Whisky Review/Tasting: Paul John Peated Select Cask

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Goa region, India.
Type: Indian Single Malt Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured in ex-Bourbon casks, non-chill filtered, no coloring added. The malt is sourced from Scotland, suspected to be from Port Ellen due to its peated nature.
Age Statement: No age statement, attributed to the high angel share in India's climate, leading to significant evaporation.
Color and Bottle Design: The specific color is not described, but the bottle design includes a label that may bear scratches from transportation, indicating a rugged journey or handling.

Balance of Flavors: A balance between peat smoke and sweetness, with a notable presence of smokiness that is less phenolic and more akin to a sweet barbecue sauce with a hickory touch.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky has a high ABV of 55%, contributing to its intensity. It features a bonfire, barbecue smokiness rather than a maritime one, combined with sugary sweetness, a hint of maltiness, and a touch of fruitiness.
Comparison: The peat smoke is described as heavier than light peat smoke but less intense than typical Islay malts, suggesting a unique position in the spectrum of peated whiskies.

Anecdotes: The host recalls tasting the whisky at the distillery in Goa, noting the impact of the hot climate on the tasting experience. The distillery's lack of air conditioning and the intense heat are highlighted as factors that influence the perception of the whisky's characteristics.

Significance: The whisky's production in the hot and humid climate of Goa, India, plays a significant role in its maturation process and the decision not to include an age statement. The high angel share and the unique climate conditions contribute to the whisky's distinct profile.

"A really fine single malt from India." - This quote underscores the host's positive impression of the whisky.
The host's experience of tasting the whisky in both the hot climate of the distillery and a controlled studio environment provides insight into how external factors can influence the perception of a whisky's flavor profile.

Paul John Peated Select Cask is a premium Indian single malt from Goa, matured in ex-Bourbon casks.
It features a peated flavor profile with a balance of smokiness and sweetness, described as akin to a sweet barbecue sauce.
The whisky's unique characteristics are influenced by India's climate, leading to a high angel share and the absence of an age statement.
The host's storytelling includes personal anecdotes from visiting the distillery, highlighting the impact of climate on tasting experiences.
The whisky is praised for its quality and complexity, despite the medium-length finish.

Peat Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy peated whiskies but are looking for something less intense than typical Islay malts may appreciate this whisky's unique balance of smoke and sweetness.
Adventurous Drinkers: Individuals interested in exploring whiskies from non-traditional regions with unique production stories.
High ABV Seekers: Whisky drinkers who prefer higher strength whiskies and are curious about how ABV influences flavor intensity and complexity.