Paul John 'Christmas Edition' Indian Single Malt Whisky 2021
Paul John 'Christmas Edition' Indian Single Malt Whisky 2021 is the fourth annual release of Paul John's festive peated malt — matured in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in a mélange of port and madeira casks, bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) in a 750mL bottle. Made from six-row barley in coastal Goa, where tropical heat matures whisky at roughly three times the Scotch pace, it is Christmas pudding in a glass. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 46% (92 proof) — non-chill filtered, no added color
- Size: 750mL
- Maturation: ex-bourbon barrels finished in port and madeira casks (vintage port, tawny port, madeira)
- Malt: peated single malt from Indian six-row barley; peat sourced from Islay and the Scottish Highlands
- Origin: Paul John Distillery, Goa, India — distilled in Indian-made copper pot stills; ~8% annual angel's share in the tropical climate
- Release: 4th Christmas Edition (2021) — annual limited series
Goa Does Christmas
Paul John uses its Christmas Editions as a preview of what's next — and the 2021 leans all the way into the season: peated malt for the fireplace, port and madeira casks for the dessert table. In Goa's heat, whisky matures fast and deep, so a young single malt carries the weight of something far older. Mulling spices, dried fruit, and a whisper of smoke — the holidays, distilled.
Tasting Notes
Caramel, orange marmalade, coconut, and sweet berries on the nose, with dry raisins and malt beneath. The palate is creamy and rich — butterscotch, delicate spice, and light peat over smoky barley. The finish is long and warming: alluring spice, smoke, and flavorful cocoa.
How to Enjoy
Neat by the fire is the obvious call; a splash of water opens the port-cask fruit. For the international whisky drinker, it is the bottle that converts skeptics of Indian single malt — and a natural companion to Scotch whisky at the holiday table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Paul John Christmas Edition?
An annual limited-release peated single malt from Goa, India — the 2021 is the fourth edition, finished in port and madeira casks.
Is it very peaty?
Lightly — the peat seasons the whisky rather than dominating it, balanced by rich port and madeira fruit.
Why does Indian whisky mature faster?
Goa's tropical heat accelerates wood interaction (about 3:1 vs. Scotland) with a heavy ~8% annual angel's share, building depth quickly.
Order Paul John Christmas Edition 2021 online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — the holidays, Goa-style.