The Indian single malt whisky category has seen great expansion in recent years, with brands expanding their ranges beyond Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL).
Earlier this year, the SIP Awards announced the results of the 2024 competition. Held in California, the SIP Awards relies on consumer judges rather than industry experts, allowing drinkers to asses spirits from across the globe from an unbiased position. Amongst the many entries were Indian single malt whiskies.
The Indian single malt whisky category has seen great expansion in recent years, with brands expanding their ranges to go beyond Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL). So, today I thought I would take a look at the best Indian single malt whisky according to you, the drinkers, at the 2024 SIP Awards.
The SIP Awards 2024
The SIP Awards are held annually in California, USA. In a unique approach to spirit competitions, the SIP Awards is the only such international spirits competition that invites consumers to be judges. On their website, the SIP Awards says: “The SIP Awards were created with a simple question in mind, “What about the consumer's opinion?” The goal was to fill this void, bringing the people who regularly consume your product together to decide which brands deserve this prestigious award.”
Founded in 2009 by Paul Hashemi, the SIP Awards strives to stir up momentum for award-winning brands, helping them bring their products to a wider audience, and put the power in the hands of whisky consumers.
Paul John Nirvana Indian Single Malt Whisky
Medal: Double Gold
Tasting Notes: (via The Whisky Exchange) Fruit cake, honey, caramel, apricot, raisins, apple
BUY NOW: $31
Paul John made its name in India by making Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) distilled from molasses, like much Indian whisky still is today. However, this Double Gold Medal-winning expression is an Indian single malt whisky.
No-age statement and bottled at 40% ABV, Paul John Nirvana was distilled from Indian barley and matured in charred American oak casks. Like Godawan whisky, Paul John is matured in a much hotter climate than those in Scotland or even in the US - the distillery is located in the beautiful Indian state of Goa. This means a higher angel's share, a quicker maturation, and a rich profile.
Paul John is also widely known for its peated expressions such as Bold or Edited. However, Nirvana is made with unpeated barley, resulting in a sweet and sippable flavor.
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