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Paul John Christmas Edition 2025 Review

Can a Christmas whisky be both festively spiced and refreshingly crisp? Paul John's 8th Edition proves it's possible with its unique sherry-finished profile.

OVERALL RATING

7
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Tasting Notes

About:

This 8th Edition Limited Christmas Release of Paul John Single Malt is initially aged in ex-bourbon barrels and then finished in cream sherry casks.
Appearance:
Amber
Nose:
Fresh green apples and pears with mint and elderflower. A really crips and clean expression for something labelled as a Christmas release. There are some rich sherry notes like raisin and brandy cream, but this is all about big freshness on the nose.
Palate:
Gentle, softly spicy and with more of a sherry characteristic now. Drying sherry and barley grist, melted chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon and baked, spiced apples.
Finish:
Drying, sweet and subtle amount of spiciness to push through some interesting flavours. Think about mace, nutmeg, brandy cream, ginger snaps and a dusting of something savoury like sage and other green herbs.
Comments:
This is nice. It isn’t my favourite Paul John release, and I love the nose more than the rest of the flavour profiles, but I can see why this was so popular last year.

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.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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