I first tasted Paul John Nirvana at first of my extra severe foray into the world of whisky. It was the very first Indian whisky I’d ever tasted. Actually, till that time, I used to be not even conscious that India produced any whisky in any respect! Provided that India is reportedly the biggest shopper of whisky world-wide, it’s shocking that I used to be fully unaware of the hyperlinks between India and whisky – each as a serious market and as a whisky-producing nation itself.
Perhaps one purpose for that is that quite a lot of Indian spirits labelled “whisky” have traditionally been constructed from a mix of impartial spirits and molasses (and so not the real factor). Nevertheless, India has been producing high quality single malt whiskies for a number of a long time now. That stated, it was solely very not too long ago (on the 20th of February, 2025) that the Indian Malt Whisky Affiliation formally requested geographical indication standing for Indian single malts, alongside a push to ascertain rules requiring that Indian single malt whisky be constructed from solely 100% malted barley, yeast and water, along with being aged for at least three years in oak casks, and distilled in copper pot stills at a single distillery.
Paul John Nirvana is produced by John Distilleries, an organization which additionally makes different alcoholic drinks, together with brandy and wine. John Distilleries is a reasonably new addition to the world of whisky, all issues thought-about. Whereas the corporate started producing blended whisky beneath the title ‘Unique Alternative’ in 1996, they solely started to supply their very personal line of single malt whisky beneath the title ‘Paul John’ in 2008, releasing their first single malt in 2012. The headquarters of the corporate are in Bangalore, however their most important distillery which produces Paul John is positioned in Goa, on India’s west coast. Regardless of being comparatively younger by trade requirements, John Distilleries has gained worldwide recognition for its single malt whiskies, lots of which at the moment are profitable awards.
Paul John single malts are usually bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and naturally colored. Additionally they are typically no-age-statement (NAS) releases. That is due partly to India’s sizzling local weather, which accelerates the maturation course of in comparison with whisky in matured in cooler climates, like Scotland. One other pretty distinctive function of Paul John single malts is the usage of Indian six-row barley, which has a better protein content material than the extra generally used two-row selection. This may occasionally contribute to a richer and extra sturdy flavour profile. Paul John do, nevertheless, have a number of peated bottlings too, and for these they incorporate some imported peated Scottish barley.
Paul John Nirvana is the model’s entry-level launch – offered in vibrant and cheerful orange packaging. It’s a NAS, unpeated, single malt. Departing from the everyday traits of Paul John’s core vary, Nirvana is often bottled at an approachable 40% ABV (although the model within the South African market is bottled at 43% ABV). There isn’t any apparent data out there on both the bottle or the distillery web site relating to the kind of casks the whisky is aged in – though their official tasting notes recommend it is best to get a whiff of bourbon, so maybe that’s a touch.
It’s not a whisky I’ve ever seen in customary bottle shops, so it could be a bit difficult to search out. Nevertheless, it’s normally out there by boutique whisky retailers, and at a really reasonably priced worth – round $26 (roughly the identical worth as a bottle of Maker’s Mark).
I do not forget that the primary time I nosed and tasted this specific whisky all these years in the past my overwhelming impression was that of Christmas cake. I actually loved it. A lot in order that I even purchased myself a bottle on the spot.
Paul John Nirvana – Evaluation
Color: Deep gold.
On the nostril: Honeyed sweetness, with a lot of dried fruits – apricots, raisins and sultanas. There’s additionally a powerful undertone of fragrant baking spices, harking back to fruitcake. A definite and dominant walnut word makes an look.
Within the mouth: Wealthy and spherical, with a sweetness that leans in direction of caramel and toffee. Some vanilla. The baking spices from the nostril carry by to the palate, with hints of cinnamon and ginger. There’s additionally a barely drying, earthy word that helps to stability the sweetness. Some lingering spice on the end.
Conclusion:
Whereas I nonetheless take pleasure in this whisky, I now discover it a little bit too candy for my private style. Nonetheless, I feel this whisky can work very properly each informal sipping and as a part of a whisky exploration journey… And if I’m in the fitting temper, I’ll nonetheless fortunately take pleasure in a dram. My suspicion is that those that are pretty new to whisky will discover it fairly interesting, given its decrease ABV, and its sweetness and richness. It could additionally attraction to those that take pleasure in bourbon or usually sweeter whiskies.
And for anybody who hasn’t but tried an Indian whisky, Paul John Nirvana is a superb place to start out. It’s an honest whisky, and a really accessible choice for these seeking to discover one thing new with out spending an excessive amount of.
