Paul John Whisky recently unveiled the Christmas Edition 2025, the 8th release in its annual limited edition.
The Paul John Christmas Edition 2025 is an unpeated single malt that embodies the spirit of Indian craftsmanship. Matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in Cream Casks—with only 6254 bottles for the world this non-chill-filtered malt, bottled at 48% ABV with no additives, delivers tropical sweetness, warm spice, and creamy richness.
The Paul John Christmas Edition 2025 with a deep amber hue offers rich, inviting aromas that lead to a palate layered with flavours of fruit, caramel and roasted nuts with a long, elegant finish.
Tasting Notes
● Colour: Deep amber with glimmers of crimson gold
● Nose: Ripe plum, dark cherry, candied orange peel, and orange blossom honey, complemented by soft toffee, cocoa, and nutmeg
● Palate: A refined balance of apple, stone fruits, caramel, roasted nuts, and tropical sweetness, enhanced by notes of spiced rum, butterscotch, and dark caramel
● Finish: Long and creamy, with lingering tones of sweet oak, molasses, dried berries, and a subtle hint of Christmas cake.
Each Christmas Edition release from Paul John Whisky has become a coveted highlight for whisky lovers across the world. The Paul John Christmas Edition 2025 continues this tradition, presenting both festive indulgence and master craftsmanship in one beautifully matured bottle.
If there is one city in India where craft and collaboration thrive in equal measure, it’s Bangalore. From its pioneering breweries to its globally celebrated single malts, the city has long been at the heart of India’s evolving beverage story. Now, two of its favourite, award-winning brands — Amrut Distilleries, India’s first single malt makers, and Geist Brewing Co., have joined forces to create the Master Distiller’s Reserve by Amrut Distilleries – Stout Cask Finish.
A limited edition with just 224 bottles, this Master Distiller’s Reserve is a single-cask, unfiltered single malt whisky bottled at 46% ABV and finished in ex-stout barrels that once held the Geist Imperial Stout. The result is a truly intriguing whisky for consumers — one that balances Bangalore’s love for craft beer with India’s devotion to single malts, offering rich complexity with flavours of chocolate, caramel and cocoa intertwined with layers of honey, dried dates and gulkand (rose petals) — a finish not seen by Amrut’s Head Distiller Ashok Chokalingam before. It will be available exclusively at select retail stores across Bangalore, priced at INR 7,500.
The packaging design for this limited-edition collaboration pays homage to Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage through a modern lens. Drawing inspiration from the elegance of Mysore silk, the label and box design evoke the fabric’s smooth texture and refined craftsmanship—mirroring the character of the whisky itself. The gold zari border features motifs rooted in the state’s history: Kempegowda’s tower, symbolising vision and endurance; the Mysore Dasara elephant, representing strength and grandeur; and the Kodava Peeche Kathi dagger, a mark of mastery and boldness. Together, these elements reflect the shared pride, precision, and provenance of two homegrown brands coming together to create something distinctly from Karnataka.
A Collaboration Born in Bangalore
The idea began with a shared curiosity between two makers who have redefined their respective categories. Amrut sent freshly emptied whisky barrels to Geist Brewing Co.’s brewery on the outskirts of the city, where the Geist Imperial Stout craft beer was aged, gently absorbing whisky’s unmistakable character (combination of wood and whisky). Once emptied, the barrels returned to Amrut to finish the single malt. The stout was infused with the goodness of the oak and the whisky, while the whisky drew in the beer’s chocolatey, roasted character, creating an exchange of flavours never attempted in India.
Vidya Kubher, Brewmaster at Geist said “When we aged our Geist Imperial Stout in those whisky barrels, we saw a slow, steady transformation. We picked the Geist Imperial Stout because stouts are among the most versatile styles for barrel ageing. They’re bold enough to hold their ground against wood yet accommodating enough to absorb its character — ideal for a long, slow exchange like this. The beer’s roast character softened over time, making way for vanilla, dried fruit and spice. It was incredible to watch those flavours unfold naturally, without intervention.”
Ashok Chokalingam, Head Distiller at Amrut Distilleries added “When whisky remains unfiltered, it gains nearly 20% more aroma and flavour intensity. The mouthfeel becomes richer, and the legs on the glass fall more slowly. It’s as close as you can get to sipping straight from the cask.”
Head Distiller’s Flavour Notes:
Nose: A vibrant opening of fruit marmalade, leaning distinctly toward orange marmalade, quickly followed by a captivating layer of dark chocolate. Beneath this, a delicate hint of gulkand (rose petal preserve) emerges — soft, floral, and gracefully restrained. Vanilla gently teases through the layers, underpinned by a pronounced note of honeycomb that adds warmth and complexity.
