Goa, 22nd August 2024 – Paul John Single Malt, a pioneer in creating fine Indian single malt whiskies and Single Malt Amateur Club (SMAC), India’s foremost single malt whisky appreciation club, jointly announce the launch of “Ego,” the second prestigious release from the brand’s Alter-Ego cask series. Available exclusively to SMAC members and limited to just 120 bottles, this offering underscores Paul John’s commitment to excellence and innovation, delivering a whisky experience that is both rare and unforgettable.
This release marks the 142nd single cask release by Paul John Whisky, having done several single cask releases for members of single malt clubs like SMAC and other private whisky collectors. These custom collaborations have resulted in Paul John Whisky being the only Indian single malt focused on building the Single Cask Category within all single malt brands in India.
Sourced from a single cask, this limited-edition release embodies the essence of Indian craftsmanship. The whisky adopts the flavour of the cask it is aged in, revealing a symphony of flavours, with creamy fruits, citrus, and sweetness blending perfectly. The vibrant mix of an orchid garden, wet wood, and melons – is so enchanting it might just inspire a signature fragrance. On the palate, the experience deepens with gentle umami notes building in intensity, balanced by mineral salts, herbal bitters, and toffee sweets. Crafted from locally harvested six-row barley and matured in the tropical climate of Goa, this whisky offers a rich, complex profile, showcasing the expertise of Paul John’s Master Distiller. Priced at INR 8500, it is available only in Goa, India.
Paul P. John, Chairman of John Distilleries Pvt Ltd, shared his thoughts on the collaboration, saying, “We are delighted to partner with SMAC for this extraordinary release, following the successful debut of ‘Alter’ in October 2022. Our newest release ‘Ego’ showcases our passion for unique, high-quality whiskies that play on the duality of the Alter-Ego series. Our Single Cask program highlights personalisation and collaboration, allowing true whisky lovers to be part of something special. This release, shaped by us and our enthusiasts, is a testament to our collective achievement.
Whisky Fact File by SMAC
- Name: Ego (of the Alter Ego Series)
- Distillery: John Distilleries
- Date of Distillation: September 2017
- Type of Malt: Unpeated Ex-Bourbon
- Cask Type: Ex-Bourbon
- ABV: 50%
- Colour: Gold
This latest collaboration is the epitome of what the Paul John Single Cask program represents—an unparalleled opportunity for whisky enthusiasts to own a truly unique and personalised piece of whisky history. The program invites participants to Paul John’s distillery in Goa, where they can handpick their cask and oversee its journey from maturation to bottling. This experience offers not just exclusivity but also investment potential, as the value of such bespoke whiskies continues to rise.
Hemanth Rao, Founder of SMAC, shared his thoughts on the release, saying, “Alter-Ego has been one of our most challenging releases to date in terms of exclusive single cask whiskies. This project required immense planning and a deep understanding of our members’ preferences. Given the challenges of limited availability and distribution restrictions, this has been a tough endeavour. However, the outcome is immensely satisfying, as when you place the whiskies together as a set, they truly showcase the growth and sophistication of both India and our club. From the concept and design of the label and box to the careful selection of the whiskies, every detail has been meticulously evaluated.”
The “Ego” release from the Alter-Ego Single Cask Series is a remarkable addition to Paul John’s portfolio, offering connoisseurs a chance to experience the pinnacle of Indian whisky craftsmanship.
About Paul John Single Malts:
Non-chill-filtered and with no added colours or flavours, Paul John Single Malts are distilled in the warm tropical climes of Goa. Created from Indian 6-row barley harvested from across the vast lands of Rajasthan and Haryana to the foothills of the Himalayas, Paul John Whisky was launched in 2012, is currently available in 44 Countries and has won over 330 acclaimed international awards to date.
Paul John Whisky presents a diverse collection of award-winning single malts designed to cater to every palate from the core expressions, Paul John BRILLIANCE and Paul John BOLD, to the Select Cask series including the wine cask finished malts – Paul John Oloroso and Paul John Pedro Ximénez, and the all-time favourites Classic and Peated. The Zodiac series is globally renowned as the World’s Finest Whisky and Asia’s Best Whisky award winners – Kanya by Paul John and Mithuna by Paul John.