Paul John Christmas Edition 2025, 48% is an unpeated Indian single malt from Goa, crafted as a true Christmas dessert in a glass. This eight-year-old whisky is made from six-row barley grown at the foothills of the Himalayas, matured for five years in ex-bourbon casks and finished for a further three years in sherry cream casks – a blend of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry. The result is a warm, creamy, nutty and fruit-forward festive dram.
Producer – Paul John, Goa
Paul John is a highly awarded distillery on India’s west coast and one of the leading “new world” single malt producers. Using local six-row barley, double distillation in copper pot stills and tropical maturation, the distillery creates whiskies with rapid development, oily texture and plenty of fruit. The limited Christmas Edition series is released once a year and always leans into dessert wine influence and festive spice.
Nose
The nose is indulgent, soft and inviting:
orange blossom honey and ripe peaches
a hint of cortado-style coffee and spiced nuts
caramel, vanilla and gentle sherry sweetness
Palate
On the palate, the whisky is smooth, medium-bodied and very well-balanced:
caramel and crunchy butterscotch
apples and stone fruits such as peach and apricot
dark caramel, light cinnamon and a touch of toasted sugar
sweet oak and rounded sherry notes with no heavy smoke
Finish & serving
The finish is long, creamy and satisfying:
sweet oak wrapped in dried red fruits
roasted hazelnuts and almonds
a warming, nutty aftertaste that lingers beautifully
Best enjoyed neat in a tulip glass, especially after dinner or alongside chocolate desserts, Christmas sweets, nut platters or mature cheeses.