Palate A bold burst of fruit marmalade greets the palate, accompanied by a rich oiliness — a signature of the infiltration process. The dark chocolate returns, this time luxuriously coated in honey, delivering a velvety, indulgent texture. Syrupy and smooth, reminiscent of golden syrup, the mid-palate transitions into a more mellow phase, with the rose petal note from the gulkand reappearing — subtler now, but still enchantingly floral.
Finish: A sparkling, spicy finish that lingers beautifully. Warming, vibrant, and satisfying — it leaves a lasting impression of depth and elegance.
At 689 by The Quorum in Gurugram, whisky enthusiasts gathered for an evening with Jim Murray, author of the Whisky Bible. On the table were two rare releases from Indri: the Founder’s Reserve 11-Year-Old Single Malt and Agneya, both already acclaimed despite limited numbers.
Jim Murray, author of the Whisky Bible
Murray immediately challenged habits. “How many of you add ice?” he asked. A few hands lifted. “Don’t,” he cautioned, explaining that ice dulls aromas and leaves bitterness. Even water, he argued, reduces whisky below strength.
He then guided the audience step by step: warm the glass in your hand, trap aromas until condensation appears, breathe gently from the rim, and never rush the first sip. “Only the second mouthful speaks,” he said, urging guests to chew the spirit, part their lips, and notice how flavours unfold. Balance, he stressed, was key—fruit against oak, sweetness against spice. “A whisky like this deserves an hour.”
The Blender’s Craft
Surrinder Kumar, Master Blender at Piccadily Agro Industries Ltd.
While Murray led the masterclass, the whisky itself reflected the work of Surrinder Kumar, Master Blender at Piccadily Agro Industries Ltd. In a private interaction with Ambrosia, Kumar spoke about creating the Founder’s Reserve 11-Year-Old.
“We worked with six-row barley for a robust spirit,” he said. “Ex-red wine casks from Bordeaux added dried fruits, berries, spice, and tannins.” With nearly 1,500 barrels to choose from, Kumar blended fruity, spicy, and chocolate-led profiles into one balanced expression. “I want first-time tasters to sense that harmony—red fruits, oak, chocolate, vanilla, spice—distinct yet tied together.”
Recognition and Release
The Founder’s Reserve 11-Year-Old is bottled at 50% ABV for India and 58.5% for export. Its profile moves from dark fruits and spice to vanilla, chocolate, and a wine-driven finish.
The release honours Pt. Kidar Nath Sharma, founder of the Piccadily Group, and has earned global recognition: Gold at San Francisco, Platinum in Las Vegas (98 points), eighth at the International Whisky Competition, and medals in New York, Whiskies of the World, and IWSC.
Only 1,100 bottles exist, split between India and select global markets—a rare expression of Indian terroir and craftsmanship.
Paul John Whisky, Indian single malt whisky, in partnership with Avolta Duty Free has launched its second Limited Edition Bengaluru Duty Free Exclusive – The Bengaluru Habba.
This exclusive bottling with just 192 bottles is available only at the Kempegowda International Airport’s Duty Free from 19th September 2025 and is priced at ₹13,150. A collectible rarity, the whisky’s rich vibrant flavour profile and thoughtful packaging design captures the spirit of Bengaluru’s festivities, giving travellers and collectors a rare opportunity to experience the unique tropical character that defines Paul John’s legacy, while taking home the joyous celebrations of the city’s popular festivals.
Crafted in Goa, the Bengaluru Habba is a Master Distiller’s Special Selection, and is non chill-filtered, bottled at a robust 56.4% ABV and drawn from a single cask, with no additives and retaining its natural colour.
Tasting Notes
● Colour: Deep amber with glimmers of old oak
● Nose: A delightful burst of ripe tropical fruits laced with hints of cocoa and soft berry
notes
● Palate: Bright layers of baked citrus and toasted caramel unfold gracefully, balanced
with a gentle wisp of peat smoke
● Finish: Long, silky, and honeyed with an elegant touch of oak that lingers beautifully
Glasgow Distillery has announced the release of its second limited 10-Year-Old single malt, to mark a decade of whisky production. This special edition has been bottled in collaboration with one of Scotland’s leading whisky retailers, Royal Mile Whiskies. The limited release (340 bottles) to be released at Whisky Fringe in Edinburgh, will be available on royalmilewhiskies.com from August 11.
Glasgow 1770 10-Year-Old Sauternes Cask Matured is a single cask, unpeated single malt fully matured in a re-fill French Sauternes sweet wine barrique. The result is a fruity, delicate whisky with notes of poached pear, salted caramel, honey and tropical fruit, with a hint of cinnamon spice.
The bottling follows the inaugural 10-Year-Old release, which sold out in under twenty minutes in March and July’s trio of Small Batch Series expressions also matured in wine casks.
