As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to indulge in festive drinks like hot cocoa, eggnog, and mulled cider—and for whisky enthusiasts, Paul John has something truly special in store. The acclaimed Indian whisky brand has unveiled the details of its annual Christmas Edition single malt, and this year’s release brings an exciting twist: it’s partially aged in rum barrels.
Indian whisky has gained a foothold in the U.S. market over recent years, thanks to standout brands like Paul John, Amrut, and Rampur. Paul John, part of the John Distilleries company, has been producing world-class single malts since 1992, though its whiskies have only been available internationally since 2008. The brand’s distillery is located in Goa, a region with a tropical climate that plays a significant role in the whisky’s maturation process, accelerating aging and giving it a unique flavor profile.
A Unique Maturation Process
The 2024 Christmas Edition is the seventh release in the brand’s annual holiday tradition. This year’s expression is a blend of single malt whisky finished in Caribbean rum casks and aged in virgin oak. This limited-edition whisky promises to bring a rich and complex flavor experience, blending tropical influences from the rum casks with the warm depth of oak-aged whisky.
Previous Christmas Editions have employed various cask finishes to create intriguing flavors. For instance, the 2022 edition was matured in a mix of ex-bourbon, brandy, and peated Oloroso sherry casks, offering a multifaceted taste. This year’s release, though utilizing fewer types of casks, is no less complex, showcasing the brand’s signature ability to craft nuanced expressions that are perfect for the season.
Tasting Notes
The 2024 Christmas Edition opens with an inviting nose of coconut, candied orange, and toasted oak—a nod to the tropical rum casks used in its maturation. The palate reveals a rich tapestry of flavors, including fruit tart, salted toffee, and subtle chewy tannins, all balanced by the warmth and depth of oak. The finish is long and satisfying, with a sweet and savory complexity that lingers just like the holiday spirit itself.
The Paul John Legacy
Paul John’s whiskies are crafted from 100 percent malted barley sourced from the foothills of the Himalayas, while the peat used in their production is imported from Scotland. After distillation, the whiskies are aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and virgin oak casks, with a portion of some expressions also finishing in sherry casks, rum casks, and even brandy casks—furthering the brand’s commitment to experimenting with cask finishes to enhance flavor complexity.
The tropical climate of Goa contributes to a higher evaporation rate, with the “angel’s share” often reaching up to 10 percent, which accelerates the aging process and imparts a distinct character to the whisky.
A Festive Treat for Whisky Lovers
The 2024 Christmas Edition from Paul John is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with a glass of something special. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the brand or new to Indian whisky, this limited release offers a unique opportunity to taste something that is both festive and complex. The marriage of rum cask finishing with virgin oak provides a delightful balance of tropical sweetness and rich oakiness, making this a holiday whisky to savor and enjoy with friends and family.
As always, Paul John’s Christmas Edition is a limited release, so those interested in tasting this exceptional whisky should act quickly. With only a small number of bottles available, it’s sure to be a coveted addition to any whisky collection.
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