Hyderabad: For whisky connoisseurs, age has always come at a price. In Telangana, it is about to cost even more. Several premium age-stated whiskies, some matured for up to 21 years, have become significantly dearer following the excise department’s latest revision of maximum retail prices, with hikes ranging from 7% to 20% across popular imported labels.The revised price list, released on Wednesday, covers a range of liquor brands and varieties, including both aged and non-aged spirits. For enthusiasts who value the complexity that comes with years of maturation, the latest revision makes some of the state’s most sought-after whiskies even more exclusive.Whisky acquires its character through years of ageing in oak barrels, during which it develops its colour, flavour and aroma. As the spirit matures, a portion gradually evaporates through the wood, reducing the quantity left in the cask. Industry experts say the long ageing period, storage costs and evaporation losses are among the key factors that drive up prices.Among the revised rates, a 21-year-old blended Scotch whisky saw the price of its 700ml bottle rise by Rs 2,100, from Rs 25,120 to Rs 27,220, an increase of 8.4%.An 18-year-old single malt recorded the steepest increase among the eight age-stated whiskies compared. Its 750ml bottle became costlier by Rs 2,240, with the price rising from Rs 11,180 to Rs 13,420, a hike of about 20%.Another 18-year-old single malt saw its 750ml bottle price increase by Rs 1,990, from Rs 25,280 to Rs 27,270, while an 18-year-old blended Scotch whisky became dearer by Rs 1,420, with its MRP rising from Rs 9,120 to Rs 10,540, an increase of 15.6%.Among younger but still premium expressions, a 15-year-old single malt recorded a hike of Rs 970, taking its price from Rs 9,540 to Rs 10,510. A 12-year-old single malt became costlier by Rs 690, rising from Rs 7,220 to Rs 7,910, while a 10-year-old single malt saw its price increase by Rs 580, from Rs 6,850 to Rs 7,430.The smallest increase among the age-stated whiskies was recorded by a 12-year-old blended Scotch whisky, whose 750ml bottle price rose by Rs 320, from Rs 4,620 to Rs 4,940, a hike of 6.9%.The age displayed on a whisky label often carries more significance than consumers realise. Under Indian regulations, the age statement on a blended alcoholic drink must reflect the youngest spirit used in the blend. For instance, a blend containing spirits aged 21, 15 and eight years cannot be marketed as a 21-year-old whisky. Its stated age must correspond to the youngest component, in this case eight years.Another common misconception is that whisky continues to mature inside the bottle. In reality, the ageing process ends once the spirit is bottled. Even if stored for decades, the whisky does not become older in the way it does inside oak casks. The rules are intended to ensure that age claims accurately represent the liquid consumers are paying for.
