Paul John Oloroso Select Cask
Indian Whisky - Amrut probably comes to mind most. But the distillery John Paul should also be on your mind. Although they have only been distilling there since 1992, which is rather young compared to most Scottish distilleries, the Whiskys are still worth a look.The Select Cask Whisky series is composed of selected casks, in this case Oloroso Sherry casks. The bronze colour (tinted) in the glass is also intended to reflect this maturation.
Tasting Notes
Nose
We are overwhelmed by very strong and intense sherry aromas. The initial sweet impression quickly fades and a tart note of dark chocolate spreads. A little caramel and blood orange resonate in the background.
Palate
Straightforward, the probably relatively young malt comes along with a biting alcohol suit. Softer and sweeter aromas are released shortly afterwards. We think of chocolate (no whole milk!) and red berries. A little oak appears now and then.
Finish
The sherry bomb stays for a very, very long time. The chocolate stays, caramel also. A little coffee is added.
Thoughts
Marcel 77/100
This Paul John Oloroso Select Cask is a true experience for anyone who loves bold sherry explosions – not overly sweet, but packed with character and a long finish that warms the senses. There’s hardly room for another dram afterward, so intense is the finish. If you’re in the mood for a daring Indian whisky with edges and character, this one serves you perfectly.
Sascha 81/100
The Paul John Oloroso Select Cask impresses with its balanced structure and the successful harmony between intense sherry notes and a subtle oak presence. The 48% ABV gives it a clear bite without overpowering the enjoyment, and the long-lasting finish reveals a harmonious complexity. Overall, a very well-crafted, powerful whisky with precise cask maturation.
Value for Money: Good
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82/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Paul John Oloroso Select Cask stand out compared to other Indian whiskies?
The Paul John Oloroso Select Cask distinguishes itself through maturation in carefully selected Oloroso sherry casks, which impart intense sherry aromas and a complex depth of flavor featuring notes of dark chocolate and caramel. Unlike many other Indian whiskies, the focus here is strongly on cask selection and the resulting sherry influence.
How does maturation in Oloroso sherry casks influence the flavor of this whisky?
The Oloroso sherry casks impart robust, intense aromas of sherry, dark chocolate, and caramel to the whisky. This cask maturation provides a long-lasting, slightly dry sweetness and complex nuances such as blood orange and coffee on the finish, making the whisky particularly layered and aromatic.
Why does the Paul John Oloroso Select Cask have no age statement on the bottle?
The Paul John Oloroso Select Cask is a so-called No-Age-Statement (NAS) whisky, meaning the exact age is not disclosed. The distillery focuses here on the quality and character of the whisky, determined by cask selection and blending, rather than relying solely on age as a measure of quality.