Whisky Review/Tasting: Paul John Bold

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Goa, India, situated between Mumbai and the southern tip of India on the west coast.
Type: Single malt whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky experiences rapid maturation due to the hot warehouse conditions in Goa, which accelerates the transfer of tasting compounds from the cask walls into the whisky. This process also results in a significant loss of alcohol volume over time.
Age Statement: While not explicitly mentioned, the rapid maturation suggests a relatively young age, likely between three to five years, due to the high alcohol evaporation rate in the hot climate.
Color and Clarity: The color appears somewhat artificial, though it's unclear if coloring has been added. The clarity is not specifically mentioned.
Bottle Design: The bottle is described as a favorite, with wonderful glass quality indicative of India's status as a major producer of glassware. It features offset printing on the front and labels on both the front and back, creating a visually appealing presentation.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky offers a complex balance between intense smokiness and sweet flavors, with a smooth yet hefty presence of peat smoke.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its intense smokiness reminiscent of a cold, black chimney rather than medicinal smokiness. The flavor profile includes vanilla, honey sweetness, and an unusual red licorice note, which the reviewer finds intriguing despite not being familiar with it.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique flavor profile, particularly the intense smokiness and rapid maturation process, sets it apart from typical single malts.

Interesting Anecdotes: The inclusion of a silica gel packet in the packaging is highlighted as a thoughtful detail to prevent moisture damage during shipping from India's humid climate to cooler destinations. This practical consideration underscores the distillery's attention to maintaining the whisky's quality and presentation.

Significance: The whisky embodies the spirit of Goa, described as free-spirited and fun-filled, with its boisterous exuberance reflected in the flavor profile. The packaging also features imagery of India, including beaches, palm trees, and an elephant, though it humorously omits any mention of dirt.

Opinions and Quotes: Horst Luening, the master taster, expresses high praise for Paul John Bold, describing it as "probably the best I had this month" and appreciating its smooth yet intense and unexpected quality. He notes the whisky's ability to balance smoothness with hefty peat smoke as particularly impressive.

Paul John Bold is a single malt whisky from Goa, India, with a rapid maturation process due to the hot climate.
It features an intense smoky flavor profile with notes of vanilla, honey sweetness, and red licorice.
The whisky reflects the vibrant spirit of Goa and includes thoughtful packaging details like a silica gel packet to prevent moisture damage.
Horst Luening praises the whisky for its smooth yet intense flavor and considers it one of the best he's tasted recently.

Peat Lovers: Individuals who enjoy a strong peat presence in their whisky will likely appreciate the intense smokiness of Paul John Bold.
Adventurous Drinkers: Those looking for unique flavor profiles and interested in exploring whiskies from non-traditional regions.
Collectors: The attractive bottle design and the whisky's representation of Indian craftsmanship may appeal to collectors interested in aesthetically pleasing and culturally significant bottles.