Paul John’s Single Cask Program has been a pioneering force in the world of whisky since its inception in 2016. Driven by early success and rising demand, this program fills a unique niche in the whisky market. Offering rare, limited-edition releases, Paul John’s Single Cask Program showcases the exceptional quality of Indian single malts. It sets a new standard in the global whisky landscape.
How did the idea for Paul John’s Single Cask Program originate, and what gap did you aim to fill in the whisky market with this initiative?
We initiated our Single Cask program in 2016, just 4 years after launching Paul John Whisky in the UK. We started receiving interest from independent bottlers, European distributors, and even renowned institutions like the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. They sought something unique, driven by the early success and recognition we achieved. We realized there was a demand for truly exclusive drams, and that’s exactly what our Single Cask program delivers. It’s the pinnacle of our limited-edition offerings, elevating not just our brand, but the entire Indian Single Malt category.
What are some of the most memorable cask selections you’ve released under this program, and what made them stand out?
With over 140 Single Casks released since 2016, it’s difficult to pick just a few, but certain releases stand out. We were proud to work with renowned independent bottlers like Cadenhead’s, Berry Bros & Rudd, Boutique-y Whisky, and our then-distributors Gordon & MacPhail in the UK. These were some of the firsts that set the tone for our Single Cask program. Our collaborations with institutions like The Scotch Malt Whisky Society are particularly noteworthy in the UK.
In Europe, I fondly recall working with our Belgian distributor, Nectar, and Vin & Beer in France on exclusive bottlings. These partnerships have allowed us to build deep friendships with whisky clubs globally. Notable bottlings include collaborations with the Drammers Club in the USA and The Whisky Club in Australia. The Malt Society of Arabia’s Mitr series is also a highlight. It’s now in its third edition. Most recently, we released ‘Ego.’ This is part of a two-part series with the Single Malt Amateur Club (SMAC). We launched it at our Goa Distillery on 17th August 2024
How does the Goa climate contribute to the unique maturation process of Paul John’s single-cask whiskies compared to other regions?
The tropical climate of Goa plays a crucial role in the maturation of Paul John’s single-cask whiskies. It sets them apart from whiskies matured in cooler regions like Scotland, Scandinavia, and northern Japan. Single malts matured in the hinterland away from the sea in India differ remarkably.Here’s how the Goan climate contributes to this distinctive process:
Accelerated Maturation
Goa’s high temperatures and humidity accelerate whisky maturation compared to cooler climates. A one-year-old whisky here can have the complexity of a 4-year-old Scotch. This is because the spirit interacts more with the cask, intensifying the extraction of flavours and tannins.
Enhanced Flavour Profile
Goa’s tropical environment speeds up whisky maturation, creating bold and intense flavours in less time. The heat pushes the whisky deeper into the wood, absorbing rich oak characteristics along with caramel, spice, and fruit notes. This results in a robust, complex whisky with layers of flavour that evolve faster than in cooler climates.
Higher Angel’s Share
In Goa, the angel’s share—whisky lost to evaporation—is much higher. It’s 10% in the first year and 8% in later years, compared to 2-3% in Scotland. The year-round high humidity in Goa causes more alcohol to evaporate than water. This may seem like a drawback, but it concentrates the flavors. It enhances the whisky’s richness and creates a more intense, full-bodied spirit.
Unique Cask Interaction
The constant warm temperatures lead to a more dynamic interaction between the whisky and the wood. The spirit absorbs more from the oak casks, including vanillin and lactones. It also takes in other wood-derived compounds. These elements contribute to a unique flavor profile. This reflects both the quality of the cask and the intensity of the tropical environment.
Distinctive Identity
The tropical maturation gives Paul John whiskies a distinctive identity, differentiating them from whiskies aged in cooler climates. The process allows the whisky to develop a unique character, emblematic of its Goan heritage—vibrant, bold, and full of life.
To conclude, the Goan climate is not just a backdrop for the maturation of Paul John whiskies; it is an active and integral part of what makes these single-cask whiskies exceptional. The accelerated ageing process, combined with the intense interaction between spirit and wood, produces a whisky that stands out for its depth, complexity, and distinctive tropical influence.
What are the primary factors considered when determining which casks are suitable for the Single Cask Program?
Our Single Cask selection process is mindful of the micro-climatic conditions in the warehouse in Goa. Our underground warehouse is cooler than the warehouse above the ground giving us elegant expressions. Some of our Select Casks with Wine Cask finishes and our experimental casks come from this warehouse. Before release any any new expressions commercially, we release it as a Single Cask as a prelude to the commercial release to offer invite-only exclusivity.
