Whisky Review/Tasting: Paul John Brilliance

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Goa, India.
Type: Indian Single Malt Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled at the John Distillery, matured in ex-Bourbon casks. Not chill-filtered and not peated.
Age Statement: No age statement due to high evaporation rates in the hot climate of Goa, which significantly reduces the volume of whisky left for bottling.
Color and Bottle Design: The specific color of the whisky isn't described, but the bottle is noted as "very fine." The label clearly states "Paul John Brilliance."

Balance of Flavors: A sweet profile with a balance between baked goods, light fruitiness, and a hint of herbs.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its sweetness reminiscent of cookies, butterscotch, and vanilla pudding, with a crumble-like aroma. The taste includes a malty note akin to whole grain cookies, with a slightly sweeter edge.
Comparison: The flavor profile is enriched with a slight bourbon note due to the ex-Bourbon cask maturation, offering a unique blend of sweet, malty, and grainy notes.

Distillery Visitor Center: Opened in 2017, inviting enthusiasts to explore more about the distillery and its processes.
Cask Variation: Currently limited to ex-Bourbon casks, indicating a focused approach to flavor development.
Personal Anecdote: The host shares a personal story about purchasing a shirt in India, connecting the tasting experience to personal memories of the visit.

Indian Whisky Definition: Indian whisky can include spirits made from sugar molasses, but Paul John Brilliance adheres to the single malt standard, using 100% malted barley.
Climate Impact: The hot climate of Goa significantly influences the maturation process, leading to higher evaporation rates ("angel's share").

"Quite a good whisky for India," highlighting the quality of Paul John Brilliance within the context of Indian whisky production.
The flavor profile descriptions offer a vivid sensory guide for potential tasters, emphasizing the whisky's sweet and complex character.

Paul John Brilliance is an Indian Single Malt Whisky from Goa, matured in ex-Bourbon casks without chill filtration or peating.
It features a sweet flavor profile with notes of cookies, butterscotch, vanilla pudding, and a hint of herbs.
The distillery's visitor center opened in 2017, and the whisky's production is influenced by Goa's hot climate.
Cultural significance includes adherence to the single malt standard in a region where whisky definitions can vary.
Recommended for those interested in exploring high-quality Indian whisky with a unique and sweet flavor profile.

For the Sweet Tooth: Individuals who enjoy sweet and dessert-like flavors in their whisky will find the Paul John Brilliance particularly appealing.
World Whisky Explorers: Those interested in exploring whiskies from non-traditional regions, offering a unique perspective on single malt production.
Beginners: The lack of peat and the approachable sweet profile make it a good starting point for those new to whisky tasting.
Bourbon Enthusiasts: The use of ex-Bourbon casks and the resulting slight bourbon note might intrigue bourbon drinkers looking to explore single malts.