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Whisky Review: Paul John Christmas Edition Single Malt 2021

We review the 2021 release of Paul John's Christmas Edition Single Malt. It was aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, Port, and Madeira casks.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Paul John Christmas Edition 2021

Tasting Notes

About:

With no age statement provided, the 2021 bottling of Paul John Christmas Edition Single Malt is 92 proof with a suggested retail price of $85 for 750 mL. Goa, India.
Appearance:
The liquid is dense and a bit oily with a reddish copper color.
Nose:
The wine casks are assertive on the nose with aromas of fruitcake, berry jam, and butterscotch.
Palate:
Gentle peat smoke ties together cocoa and sweet cereal flavors transitioning through spices to a rich, pleasant finish that repeats the deep sweetness of the nose before fading into peaty astringency. The mouthfeel is a little on the thick side, which fits pretty well with the jam/marmalade notes.
Finish:
Comments:
This was my first experience with Paul John and with an Indian single malt in general and it certainly has me eager for my next opportunity to try something in this category. With an interesting combination of complementary flavors, the bottle seems appropriately priced given its solid quality and limited quantity. The combination of a very light peat smoke with the wine cask finishing works really well and produces a rich dram that rewards your attention.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jacob Wirt

Jacob Wirt, whose past lives as a cook and cultural studies researcher, continues to shape his deep appreciation for fermented grain beverages. His understanding extends beyond the mere enjoyment of the drink; he recognizes the knowledge, labor, and rich history behind every glass. With a passion for homebrewing beer, Wirt finds a similar fascination in whiskey, exploring how techniques, ingredients, and nuanced variables create the distinctive character of each expression.

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