John Distilleries

History

John Distilleries was established in 1996 under the leadership of Paul P John and quickly grew into one of India's leading spirits companies, with a broad portfolio of whiskies, brandies, and wines. The company expanded from its base in Bangalore, Karnataka, to become a significant player in several states in India and in international markets.

• Founder: Paul P John began in the alcohol beverage industry in 1992 and later led John Distilleries, which became one of the country's largest players.

• Portfolio: Original Choice (flagship), Paul John Single Malts, Malhar Indian Craft Gins, Roulette premium whisky and brandy, as well as Big Banyan wines.

• Original Choice: one of the best-selling brands in India's whisky segment and among the top 10 whiskies in the world (referred to as the mass-market favorite). Original Choice is described as a blend that delivers a balance between quality and affordability.

• Paul John: Development of Indian single malt whisky with expressions such as Nirvana, Brilliance, Bold, Edited, Classic Select Cask, Peated Select Cask, PX Select Cask, Oloroso Select Cask, and Zodiac Series (Kanya and Mithuna).

• Philosophy and production: Focus on purity, quality, and affordability, as well as responsible handling of alcoholic beverages.

• Production and distribution: 8 production units spread across 7 states in India and a distribution network covering 17 states, with exports abroad as well.

• International: Paul John Single Malt Whisky is sold in over 45 countries; IMFL products are exported to the UAE, the Middle East, Singapore, and Africa.

Production and Manufacturing

John Distilleries has a fully integrated production network consisting of 8 production units spread across 7 states, with the strength of a complete integration of production, including a primary distillery, a malt plant, bottling units, and a wine production facility.

• Production sites and state locations: Karnataka (Bangalore & Davangere), Andhra Pradesh, Goa (Cuncolim), Telangana, Maharashtra (Chitali), Pondicherry, Kerala.

• The driving force behind Paul John Whisky: copper pot stills with long necks to yield more fruit-forward spirits; six-row barley harvested in summer to ensure proper maturation characteristics; source water from underground springs and rainwater; non-chill filtration to preserve color and flavor.

• Maturation and cask: Whiskies in the Paul John family mature in American white oak casks; Goa's warm climate contributes to faster maturation than cooler climates.

• Environment and filtration: Non-chill filtration is used to preserve the original color and flavor.

Products and Whisky Series

Paul John Whisky – The Great Indian Inspiration

Paul P John aimed to create an Indian single malt that could impress whisky lovers through craftsmanship and dedication. Goa's climate and micro-climate are used as the framework for production and maturation.

• Nirvana

• Tasting notes: Honey cake sweetness and vanilla with notes of bourbon, fruitcake and caramel pudding; salted barley malt; honeyed finish.

• Brilliance

• Characteristics: Non-chill filtered, not peat-forward; described as a multi-dimensional experience of color and nuance.

• Edited

• Characteristics: A malt with a light peat note from a special cask profile, balanced between malt and a play of smoke.

• Bold

• Characteristics: The Goa expression with buttery honey and a spicy finish; a lightly smoky finish with complexity.

• Classic Select Cask

• Characteristics: Exotic complexity from selected casks, honeyed bourbon-like sweetness and licorice notes, with a rounded finish.

• Peated Select Cask

• Characteristics: Light peaty aroma that plays with tropical notes and malt character.

• PX Select Cask

• Tasting profile: Figs and apricot, sweet malt, caramel, dried fruits and chocolate fudge with a long finish.

• Oloroso Select Cask

• Taste and nuance: Aged in American bourbon barrels and finished in Oloroso casks, with notes of nuts, chocolate and spices.

• Zodiac Series

• Kanya: Earthy, butterscotch sweetness balanced by dry oak and warm spices.

• Mithuna: Coffee confection, mochas and orange zest with warm tannins and oils, a complex flavor profile.

• Original Choice

• Subtlety and complexity: Maturation in fresh oak casks gives balance and character; an emotional reference to “Ek Aur” is mentioned as the idea of “one more.”

Other brands within John Distilleries

• Original Choice lineup: flagship brand and one of the best-selling in India; Original Choice Deluxe XXX Rum and Original Choice Deluxe VSOP Brandy complement the whiskey range under the same brand lineup.

• Big Banyan Wines: a winery with red, white and dessert wine varieties; production in Bangalore and sourcing several varietals from different vineyards across India; the wines are marketed in Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Telangana, Pondicherry and Maharashtra; wine tours and tastings are offered at certain facilities.

• Paul John Single Malts have gained international recognition through awards and exhibitions; Paul John Whisky is sold in more than 45 countries.

Visits and Experiences

• Big Banyan Vineyards offers wine tours and tastings in the Bangalore area.

• Paul John's proximity and Goa's location support the narrative of Indian single malts; there is mention of Paul John Resorts & Hotels (Kumarakom Lake Resort, The Paul Bangalore, Coorg Wilderness Resort, Forte Kochi) as part of the broader guest and visitor experience.

• International: Paul John Single Malt Whisky is exported to a number of countries including the USA, the United Kingdom, and other European and Asian markets.

Philosophy and Values

• Vision: To deliver high-quality brand experiences and create memorable moments; core values include purity, quality, and affordability; focus on growth, environmental stewardship, and responsible drinking.

• Values: Consistent delivery of products with high purity, quality, and affordability; fostering a culture of growth and opportunities for employees; consumer delight; an environmentally friendly approach and responsible use of alcohol.

• Motto: Dreams make anything possible.