
They are the world’s 7th largest Whisky producer , established in 1992 and their best known brand, Original Choice, sells more than 60 million bottles annually.
While many Whisky drinkers in the UK are becoming increasingly accustomed to world whiskies, not many are familiar with the quality of Indian single malt. Paul John Whisky will be a pleasant surprise to many people who are both new to Whisky as well as those who been enjoying Whisky for years but have only ever drunk Scotch.

Initially Paul John have allocated 2000 cases of Edited and Brilliance with a view to break into the UK market. Strangely, the UK is a fairly small market for Whisky compared to not only the Asian and American markets but also other European countries such as France and Sweden. Based on the reviews of the nights offerings they may need to get some more stock!


Interwoven with the enthralling back history and behind the scenes narrative, we were given a Whisky Tasting Master class that included the 2 flagship offerings as well as 3 different and exceptional cask strength single malts. This included unreleased Whisky which is to be launched sometime in the future (we can’t say any more, we are sworn to secrecy except that is to say…wow, watch this space!).


Brilliance in non-chill filtered non-peated Indian Single Malt Whisky.
Colour - Pale golden straw
Nose - Warm cereals, rich honey, sea salt as well as a lovely mix of other aromas including vanilla, dried grass and cinnamon.
Palate - Malty cereals with pleasant sweetness honey, vanilla, sea salt and some sweet darker fruits. There is a gentle spice tingle with a hint oak.
Finish - Extremely pleasant and medium long. You are left with a tingle right in the middle of the tongue.
SWC Tasting notes – Edited ABV 46%
This is the lightly peated flagship offering. There are no exact Phenol levels given but it is between 15% - 20%.
Colour - Light golden straw.
Nose - Malted barley, salted caramel sweetness followed by notes of vanilla and dark plums as well as a subtle vegetal peatiness. It still smells sweet and inviting.
Palate - The peat smoke has a savoury barbeque note and the sweetness follows. Honey, vanilla, plums, sherry, spices and oak.
finish - Long and spicy. This is well balanced and very inviting.
What's the verdict?
These are interesting whiskies which are very easy to drink. The peated Edited is beautifully balanced so that even those who are unsure of peated expressions may well have their heads turned.
Brilliance is just that…brilliant.
It is hard to choose a favourite and as a group it was a fairly even split. Although on first taste neither appear particularly complex they unfold as you drink them and both were extremely popular. Our verdict is a big thumbs up.
Whether new to Whisky or an old hand these are genuinely pleasant and worth trying.
These are good value for money and for someone looking for something different in a competitive price range, then they should be given serious consideration.
So why us?
So what brought this global corporation all the way from India, to a small rural community in Gloucestershire with a population several times less that the number of people they employ?
We believe it is the passion and enthusiasm of our members… and a drop of good fortune!