Review: Paul John Brilliance

Color (5%): faint hay yellow, very clear. 4/5 

Nose (10%): lots of untoasted fresh barley. faint honey. very light. not any discernable smoke compared to other single malts. 5/10

Palate (20%): bready again, light, slightly sour note. waxy orange peel.  13/20

Finish (10%): lingering medium + alcohol heat, fitting of 46%, methyl burn is low, but I wouldn't say crystal clean. 5/10

Overall impression (30%): for an Asian whiskey, it's not really close to any scotch, but it feels a bit underaged and boring. not even spicy. no real waves of flavor. I'd be curious to try their peated or heavier aged whiskeys. honey wheat bread, lightly toasted with a soft drizzle of apricot honey spread. 19/30

Retry on Ice (25%): light cocoa starts to pop out on the nose. actually improves overall. higher sweetness. orange peel and green apple. less crackery bread.  21/25

Total Ranking: 67% Legendary, Amazing, Great, Good, Fair, Average, Tolerable, Swill

Estimated Fair Price: $34
Actual Price: $53

Conclusion: Kind of interesting but not the best quality for the money. Try something else in the line that is a bit smoother and richer. Amusing to sample once, but I wouldn't care to have a bottle on my shelf at home. 

Fact Sheet:
Distillery Location: John Distillery in Goa, India.
ABV: 46%, 92 proof
Age Statement: 3-5 years in ex-bourbon barrels
Ingredients: Indian 6-row barley
Awards: Gold - Liquid Gold- Jim Murray's Whisky Bible - 2014 & 2017, Gold - Asian Whisky - Wizards of Whisky Awards - 2014

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