There’s no better way to end a busy year than with a Christmas-themed whisky. I won the Paul John Christmas Edition 2022 single malt from Master of Malt’s #WhiskySanta last year. This holiday season feels like the perfect time to finally open it.
Paul John whisky is a familiar name on my blog. I’m a fan of this Indian distillery’s unique releases. Founded in 1992 by Paul John, John Distilleries initially produced a variety of spirits, including a molasses-based whisky.
But this was just the beginning. Paul John soon aimed higher, establishing a traditional pot-still distillery on India’s west coast in Goa to produce Indian single malt whisky. The first single malt was launched in 2012.
The whisky benefits from Goa’s tropical climate, which speeds up maturation but causes a high angel’s share. Paul John single malts are distilled from six-row Indian barley and aged onsite, with a lineup featuring both unpeated and peated varieties.
Paul John’s core range includes Nirvana (an unpeated malt), Brilliance (unpeated), Bold (peated), Oloroso Select Cask, and PX Select Cask. Their limited editions—like the Christmas Edition, Kanya, and Mars Orbiter—have garnered widespread acclaim. Paul John is available in over 40 countries and has been recognized with numerous awards.
The Christmas Edition 2022 was matured in a combination of ex-bourbon casks, ex-Paul John brandy casks, and ex-Oloroso casks that previously held peated Paul John. This expression is non-chill filtered with no added colour.
ABV: 46%
COLOUR: Golden Chestnut
REGION: India
NOSE: A layered, complex nose with soft smoke, toffee pudding, and fresh peaches grilled over a BBQ with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. A nutty oiliness and notes of oak, nutmeg, and vanilla add a rich, elegant depth.
PALATE: Every sip reveals something new. Ripe orchard fruits mingle with Christmas pudding and dark chocolate-dipped orange peels. Butterscotch sweetness pairs with vanilla, nutmeg, clove, and pepper, while hints of soft smoke and peaty undertones balance creamy oak.
The medium body achieves a lovely balance between sweetness and spice. You don’t need to add water, it is perfect as it is. Water will bring forward fruity sweetness while softening the peaty notes.
FINISH: The finish lingers with creamy nuts, oak, soft peat, and smoke, enhanced by a fruity sweetness and a touch of black pepper.
RATING: DIVINE
The Paul John Christmas Edition 2022 is a delightful dram that evokes a festive spirit. Its taste and finish bring to mind Christmas in Europe—cold, crisp weather with smoky bonfires, roasted nuts, spiced cider, and classic holiday cakes and pastries.
Each sip is warming, and comforting, and leaves a smile on my face. This whisky is perfect for the holidays. Paul John’s Master Distiller, Michael d’Souza, continues to surprise with each annual release, crafting unique flavours that are consistently excellent. I am ending the year on a huge note!
There are still a few of these left around in retail. I have seen them on Amazon. Not a bad price for a utterly delicious whisky.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
Now, let’s see if I can get my hands on the 2024 Christmas Edition!
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