From our above-the-ground warehouse due to the micro-climate environment within the warehouse at various levels, Michael D’Souza our Master Distiller would occasionally discover a few casks that are way above the strict benchmarks. These rare single casks are then offered to our esteemed buyers.
Our Single Cask is a cohesive program anchored by our Global Brand Ambassador, and there are just 3 people involved in this program to maintain exclusivity.
Could you explain how the collaboration with SMAC for the ‘Ego’ release reflects the ethos of the Single Cask Program?
Ego is part of a 2-part series of Alter & Ego, a first for a Single Malt Club in India to do a series with us that reflects what the distillery and artisanry has to offer. ‘Alter’ showcased a complex peated Madeira cask whisky, highlighting the harmonious blend of our 6-row barley, peat, and the intricate influences of Ex-Bourbon maturation combined with an Ex-Madeira wine cask finish. It was a testament to the layered complexity our Single Cask Program can achieve.
In contrast, ‘Ego’ is a straightforward ex-Bourbon cask expression that is unpeated but exemplifies the remarkable quality that can be achieved with just a 6-row barley and a well-chosen cask. It serves as a shining example of the purity and depth possible within our Single Cask Program. These 2 casks were sterling examples of the range that Single Cask can offer from our distillery and there is so much more promise to what lies ahead.
Paul John whisky has collaborated with various partners for exclusive cask releases. How do you see the role of collaboration in expanding the brand’s influence and customer experience?
Collaboration is essential for expanding our brand’s influence and enriching the customer experience. We see this as just the beginning of an exciting journey. I am particularly enthusiastic about exploring new partnerships with luxury brands across various sectors, including marquee hotels, Duty-Free Airports, automobiles, films, art and music festivals, and leadership awards.
What are the challenges and rewards of working with whisky clubs like SMAC in creating bespoke releases, and how does this align with your vision of whisky craftsmanship?
India is just getting introduced to Single Cask as a concept and this is a very hi-touch, in-person engagement that needs a lot of handholding with our partners at SMAC. It is challenging but we are ready to invest the time to nurture the sub-culture of Single Casks in India and lead this as a pioneer in alignment with our vision of presenting high-strength Indian Single Malts as a reflection of our dedication and artisanry.
With more collaborative releases planned, how do you ensure the balance between personalisation and maintaining Paul John’s signature whisky profile?
Patrons of fine whisky select Single Cask releases to experience the liquid exactly as it is from the cask. While we may adjust the alcohol by volume (ABV) for regulatory or commercial reasons, we do not blend the whisky with any other liquid. The whisky from our Goa Distillery already embodies the distinctive DNA of Paul John Indian Single Malts and is bottled straight from the cask. Each cask offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime profile, and we maintain this authenticity by refraining from personalising or altering the liquid.
Your Single Cask Program allows enthusiasts to handpick their cask. How do you personalise this experience to meet individual tastes while preserving the integrity of Paul John Whisky?
The Single Cask Program offers enthusiasts a unique opportunity to select their cask, and we personalise this experience while preserving the integrity of Paul John Whisky. We guide individuals through the selection process based on their preferences, whether they come with precise requests or a general sense of their tastes. During in-person tastings, we help them explore and discover new flavours, often broadening their palates. For those unable to attend in person, we provide samples for remote selection. The Single Cask liquid is always bottled as-is, without customisation, ensuring that the whisky’s authenticity and integrity are maintained throughout the process.
What level of involvement do customers have in the customisation process of their single-cask whisky, from cask selection to the final bottling?
Patrons have a significant role in customising their Single Cask whisky, from selecting the cask to final bottling. We offer personal guidance throughout the cask selection, ensuring it aligns with their preferences. Personalisation goes beyond the liquid itself to include exclusive Single Cask packaging. We work closely with patrons on design details, as demonstrated by the Alter & Ego series created with SMAC. This series showcases our commitment to providing a highly personalised whisky experience.
The SMAC ‘Ego’ release is a highly anticipated addition to your Single Cask Series. How has the feedback from previous SMAC collaborations influenced the creation of this release?
As I mentioned earlier, we have deep relationships with whisky clubs in India and SMAC has built a strong connection with our brand as this is the 4th Single Cask we have done so far with them. The Alter & Ego Series has been built on this strong foundation since 2015 when we launched in Bengaluru.
