Dual role at Amrut set to fast-track the whisky maker's growth

In India, a new face has taken the helm at Amrut. Ashok Chokalingam has been appointed chief operating officer and master distiller. With this newly created dual role, the family-owned company is making a strategic move to further position Indian single malt whisky as a premium category worldwide.

The new master distiller at Amrut is hardly a stranger. He’s been part of the team since 2004. He began in roles such as territory manager and international sales & marketing manager, and later became Amrut’s brand ambassador.

In 2019, he became head of distillation, taking full responsibility for single malts and premium brands. Chokalingam is delighted with his new role and thanks the company’s managing director for the opportunity.

Managing director Rakshit N Jagdale says this is a well-deserved recognition of Chokalingam’s talent, who now holds two roles at the whisky maker.

There’s a reason Amrut has given Chokalingam a dual role. With it, Amrut aims to connect international market insights directly to production and innovation.

Chokalingam is known for his ability to translate feedback from global tastings and masterclasses into concrete experiments in the distillation process. Insights from conversations with collectors, critics, and consumers are carried through to decisions on cask selection, maturation, blending, and flavor development.

Whisky-making is nothing new to Chokalingam. He has been behind releases such as Amrut Spectrum and Amrut Naarangi. These bottlings show how experimental maturation techniques and bold cask combinations can yield striking whiskies.

It now falls to Chokalingam to further drive Amrut’s growth. He is tasked with staying the strategic course and the timing is favorable. Indian whisky is becoming increasingly popular, creating countless opportunities for Amrut on the global stage.

Want to read more about Amrut? Check out Distillery Thursday.