About this whisky

Paul John single malts are made by John Distilleries in Cuncolim, south Goa, where the coastal heat and humidity mature whisky far faster than the cool Scottish climate does. Brilliance is the flagship unpeated expression: six-row barley from the Himalayan foothills, distilled in Goa and matured in American ex-bourbon casks. It is bottled at 46% without chill filtration or added colour, so the texture and natural colour, a sparkling copper, come through as the distillery intends. Its awards include a 'Liquid Gold' rating in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2015.

On the nose, demerara sugar, cinnamon and honey sit over faint spice. The palate is honeyed and smooth, with a crunchy, cereal-bar quality and a touch of cocoa, and the finish is relaxed, with mild spice and plenty of vanilla. It is a great introduction to Indian single malt for a Scotch drinker, and a confident gift for anyone who appreciates something made in India.

Key facts

• Unpeated single malt from six-row barley grown in the Himalayan foothills
• Matured in American ex-bourbon casks at the distillery in Cuncolim, Goa
• Bottled at 46%, non-chill filtered, with no added colour
• Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 'Liquid Gold' award (2015)

Tasting notes

Nose:

Demerara sugar, cinnamon, honey and faint spice

Palate:

Honeyed and smooth, with a crunchy cereal-bar note and a hint of cocoa

Finish:

Smooth and relaxed, with mild spice and rich vanilla

Serve

Neat, or with a few drops of water to bring out the honey and spice; also excellent as a highball with chilled soda and a twist of lemon.

Food pairing

The distillery suggests fruit pies and Indian grilled meats, so think mutton boti kebab or tandoori chicken, followed by an apple crumble.