In the world of Indian whisky-making, few names resonate with as much passion and expertise as Michael D’Souza, the Master Distiller at Paul John. Since starting his journey in 2007, Michael has been instrumental in shaping the character of Paul John Single Malts, creating award-winning whiskies that reflect the unique climate and culture of Goa. From the processes of blending and fermentation to incorporating sustainable practices, Michael’s dedication to his craft shines through in every bottle. Join us as we explore the nuances of Paul John’s creations, and uncover what the future holds for this acclaimed Indian whisky brand.

Michael, what aspects of whisky-making fuel your passion the most? Can you tell us about some significant milestones that have shaped your journey as a Master Distiller since 2009?

Aging and blending fascinate me. I had the opportunity to build the distillery from scratch way back in 2007 and I got to learn significant details about infrastructure and equipment from the practical experience I had while setting up the distillery which truly shaped my journey.

Could you walk us through your intricate process of blending and creating complexity in the fermentation stage? How do you ensure each whisky maintains its unique character?

In general, whisky gets its characteristic flavours from the ingredients, the process, and the casks. Process wise… fermentation at Paul John happens differently with the usage of special yeast strains and temperatures to create some of our fruitier and more elegant single malts. Paul John does not have an age statement, instead, we create different expressions by selecting various types of casks and fills. There are 5 different warehouses in the distillery with different micro-climates. This gives me options to choose whiskies of various characteristics while blending to create expressions.

Image: Paul John Whisky's unique copper pot stills allow for a more efficient and precise distillation process.

Are there any proprietary yeasts that Paul John keeps under its covers to impart a unique and consistent flavour to their whiskies? Are there any different casks that you are experimenting with? 

Not proprietary, but we use a combination of different yeast strains. This is a normal practice across the industry.

How does the tropical climate of Goa influence the maturation process of Paul John whiskies? How does it compare to the aging processes in regions like Scotland or Kentucky?

Goa is humid and warm throughout the year. There is not much of a temperature variation between day and night. There is a high amount of extraction due to the rapid interaction between wood and the liquid. During the course of interaction, whisky tends to absorb salt from the Goan tropical environment thus making the whisky more mineral in character.

What recent innovations or new expressions have you been working on at Paul John? Are there any upcoming releases that whisky enthusiasts should look forward to?

Right now, we are experimenting with a few new yeast strains. 

Image: Michael D'Souza, Master Distiller.

How does Paul John integrate sustainability into its whisky production process? What measures are taken to ensure environmentally responsible practices?

Re-use the process water by treating it for various utilities such as cooling towers, and boiler to generate steam, washrooms, and gardening. The Incineration of biogas in the boiler as an alternative fuel source to save solid fuel.

Can you discuss the philosophy and inspiration behind Paul John’s annual releases, such as the Christmas Editions? How do these limited editions differ from your regular offerings?

India is a vibrant country with various faiths and religions. Over 35 festivals are celebrated in a year across the country including Christmas. Paul John being produced in Goa where a majority of the population are Christians, and whisky fans wanted something special for the Christmas celebration. Each Christmas Edition there is a triple-cask whisky with liquid drawn from three different types of casks. Every year the blend composition changes.

Image: (L-R) Paul John Christmas Edition 2023 & 2022

As someone deeply involved in the whisky world, what are your personal preferences when it comes to whisky? Are there any particular styles or brands that have influenced your craft?

I am a huge fan of whiskies, especially bourbon and Rye whiskies. Scotch is the next favourite.

What’s next for Paul John beyond single malts? How is the brand gearing up for the growing interest in Indian gins and craft rums?

The company is already into Gins (Malhar Indian Craft Gins) and Rum (Roulette) sold in domestic and international markets and we plan to release an ultra-premium rum in the near future.

With Paul John Single Malts available in 49 countries, what strategies have you found most effective in expanding your international market presence?

It is critical to find the right distribution partner. This is essential to get our distribution at the right outlets on which our marketing investments can leverage. We have been successful in identifying the right distributors but have also had our fair share of realignments. Realignments in distribution put the brand back by a few years to gain back the distribution lost and fill market gaps.

Image: 2024 London Spirits Competition Winners - (L-R) Paul John Indian Single Malt Whiskey Nirvana Unpeated, Paul John XO Indian Brandy and Roulette London Dry Gin.

What trends do you foresee in the global beverage industry, particularly concerning single-malt whiskies? How is Paul John positioning itself to stay ahead of these trends?

Single Malt Whisky is unfolding the narrative of the New World Wines of the `70s when at an event called The Judgement of Paris where New World wines outshone the classical French Wines. In the New Single Malt World Order, the single malts from India, Taiwan, Australia, Israel, etc are winning International Competitions along with the old-world Scotch, Bourbon, Rye, and Irish. This phenomenon will encourage whisky-producing countries to add Single Malt to their portfolio as done by Jack Daniels, a Tennessee whisky launching its first Single Malt whisky, and a country like France known for its wines has launched a few Single Malts too. We anticipate more Single Malts coming from Whisky producing and non-Whisky producing countries thus establishing a New Whisky World order.

What can we find you sipping on a Friday evening? What music would you be listening to?

Maybe Paul John Select Cask Peated or Classic while listening to the Best of Rhythm & Blues (Ben Poole, Eric Clapton, Walter Trout, Coco Montoya, Colin James, etc..)

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Conclusion:

As our conversation with Michael D’Souza concludes, it becomes evident that his passion for whisky-making is not just about crafting exceptional spirits but also about pioneering change and challenging the status quo. He draws an interesting reference that much like the "Judgement of Paris" revolutionized the wine industry, Paul John and other Indian single malts are redefining the landscape of single malts today, proving that Indian whiskies can compete on the world stage. Whether you're a seasoned whisky aficionado or a curious newcomer, Michael’s journey and Paul John’s remarkable offerings promise a captivating experience. 

In conversation with Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network