Indian Whisky: Try This If You Want To Understand The Hype

Discover why Paul John Brilliance is the Indian single malt turning heads worldwide, and why it might be your next favorite whisky.
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Think great whisky only comes from Scotland or Kentucky? Think again. India is quietly producing some of the most exciting single malts on the planet, and Paul John Brilliance might be the bottle that proves it.

Distilled in Goa, aged in a tropical climate, and made from native Indian barley, this unassuming whisky has become a favorite among critics and adventurous drinkers alike.

Why Indian Whisky Is Having a Moment

For years, “Indian whisky” meant mass-market blends made with molasses. Cheap, sweet, and largely forgettable. But that reputation is changing fast. Over the past two decades, India has quietly become one of the world’s most intriguing whisky producers.

Brands like Amrut and Paul John have led the charge, crafting single malts that meet international standards and routinely win global awards. These whiskies aren’t just made in India—they’re shaped by India. Local six-row barley, a tropical climate, and intense maturation conditions all contribute to a flavor profile that’s bold, spicy, and distinctly different from scotch.

In fact, because whisky ages “faster” in India’s heat and humidity, a five-year-old Indian malt can develop the richness and depth of a 12- to 15-year-old scotch. It’s easy to see why Indian single malts are gaining serious credibility.

Who Is Paul John?

Paul John is the flagship single malt from John Distilleries, founded in 1992 by entrepreneur Paul P. John. Based in Goa, the distillery launched its first single malt whiskies in 2012, aiming to prove that India could produce world-class spirits.

Distilled from Indian six-row barley and matured in ex-bourbon barrels, Paul John’s whiskies are non-chill filtered, free from additives, and aged entirely in the coastal heat of Goa. The result? A range of whiskies that are rich, layered, and unmistakably Indian.

Brilliance, their unpeated core expression, is the one they call their “flagship”. And for good reason.

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What Makes Brilliance Unique

Paul John Brilliance is made from 100% Indian six-row barley and aged for around five years in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. There’s no peat, no added color, and no chill filtration, just tropical aging and clean distillation.

Goa’s climate plays a huge role here. High heat and humidity mean the whisky matures quickly, drawing deep flavor from the oak. While it doesn’t carry an age statement, Brilliance develops richness and complexity far beyond its years.

Bottled at 46% ABV, it’s full-flavored but approachable. Think of it as an Indian answer to Lowland scotch, light, floral, and easy to enjoy, but with its own tropical twist.

Tasting Notes: Our Verdict

So, how does Paul John Brilliance actually taste? Reviewer Charles Steele described it as “light and airy” on the nose, with notes of orange blossom, vanilla, and baked apples. On the palate, he picked up cocoa, honey, and soft spice, “herbal without crossing into medicinal.”

It reminded him of a Lowland scotch: sweet, easy to sip, and surprisingly smooth. While he felt the 46% ABV might be a touch low for his personal taste, he noted it doesn’t need water or ice, “the flavors are pretty light to begin with.”

And the price? Mid-$60s in the U.S. “While it won’t blow the doors off a more mature whisky,” Charles wrote, “it can absolutely hold its own and is worthy of checking out.”

Read the full review here.

Where to Find It

Paul John Brilliance is widely available and competitively priced. In the U.S., you’ll find it at major retailers like Total Wine and K&L for around $60–$65. In the UK, it’s typically £45–£50, stocked by shops like The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt.

It’s also available across much of Europe and, of course, in India, particularly in Goa, where the distillery is based. Online retailers make it easy to order internationally, and availability is improving each year as demand grows.

Paul John Brilliance is a well-made, accessible single malt that’s finally getting the attention it deserves.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re curious about Indian whisky, Paul John Brilliance is the perfect place to start. It’s well-made, easy to enjoy, and full of character, without the collector’s price tag.

This isn’t just an “interesting” world whisky. It’s a serious single malt that shows just how far Indian distilling has come. Smooth, subtly spiced, and tropical in tone, Brilliance lives up to its name, and makes a strong case for clearing a spot on your shelf.

Beth Squires

Beth Squires joined Mark Littler Ltd full-time in October 2020 after completing her university degree in English Literature. Since then, she has acquired extensive knowledge about all aspects of whisk(e)y and now holds the position of Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. Beth is passionate about history, industry innovation, marketing, and sustainability. With a special fondness for independently bottled rare scotch, Beth also serves as a whisky bottle investment specialist. Additionally, she is a mentee currently enrolled in the OurWhisky Foundation's Atonia Programme.

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