Paul John distillery

Introduction to Paul John Distillery

A distillery with passion for craft

Paul John is an Indian single malt whisky distillery that has masterfully blended traditional Scottish whisky-making techniques with the unique tropical climate of Goa. Located on the western coast of India, this distillery has quickly risen to prominence in the global whisky scene, challenging preconceptions about non-Scottish single malts. The distillery’s creations are a testament to India’s emerging presence in premium whisky production.

Each bottle captures the essence of its Indian heritage while honoring the time-honored traditions of whisky craftsmanship. The rapid maturation in Goa’s tropical climate creates expressions with remarkable depth and character despite their relatively young age.

Why we have a soft spot for Paul John

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that challenge conventions and create distinctive flavor profiles. Paul John stands out by harnessing India’s diverse climate conditions to accelerate maturation, utilizing six-row barley from the foothills of the Himalayas, and embracing the terroir of Goa in their production process.

Their commitment to quality, coupled with their willingness to experiment with different cask types and maturation techniques, results in whiskies that offer something truly different for the discerning palate. Their bold approach to whisky making has earned them multiple international awards and a loyal following of whisky enthusiasts.

The history behind Paul John

Origin and development

Paul John was established in 1992 by Paul P. John, chairman of John Distilleries Ltd. However, the journey into single malt production began in 2008 when master distiller Michael D’Souza was brought on board to create India’s answer to premium single malt whisky. The first bottles were released to the international market in 2012, quickly garnering attention and acclaim.

From these humble beginnings, the distillery has expanded its range and reach, now exporting to over 38 countries worldwide. The brand’s rapid ascent in the whisky world speaks volumes about the quality and character of their spirits, which have collected numerous awards at international competitions.

The people behind

The distillery is led by its visionary founder Paul P. John, whose passion for whisky inspired the creation of a world-class Indian single malt. Master Distiller Michael D’Souza brings decades of expertise to the production process, carefully overseeing every aspect from grain selection to bottling.

The dedicated team at Paul John combines traditional Scottish whisky-making knowledge with a deep understanding of how India’s unique climate influences maturation. This fusion of expertise results in expressions that are both innovative and respectful of whisky heritage.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Paul John whisky begins with carefully selected six-row barley sourced from the foothills of the Himalayas. This particular variety of barley contains higher protein and less starch than the two-row barley commonly used in Scotland, contributing to the whisky’s distinctive character.

The distillation takes place in traditional copper pot stills imported from Scotland, ensuring authentic distillation techniques. However, the tropical climate of Goa accelerates the maturation process, with the angel’s share (evaporation during aging) reaching up to 8% annually, compared to Scotland’s 2%.

The water used in production comes from underground streams of the Western Ghats, adding another layer of local terroir to the final product.

Maturation and aging

The aging process occurs primarily in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, though the distillery also experiments with various cask types including sherry, port, and virgin oak. The tropical climate of Goa plays a crucial role in accelerating maturation, allowing the whisky to develop remarkable complexity in a shorter time frame.

The warehouse temperature fluctuations cause the whisky to interact more aggressively with the wood, extracting flavors and color more rapidly than in cooler climates. This unique aging environment creates whiskies with depth and character that belies their relatively young age statements.

Paul John also offers several single cask releases, each offering a singular expression of their distinctive whisky-making philosophy.

Selected products from Paul John

Paul John Brilliance – An introduction to the house style

This unpeated expression is an excellent entry point to understand Paul John’s house style. Matured in ex-bourbon barrels, it offers notes of honey, vanilla, and tropical fruits with a gentle spice character and creamy mouthfeel. The warm climate influence is evident in its rich texture and vibrant flavor profile.

At 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, Brilliance retains all its natural oils and flavor compounds, delivering an authentic and immersive tasting experience.

Paul John Bold – An experience for connoisseurs

For those seeking more complexity, Bold offers a peated expression that balances smoky character with the distillery’s signature tropical fruit notes. Expect a rich, oily texture with hints of cocoa, spice, and a lingering smoky finish that differentiates it from Islay peated whiskies.

The interplay between the peat influence and the accelerated maturation in Goa’s climate creates a unique whisky that appeals to both traditional Scotch enthusiasts and adventurous spirits seekers.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Paul John Distillery offers guided tours at their visitor center in Goa, where guests can explore the entire whisky-making process from mashing to bottling. The guided experience concludes with a comprehensive tasting session featuring 3-5 expressions from their core range and limited editions.

The visitor center also features an educational area that explains the influence of India’s climate on whisky production and how it differs from traditional Scottish approaches. It’s a must-visit destination for whisky enthusiasts traveling to western India.

Frequently asked questions

What is Paul John?

Paul John is an Indian single malt whisky distillery located in Goa, producing award-winning expressions that combine Scottish distillation traditions with Indian climate influences. Their approach emphasizes quality local ingredients, traditional pot still distillation, and the unique maturation environment of tropical Goa.

Where is Paul John located?

The distillery is located in Goa, on the western coast of India. This tropical location significantly influences the maturation process, with the warm climate accelerating the interaction between the spirit and the oak casks, resulting in distinctive flavor development.

What characterizes Paul John whisky?

Paul John whiskies are known for their rich, tropical fruit character, robust body, and distinctive spice profile derived from the six-row Himalayan barley. The accelerated maturation in Goa’s tropical climate creates whiskies with remarkable depth despite their relatively young age. Most expressions are bottled at 46% ABV or higher, non-chill filtered, and with no added coloring.

Where can I buy whisky from Paul John?

You can find selected bottles from Paul John at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best expressions from their portfolio, including both their core range and limited single cask releases, ensuring you have access to the finest examples of this pioneering Indian distillery.