ABV 46%, 750 ml, from Gao, India
Paul John is the second Indian distillery to bring Scotch-style single malts to the west and as the name of this whisky suggests, they have done so with “brilliance.” Goa, where the whisky is distilled and matured is a former Portuguese enclave on India’s west coast. The distillery is located about 350 miles from the better-known Amrut distillery in Bangalore. Whisky matures rapidly in the subtropical heat, yet Paul John’s whiskies show youth and grassy freshness. Paul John Brilliance is non-chill-filtered and unpeated.
“The nose shows an eruption of malted barley cereal tones and a subtle complement of cigar box spice. The palate is rich and caressing showing lots of oak aged orchard fruit with more flavors of sweet oats and a finish of star anise.” 92 Points, 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge