Indian spirits producer John Distilleries has doubled its production of Paul John single malt whisky and plans to build a new distillery in Southern India after 2030.
This year, Paul John increased its production from 1.5 million to 3 million liters annually. The company’s master distiller, Michael D’Souza, revealed that over the next three years, they aim to expand their barrel count from 40,000 to between 75,000 and 80,000. Looking beyond 2030, they hope to establish a new distillery in Southern India if all goes well.
Paul John’s portfolio includes 12 different whiskies, both peated and non-peated, made from Indian malted barley, yeast, and water. The lineup features entry-level options, flagship releases, and select cask offerings.
D’Souza also mentioned a future project involving a rum-finished whisky, which will use casks from a Barbados rum distillery. He anticipates this new product will be ready for launch in a few months or years.
The tropical climate in Goa, where Paul John is produced, speeds up whisky maturation compared to cooler regions, leading to higher alcohol extraction and faster aging. This climate results in a significant “angel’s share” loss of alcohol, but the higher temperature also means the whisky matures more quickly.
Paul John has made strides in changing perceptions of Indian whisky, traditionally seen as inferior to imported options. Although the brand is gaining international recognition, it faces challenges in the Indian market, where premium whiskies are still often enjoyed mixed with cola rather than appreciated on their own.
Currently, Paul John is focusing on international markets like the US, Europe, and Japan, and plans to gradually increase its presence in India.
