SB’s 12 Drinks of Christmas – Paul John whisky
When the weather outside is frightful, the best thing to do is pour some escapism into your glass. That’s exactly what we’re doing for the fifth instalment of The Spirits Business’ 12 Drinks of Christmas, as we spotlight a whisky crafted on the tropical shores of Goa, India.
This festive expression from Indian whisky producer Paul John captures the warmth of the season with an exquisite unpeated malt that has been matured for eight years – the brand’s oldest expression released to date.
The Paul John Christmas Edition 2025 was first matured for five years in ex-Bourbon casks, before being transferred into 250-litre oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry cream casks. After two years, the two finishes were vatted together and aged for a final year. Bottled at 48% ABV, the resulting whisky delivers aromas of ripe plum, dark cherry, candied orange peel, and orange blossom honey, complemented by soft toffee, cocoa, and nutmeg.
It also boasts an extraordinary richness and depth, with a deep amber hue, tropical sweetness, a warming spice, and creamy richness, packed full with stone fruits, butterscotch and a long, elegant finish reminiscent of Christmas cake, making it perfectly suited for the festive season, whatever the climate you’re in.
Every annual Christmas Edition release from Paul John has become a highlight for whisky lovers across the world. There are 6,254 bottles in this global release, with an allocation of 420 bottles in the UK.
Speaking to The Spirits Business in November, Heemanshu Ashar, global brand ambassador for Paul John, said 2025 has been a ‘very encouraging year’ for Indian single malts, adding that “consumers now approach Indian whisky with an open mind – and often with pride. They are more aware of flavours, they compare whiskies across countries, and they are willing to spend more for quality.”
How to drink it
Paul John Christmas Edition 2025 – Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 60ml Paul John Christmas Edition 2025
- 5ml Demerara syrup (or jaggery syrup for an Indian touch)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash Orange bitters (optional)
- Garnished with fresh orange peel and, optionally, a small cinnamon stick for that extra Christmassy touch
Method: Add the ingredients to a mixing glass. Fill with ice and stir for 15 to 20 seconds until smooth and chilled. Strain over a large ice cube in an Old Fashioned glass. Express orange peel over the drink and drop it in. Add a small cinnamon stick if you want a soft holiday aroma.
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