the richness of mocha and vanilla cream—all while maintaining such poise—marks this as a "unicorn" expression, destined for the most discerning collections.”

CaféX offers aromas of capsicum, jalapeño, vanilla cream, citrus, mocha chocolate and floral notes. On the palate, it combines orchard fruits with savoury vegetal flavours, vanilla, mocha and dried chilli characteristics, followed by a long sweet-and-spicy finish.

The launch comes as premium spirits producers continue to introduce limited-edition expressions and alternative maturation techniques to cater to consumers seeking differentiated whisky experiences in both domestic and international markets.