Paul John 'Brilliance' Indian Single Malt Whisky
Paul John Brilliance is a 92-proof (46% ABV), 750mL unpeated Indian single malt from John Distilleries in Goa — the brand's first-ever single malt release, distilled from Indian six-row barley and matured in American oak, bottled non-chill-filtered at full flavor. Sparkling copper in color, it trades on honey-like smoothness and cocoa-crisp spice. Taste where it all began — order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 92 proof / 46% ABV
- Size: 750mL
- Profile: unpeated, ex-bourbon cask maturation, non-chill-filtered
- Origin: Goa, India; the first single malt released by John Distilleries (launched 2012)
- Production: copper pot stills, American oak casks, tropical maturation
Where the Indian Single Malt Story Started
When Paul John launched its single malt program — first in London in 2012, then in Goa in 2013 — Brilliance was the debut: an unpeated whisky designed to prove that India could bottle a single malt on world terms. The bet paid off; the Indian six-row barley and Goa's heat produced a honeyed, spicy malt that put the brand on the map and opened the door for Edited, Bold and the whole Select Cask range. It remains the reference point for the house style. See how the range evolved in our Paul John collection alongside other world whiskies.
Tasting Notes
Sparkling copper. The nose is sweet and inviting — Demerara sugar, honey and a dash of cinnamon, faint warm spice. The palate is honey-like smoothness with a cocoa-flavoured crispiness, vanilla and malt, a crunchy-bar character offsetting the sweetness. The finish is smooth and relaxed, with mild spice and deep vanilla.
How to Enjoy
Neat, or with a splash of water to stretch the honey and spice. Brilliance takes an ice cube gracefully in warm weather. Try it next to fruit pie or Indian grilled meats — the brand's own pairing suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brilliance peated?
No — it's fully unpeated. For a touch of smoke step up to Edited; for the full peated experience, Peated Select Cask.
What does non-chill-filtered mean?
The whisky isn't cold-filtered before bottling, so the natural oils and flavor compounds stay in the bottle — which is why it can turn slightly cloudy when water or ice is added, a sign of flavor, not a flaw.
Why 46% ABV?
46% is the distillery's full-flavor strength for the core range — the point where the honey, spice and oak all show without water.
For the malt that started India's single malt era, buy Paul John Brilliance online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.