Paul John Bold
While a new entry into the American market (June 2016), Paul John Single Malts have been a large presence in India for over twenty years. Founded in 1992 by Paul P. John, the company makes brandy, whisky and wine. Nestled in the district of Goa along the ocean, Paul John Whisky has been gaining steady ground with a large international roll out over the past few years. Indians like whisky and there are many kinds made for their domestic market, even if the only malt produced there most people have heard of is Amrut.
Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie
Built by three brothers on the shore of Loch Indaal in the village of Bruichladdich in 1881, the distillery has traveled a bumpy road on occasion, including being mothballed several times. The current iteration has been open since the turn of the century, sprearheaded by the legendary Jim McEwan as master distiller until his retirement in 2015. Purchased by Rémy Cointreau in 2012, Bruichladdich continues to expand whisky horizons with one eye on the storied scotch legacy of yore. Serving as their signature bottling, the Scottish Barley noted prominently on the bottle points to everything about the whisky being sourced, made and aged in Scotland.
Highland Park 15 Year
Highland Park is known in using sherry casks throughout their core expressions for the entire aging process, not just a finish. Whereas the 12 and 18 year whiskies use mainly Spanish oak, the Highland Park 15 uses American oak (though not American sherry, thankfully). Not content with one cask alteration, the 15 is aged in 30% first fill sherry casks and 70% refill. While not in the same class of exclusivity as Highland Park’s Valhalla Collection, it is a little more elusive than the celebrated 12 year expression.