“It’s a big year for us at The Glasgow Distillery, as we celebrate 10 years since our first casks were filled. This is a truly special 10-Year-Old release, an American white oak cask that previously held Sauternes wine. Being a refill barrique, the Sauternes influence is present but not overpowering, adding depth and flavour, resulting in a perfectly balanced single malt while still showcasing our decade-old spirit. The caramel and malty characters of the American oak are complemented by the rich poached pears and tropical fruit imparted by the Sauternes wine, creating a harmonious balance of whisky and wood,” said Mike Hayward, Founder
“We’re delighted to have collaborated with The Glasgow Distillery on this exciting release. We’ve long supported the new wave of Scottish distilleries, and The Glasgow Distillery has firmly established itself as one of the most innovative and inspiring producers right now. Their diverse core range, along with an impressive Small Batch Series, showcases great flavour quality and accessibility. It’s no wonder they’ve built such a passionate community around their whiskies.”
“This single cask marks their first 10 years of whisky making and is one of the most interesting examples of Sauternes cask matured whiskies I’ve tried recently, showcasing a balance of fresh apricots, salted butterscotch and honey. We’re proud to be launching it exclusively at the 23rd edition of Whisky Fringe this year at Mansfield Transquair, where The Glasgow Distillery will be joining fellow established distillers in the main hall for the first time,” added Sam Brabbs, Head Spirits Buyer at Royal Mile Whiskies
Tasting Notes: Nose: Notes of runny honey and rich vanilla with hints of floral orange blossom leading to baked apple pie, stewed pears and dried apricot. Palate: Honeyed sweetness and notes of vanilla pods meet Seville orange marmalade, ripe mango, rich toffee and baked fruits, all underpinned by a welcome lasting minerality. Finish: Rich, with a nutty oiliness alongside sweet butterscotch, baked banana, earthy nutmeg and a warming ginger and cinnamon spice.
Paul John Whisky has announced the launch of itsLimited Edition Peated Port Cask, available exclusively at Cochin International Airport Duty Free starting July 16, 2025. This marks the brand’s second exclusive release at an international airport.
Crafted in Goa by John Distilleries, the limited-edition single malt highlights the brand’s signature coastal maturation. Bottled at 55.3% ABV, only 402 bottles are available. The whisky is non-chill filtered, contains no additives, and is initially matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in Port casks.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Old oak
Nose: Rich aromas of blackberries, prunes, dried fruit, and a hint of dark chocolate
Palate: Baked orange layered with smoky, dark caramel
Finish: Smooth, with honeyed sweetness and elegant oak undertones
“This exclusive release at Cochin Duty Free is not only a special experience for global travellers, but also a personal milestone for me,” said Paul P. John, Chairman of John Distilleries. “Launching this in my home state is a proud moment for the entire Paul John Whisky team.”
Angus Dundee recently unveiled its latest expression – the 2012 vintage Tomintoul 12 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish. This annual release has been crafted by its Master Distiller, Robert Fleming, who selected single malt distilled in 2012, initially matured in exceptional ex-bourbon American oak casks.
The single malt is then finished in the finest Oloroso Sherry butts sourced from Andalucía, Spain, adding a rich layer of complexity. On the nose, there is sweet aromas of dried fruits, crème caramel, and roasted nuts. The palate reveals buttery layers of golden syrup and brittle toffee, while the finish is long and warming, with notes of maple flapjacks, candied pecans and warming wood spices.
The Oloroso Sherry casks elevate Tomintoul’s character, imparting deep fruit flavours and creating a whisky with exceptional depth.
Rakshit Jagdale, the Managing Director of Amrut Distilleries in a podcast conversation with Bhavya Desai talks about how the 75-year-old company has evolved over the years, starting from heritage brands such as Amrut XXX rum and Silver Cup brandy in the 1950s to the Amrut Single Malt and now to a limited edition of the oldest whisky from the sub-continent – The Expedition.
On February 26, 2025, Bengaluru-based Amrut Distilleries reached yet another highpoint in the alcobev sector when it launched The Expedition, the oldest single malt whisky in India, matured for 15 years, and sold for 12,000 USD (₹10.50 lakhs) per bottle. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Amrut Distilleries released 75 bottles of this rare whisky, 66 of it for the international market and the rest for the Indian market.
Matured for 15 years
The Expedition is matured for 15 years, initially in European Sherry casks for 8 years and then American Bourbon casks for 7 years, developing deep, opulent flavours, complexity and depth. Amrut’s Expedition packaging exudes the grandeur of a royal heirloom. The merging of metal and wood took six months. Each handcrafted box houses an individually engraved and numbered bottle, featuring a diamond-cut design with intricate gold engravings. A regal silver peg measure, crafted by a Bangalore silversmith, has been embedded with a near-field communication (NFC) tag and authentication card.
