Ponda - McDowell's

Ponda – McDowell’s

The first Indian distillery to bottle an Indian pot still single malt is known under different names: Ponda, the town near which it is located; Goa, its southern home state; or McDowell’s, the label under which its single malt is sold. Ponda distillery was added to the Kingfisher brewing operation by its owner, United Breweries, in 1988. The year-round hot and humid Goan climate is thought to speed up and even out maturation.

Ponda has two pot stills and uses mostly ex-bourbon casks for maturation. Some casks are filled with sherry for a couple of days to allow a touch of sherry influence.

McDowell’s single malt is bottled at 42.8% without an age statement, but it’s unlikely to be more than 4 y.o. On the nose, I get clear bourbony notes and soft leather. The palate is sweetish, bourbon again and maybe marzipan? The whole is pretty light and a bit on the spirity side at times.