SB Advent: Paul John Christmas Edition
For the fourth day of SB Advent, we’re shining some fairy lights on the latest Christmas Edition release from Indian single malt maker Paul John, which was partially finished in rum casks.
The 2024 release of Paul John Christmas Edition Indian single malt is the seventh in the series, and the perfect unpeated dram to find under the tree this festive season, thanks to its marriage of malt that has been finished in Caribbean rum casks with malt matured in virgin oak casks.
“We are excited to release the seventh edition within our exclusive Christmas Edition series, which we hope will bring joy to whisky collectors during the upcoming holiday season,” chairman Paul P John said. “We have seen an increase in consumer demand and anticipation surrounding each yearly Christmas Edition release, which inspires us at Paul John to continue to raise the bar on the quality of this limited and festive Indian Single Malt.”
Paul John 2024 Christmas Edition is available now with a suggested price between US$80 and US$85. It is bottled at 46% ABV with 7,000 bottles imported to the US by the Sazerac Company.
On the nose, the whisky shows aromas of mango and pineapple, vanilla cake, and hints of sandalwood. The palate brings coconut-laced spice, candied orange, and a dash of toasted oak.
Paul John is based in Goa, India and represents a rising interest in world single malts, specifically those aged in India’s tropical climate. In August, John distilleries announced that it had expanded production capabilities from 1.5 million to 3m litres of alcohol annually, with a focus on increasing its stock of ageing whisky over the next three years. “Currently, we have 40,000 barrels. Our target is to reach 75,000 to 80,000 barrels,” master distiller Michael D’Souza said.
Meanwhile, just last week, at a dinner celebrating the release of the latest Christmas edition, head of digital marketing and public relations, Asa Abraham said the brand sees significant growth opportunity in India.
Elsewhere in the category, spirit conglomerate Diageo announced plans in October to bring its Indian single malts, namely Godawan, released in April 2022, to the world stage.
Looking for some whisky-based cocktail inspiration to bring a taste of the tropics to the holidays? We’ve included one of our favourites below. Plus, see which spirit we shone a spotlight on for the third day of SB Advent.
Caribbean Power
Ingredients
- 44ml Old Parr 12-year-old
- 15ml Passion fruit syrup
- 15ml Cinnamon syrup
- 7.5ml Lime juice
- Garnish: Fresh mint leaves, Ground cinnamon, An orchid
Method: Add Old Parr 12-year-old, passion fruit syrup, cinnamon syrup, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 8-10 seconds. Strain into an empty rocks glass. Add crushed ice, then garnish with grated cinnamon, fresh mint and an orchid.
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