It's great to finally sample Paul John's annual release, arriving in February, which feels like a belated Christmas gift at Modern Drinking HQ. These are consistently delightful, and this one lives up to that reputation, although it differs noticeably from previous versions, featuring more prominent plummy notes rather than the baking spices found in earlier releases. The plum flavor is evident on the nose, alongside cinnamon and raisins soaked in rum. Stewed fruit, black tea, and cinnamon lead the palate, with hints of orange sweetness joining to coat the sides of the tongue. The finish offers a gentle spice that remains on the tongue with jammy fruit notes. The maturation process, involving 4-1/2 years in ex-bourbon casks followed by two years in a combination of Port and Madeira casks, honoring Goa's Portuguese heritage, has resulted in a beautiful balance and an intensity of flavor that belies its approachable strength. So, re-decorate for the holidays and bring out the festive adornments, because if Paul John declares it Christmas, I'm inclined to agree.
Paul John Christmas Edition 2021
Whiskey World Whisky Goa No age statement 46% ABV
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About this bottle
The fourth bottling in the yearly Christmas Editions line is this peated malt. It is made from six-row barley sourced from regions as far-flung as Rajasthan and the Himalayan foothills, and like the company's other whiskies, it is neither chill-filtered nor does it have coloring or flavoring added. Specially designed copper pot stills with extended necks are used for distillation. Matured in ex-bourbon barrels and a blend of port and madeira casks, the peated spirit for Paul John Christmas Edition 2021 develops in coastal Goa, where the tropical environment accelerates maturation and results in an eight percent angel's share. It was bottled at 92 proof and offered in limited amounts starting in October, 2021.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 6 parsed reviews.
NOSE Hints of spiced apricot and abundant dried fruit, honeyed nuts, caramel, smoke, cinnamon, brown sugar, and citrus peel with a touch of cardamom. This aroma is simply refined. PALATE Nutty, slightly jammy, malty, honeyed nuts, smoke, leather, and a candy-like sweetness with a bit of dried citrus peel. I could use the word refined again, but I've already used it. So, I'll say it's elegant. FINISH Medium-long -> Smoke, nuts, and a candy sweetness fade into dried fruit leather.
My favorite Christmas edition, along with the 2019. Nose: Honey, Milk Chocolate, Bananas, Plums, Blackberries, Salted Caramel, Vanilla, Almonds, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Mangoes, Oranges, Apricots, Lavender Palate: Raisins, Milk Chocolate, Smoke, Oranges, Walnuts, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Honey, Morello Cherries, Dates, Figs Finish: Honey, Raisins, Blackberries, Luxardo Cherries, Saffron, Prunes, Raspberry Jam, Figs
Color: Resembles tawny, a deep bronze. Aroma: Distinctly potent yet pleasing. Caramel, toffee, malty, berry, raisins, pepper. Palate: Immediate spice, orange marmalade, butterscotch, toffee, dried raisins, a hint of smoke. Finish: Extended, warm, leather, with a subtle peat that fades to completion.
From a Whisky Festival
The year was 2022.
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