Paul John Brilliance

Paul John Brilliance, NAS, 46 %

We do not get a lot of single malt whisky produced in India available to buy here in Europe. Amrut has been available in Norway for a few years and recently also Rampur. See all my reviews of Indian whisky here.

This Autumn we will finally see whisky from Paul John as well. I do not yet have final confirmation on which expressions will be launched in Norway, but I will get back to that as soon as I know.

In preparation for the launch in Norway, I will be reviewing the Paul John core range, starting with the unpeated Paul John Brilliance.

This whisky is made using Indian 6-row barley from the Himalayan foothills. It is then matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks for 3 to 5 years, and bottled at 46 % ABV. The official info is available here.

You can buy Paul John Brilliance in Sweden at SEK 632 (8495601), and online in the UK at around GBP 35.

Nose: Soft, light tropical fruits. Sponge cake, white sugar, green bananas, mango, hints of pineapple. More vanilla with time, with notes of red berries. A clean nose.

Taste: Medium body and somewhat creamy mouthfeel. Tropical fruits with a touch of white pepper is what greets the palate. A touch raw, but in a teasing and charming way.

Finish: Medium long finish. Less spicy and more fruity than up front. Banana and mango. Pineapple juice. More creamy now. Vanilla and milk chocolate. Some oakiness towards the end - almond paste and unsalted peanuts.

Comment: A fine bourbon dram with a clean bourbon cask maturation profile.

Score 84/100

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte!
- Thomas