Solan Number One Black
Solan Number One Black is a popular Indian blended whisky produced by Mohan Meakin Ltd. It's positioned as a smoother, potentially richer variant compared to the standard Solan Number One, offering a balanced profile suitable for various consumption methods.
Building on the legacy of the Solan Number One brand, Solan Number One Black is a blended Indian whisky crafted by Mohan Meakin, one of India's oldest distillers, famed for Old Monk Rum. This expression typically involves a blend of selected Indian grain spirits and potentially some proportion of malt spirits (details often proprietary). It aims to provide a smoother and more refined drinking experience than its regular counterpart, targeting consumers looking for an accessible yet slightly more premium option within the Indian whisky segment. It's often characterized by its dark colour and is designed to be versatile, enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with mixers.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Often presents subtle grain notes, hints of malt sweetness, possibly some caramel or vanilla undertones, and a touch of ethanol.
Palate: Generally considered relatively smooth for its category. Flavours might include grain spirit character, light maltiness, hints of oak (often from cask conditioning), and a mild sweetness. Less complex than single malts or higher-end blends.
Food Pairings
Spicy peanuts or cashews
Chicken tikka or kebabs
Pakoras (fritters)
Serving Suggestions
Neat: Sip it straight at room temperature.
On the Rocks: Serve over ice cubes.
With Water: Add a splash of water to potentially open up subtle flavours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interesting Facts
Produced by Mohan Meakin Ltd., established in 1855, making it one of India's oldest beverage companies.
The name "Solan" likely refers to the town of Solan in Himachal Pradesh, near the original Kasauli brewery/distillery.
It's part of the popular "Number One" whisky range from Mohan Meakin.