Paul John Madeira | Whisky Lady

There is a certain pride point discovering something “good” from your country – be it adopted or native. So when India started producing single malt whiskies that the world recognised as worthy, I fully shared the enthusiasm.

Specifically, Paul John distillery, with master distiller Michael John consistently at the helm, has produced many whiskies that deserve attention. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed their core range with Brilliance, Edited, Bold, and their original select cask expressions – Classic and Peated. We have celebrated their Christmas editions and delighted with their diverse special casks.

So when there was an opportunity to sample a new pair from their Select Cask series – specifically Madeira and Port cask-matured – I was more than happy to say yes!

Paul John Madeira Select Cask 48%

Nose – Lush, voluptuous, very big, prunes in liquor, chocolate – as in LOTS of chocolate, raisins, and mixed nuts, very active
Palate – Loads of wonderful dark, dry fruits like raisins, dates, and prunes, joined by old wood, resinous, very full and dry… quite strong… slowly easing into more cherries and figs than prunes… reminiscent of black forest cake – yet even more indulgent and rich
Finish – Long finish, bitter, a bit like a mulled wine concentrate, shifting into a hint of slightly salty nuttiness too
Rivisit – After setting it aside for some time and returning, it greeted us with a joyful, happy, almost effervescent
Water – We simply had to see what happened with a few drops – not bad – though we both agreed it is much better neat

There was something quite intriguing about this expression. It was quite intense, with a delightful contrast and comparison between the aromas and taste. Delicious!

What do the good folks at Paul John share in their official tasting notes?

Colour – Mahogany
Aroma – Rich cherry, delicious plum sauce, manuka honey, sweet peach and orange zest laced with caramel pudding and a dash of chocolate.
Palate – Sweet and creamy with luscious ripe tropical fruits, hints of salted caramel and warm roasted nuts.
Finish – Complex, full bodied and long finish with crisp oak.

Would we agree? For the most part – yes!

After a rather good start with the Madeira, we were primed for more Paul John with the Port!

Paul John Port Select Cask 48%

Nose – Unmistakable port influence! Rich, dark currents, dense and delicious. Elegant, with a sense of being more mature, mellow than the Madeira…. yet still also quite intense and concentrated… some also found cherry cough syrup, which shifted into treacle, babinca, prunes soaked in rum and topped with vanilla ice cream
Palate – Whilst initially a bit prickly, it quickly shifted into a “grown up” dram, dark, heavy, and well-rounded, with juicy plums and spice. There was burnt caramel, oily wood, and nicely balanced
Finish – Long, strong, and gorgeous – sweet
Water – Entirely up to you! Works beautifully without, and with kicks up to big, bold flavours at first before settling down

We found the nose, palate, and finish wonderfully in synch. It was a class act.

What more do we know from Paul John’s official tasting notes?

Color – Deep mahogany
Aroma – Enticing aromas of rich vanilla, dry resin, dark plum, red liquorice with black currants, a delightful milk chocolate, laced with brown sugar
Palate – Delectable flavours of candied fruit, light ginger, and a peppery nutmeg, with a trace of sweet oak.
Finish – Long and zesty with orange mocha and spiced chocolate.

PS – Full disclosure, I received samples of both expressions from the Paul John team. Then my tasting companion bought the Port for the Bombay Malt & Cigar lads. Pro tip? Buy in Goa (~INR 8.5k) not Mumbai (~INR 18k)!