In India, the awareness about spirits is quite low, which is understandable given that drinking is still a taboo across 99% Indian Households.
I am sure that most of you started out (just like me) with the poison by drinking a beer. As time progressed some of you switched to higher alcohol content drinks such as Vodka and Whisky.
I had heard it from one seasoned drinker that no matter what you start with, ultimately every passionate drinker will end up being hooked on to whisky/scotch.
Black Dog is a premium range whisky (call it scotch if you wish to). In high end pubs in Mumbai, it will set you back by about INR 700 to INR 1200 for a 30 ml peg (This price range depends on the hype surrounding the bar/pub). However, I think at wine shops it is available at about INR 2000 for a 600 (or may be 650 ml) ml bottle.
The best part of this brand is the smoothness. Do not insult it by mixing Soda or worse - cola - with it. If you can not live without soda or cola, try some cheaper brands like McDowell’s etc. Now, I am not being elitist. Even I have had brands like Royal Challenge, Blenders Pride etc. which don’t really go down well when drunk neat. But Black Dog must be taken neat or at the max, on the rocks (i.e. just with ice cubes - note: no water).
So, pour in 60 ml, add 3-4 ice cubes, swirl it slightly and you are ready. The poison goes down pretty smoothly and does not ’pinch’ your throat. It has a slightly metallic kind of taste, and you won’t know when you are already 2 pegs down. Tastes best with not-so-spicy snacks. PLease avoid spicy Indian snacks like Chicken Tikka.
The best place to drink this is, at home. Make a peg, lower the lights, Switch on the AC, let some smooth music (ghazals, oldies or anything slow that you like) start, push back in a comfortable chair and let the magic engulf you!
Cheers!!!