Assam tea single malt whisky finds its way home after global Odyssey
Guwahati: A unique single malt whisky with a distinctive Assam tea flavor has completed a remarkable journey that began in Edinburgh, Scotland, and ended in its homeland of Assam.
The whisky's odyssey began at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWSA) and the efforts of several friends who carried it across continents.
The journey began when Sanjay Gurung, a member of the SMWS, purchased the last unopened bottle of the "Berrylious Malty Assam Tea" single malt whisky during a visit to the SMWSA in Edinburgh.
As Gurung was traveling to Senegal and his friends Swathi and Rachel were heading to Europe, the bottle was entrusted to colleague Alex Angulo to carry it to Washington DC. From there, Swathi, returning from her European trip, brought the bottle to Portland, Oregon.
A serendipitous twist occurred when Dudul Chowdhury, Gurung’s brother-in-law from Guwahati, Assam visited Portland this August. Recognizing the significance of the single malt with its Assam tea tannins, Gurung gifted it to Chowdhury, ensuring the bottle’s return to its place of origin.
Reflecting on the bottle’s extraordinary journey, Gurung expressed gratitude to Rachel, Swathi, and Alex for their roles in the adventure. He also praised the SMWSA for their unconventional approach and dedication to sharing unique and flavorful whiskies.
“When one of my friends (Rachel) noticed that particular bottle, it sparked a series of events that led to this remarkable journey. It was the last unopened bottle I had bought, and I knew it deserved a special homecoming,” Gurung said.
“The SMWSA's unconventional nature and the kindness of my friends made it possible for this special whisky to find its way home," he said.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, founded in the 1970s, is known for its commitment to offering members the purest form of whisky.
The society's dedication to flavor, variety, and fun has helped it grow into an international organization with thousands of members.