Indian single malt producer Paul John claimed two major honors at the World Whiskies Awards 2026, held in the UK on March 25. Master Distiller Michael D’Souza was named World’s Best Master Distiller/Master Blender, while the Paul John Visitor Centre in Goa won Best Team – Visitor Centre.
The wins add to Paul John’s award tally, following its earlier recognition for Port Select Cask as Best Indian Single Malt. D’Souza previously received the World’s Best Master Distiller/Master Blender title in 2017.
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The visitor center accolade builds on the brand’s Best Visitor Centre win at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards. Paul John said the distillery recorded an estimated 16% increase in visitor footfall and a 12% rise in international visitors following last year’s recognition. The brand expects a further 30% growth this year.
Paul P. John, Chairman of John Distilleries, framed the wins as a milestone for the broader Indian whisky category. “The recognitions at the World Whiskies Awards are a proud moment for us and a testament to India’s growing stature in the global whisky landscape,” he said.
“Our focus has always been on creating world-class single malts rooted in craftsmanship and authenticity, and it is encouraging to see this vision resonate so strongly with global audiences,” John added. “We’re also seeing an industry shift towards the intersection of craft and experience, with distilleries evolving into cultural spaces and a new generation prioritising quality over quantity.”
D’Souza described the recognition as a team effort. “Receiving the World’s Best Master Distiller recognition is truly humbling,” he said. “This honour reflects the collective passion and craftsmanship that defines us, and the dedication of the entire team behind every expression.”
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“Being recognised at the World Whiskies Awards encourages us to continue refining our craft while consistently showcasing the quality and character of Indian single malts on the global stage,” D’Souza added.
Produced by John Distilleries in Goa, Paul John is crafted from Indian six-row barley and is non-chill filtered with no added color. The brand has accumulated more than 350 awards since 2012 and is available in 44 countries. Its portfolio includes the Brilliance and Bold expressions, the Zodiac series, and sherry-cask variants.
The latest honors position Paul John among a select group of distilleries globally recognized across both individual achievement and visitor experience at the World Whiskies Awards.