Globalisation and the Market
Not just The Expedition, the international market for Amrut has been the US, followed by Europe and the APAC region, the last one is fast growing for single malt whiskies. “It has been a very exciting time for us in the industry now. We should see how it will unfold,” Rakshit said and mentioned how the markets opened up in India in 1990-91 with globalisation. “Seagram’s came with advertising blitzkrieg for Royal Stag, something which we had not seen. People started shifting from drinking heavier blended whiskies like MaQintosh or Peter Scot or Royal Challenge into drinking lighter whiskies like Royal Stag. At Amrut, we did not stop distilling, we kept on maturing our malts.”
Lighter Whiskies
It was around 1995-96 that Amrut cut down using heavier malts in MaQintosh from 35% to 10% to 8%. “It was then we thought why not go for single malt whisky, why not explore.” The first batch was matured for four years average and now the company is using a larger percentage of older whiskies. “We don’t have that much of quantity, we run out of supply,” confesses Rakshit.
Denying that the company created a demand to jack up prices and make it luxury, Rakshit said, “We didn’t have enough whisky, even now it is the case, but we do come up with special edition whiskies. Who wouldn’t want to sell more of their product.”
Technologies at play
Talking about how the company has evolved over the years, Rakshit said, “Techniques have evolved and barleys have improved from two row to six row. The yeast varietals have undergone massive change. Distillation technologies have also improved. The world over, the yield per ton of malt spirit has improved significantly now. Earlier, we were probably touching around 350 to 360 alcoholic litres per tonne, we are now hitting close to 400 alcoholic litres per tonne. With Scottish malts it’s even higher going up to 415 to 425 litres per tonne.”
On location advantage, Rakshit said Bangalore at an altitude of 950 metres above sea level has significant advantage with relative humidity remaining high in summer and dropping significantly in winter. “We lose angel’s share in our warehouses at an average of 9% every year. Probably it doesn’t happen anywhere else, may be in Kentucky. We lose more water than alcohol. If you go down anywhere near the coast or if you mature in Scotland, it is the other way around, because in Scotland’s cooler clime, the angel’s share is 2% per year, but they lose more alcohol than water, with the strength dropping. Humidity and altitude play a very significant role for us.”
Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky recently announced the release of the 7th edition of Christmas Edition Series. This exceptional unpeated expression, meticulously crafted from the finest Indian ingredients, continues the brand’s legacy of celebrating the festive spirit with unmatched elegance and flavour.
This limited-edition blend continues the legacy of its predecessors, which have consistently garnered international acclaim for their distinct profiles and complexity. Over the years, the Paul John Christmas Edition Series has earned a loyal following for its bold experimentation with cask finishes and vibrant flavour blends.
Each release is a testament to Paul John’s dedication to pushing boundaries while honouring the essence of Indian single malt whisky. The 7th edition stands out with its deep golden hue, exotic aromas of mango and pineapple, and flavours of coconut, candied orange, and toasted oak on the palate, leaving a finish rich in fruit tart and salted toffee.
With only 6,600 bottles for domestic and international markets, this latest release continues the brand’s tradition of crafting rare, collectible whiskies that celebrate the spirit of the season. The 7th edition is designed to rival the world’s finest aged whiskies, earning its place among distinguished shelves.
Since its inception in 2012, Paul John Whisky has established itself as a global icon, earning over 330 prestigious international awards. From being named the World’s 3rd Finest Whisky for Mithuna by Paul John with an impressive 97 points, to the Liquid Gold Award for Paul John Single Cask 161 Whisky, the brand’s accolades speak to its exceptional quality and innovation.
The Christmas Edition Series has become a symbol of Paul John’s ability to blend creativity with tradition, reflecting the vibrant culture of its Goan origins.
Experience the festive charm of Paul John’s 7th Christmas Edition, available now in select global markets. Crafted to be savoured straight or with a splash of water or ice, this limited edition promises to be a cherished gift for whisky connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Paul John Whisky recently introduces its exclusive partnership with Avolta Duty Free to unveil an exclusive Single Cask release for global travelers at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru. This expression will be available at the T2 Duty Free of the airport from 30th May. The cask is dedicated to the city of Bengaluru with packaging designed to capture the glorious spring blossoms of this famous Garden City.
The manufacturer has released only 228 bottles with a non-age statement (NAS), single-cask release is priced at $300 per bottle.
Made in Goa, India, the single-cask Unpeated Madeira focuses on the aromas of delightful Christmas cake, dry plum, and Manuka honey laced with a orange zest lead to a blend of rich flavours, from sweet vanilla and dark chocolate to a subtle tinge of dry resin, culminating in a bold and gratifyingly oaky finish.
“We are honoured to launch our first exclusive single cask global travel release at Bengaluru International Airport Duty Free with our partners Avolta, and to offer an elevated and unique whisky experience to travelers,” said Paul P. John, Chairman, John Distilleries Pvt Ltd.
