Goa | October 16, 2025
Goa-based John Distilleries, the makers of the renowned Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky and Malhar Indian Craft Gin, have once again made India proud by bagging top honours at the Soho India Wine & Spirits Awards 2025.
The star of the show was Paul John Pedro Ximénez, which not only won Best Indian Single Malt Whisky but was also crowned Best in Show. This expression, part of the brand’s Select Cask range, is aged in rich Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, known for imparting deep and complex flavours.
Another winner from the distillery, Paul John Oloroso, earned a Gold Medal in the Indian Single Malt Whisky category. It too belongs to the Select Cask series and is matured in Oloroso sherry casks, adding a distinct nutty sweetness to its profile.
Meanwhile, Malhar Citrus Indian Craft Gin took home the award for Best Indian Contemporary Gin and was also named Best in Show in its category. Crafted with citrus peels, botanicals, and juniper, this gin has become a standout name in India’s growing craft spirits segment.
According to John Distilleries, more than 400 brands competed across various categories this year, making their wins even more special. The awards were organised by Sonal Holland, India’s only Master of Wine and one of the most respected figures in the country’s alcobev industry, along with a panel of expert judges.
Paul John single malts are distilled and matured in Goa, using six-row barley sourced from Rajasthan, Haryana, and the foothills of the Himalayas. Since its launch in 2012, the brand has expanded to 49 countries and accumulated over 350 international awards.
John Distilleries, founded in 1996 by Paul P. John, counts the Sazerac Company—the largest family-owned distilled spirits company in the U.S.—as an active stakeholder, strengthening its global footprint in premium spirits.
