Indisk whisky / Del 2
Intervju med
Michael John D'souza

Paul John Indian Single Malt är en indisk single malt som tillverkas av John Distilleries och lanserades den 4 oktober 2012 i London, England. Paul John är tillverkad av indiskt mältat korn, och för vissa varianter importerad skotsk torv. Den är destillerad i traditionella kopparpannor och har sedan mognat i ex- Bourbon amerikanska ekfat.

Efter en överväldigande respons och uppskattning från whiskykännare i Storbritannien så lanserades Paul John Single Malt i de europeiska och skandinaviska länderna, där single malt whisky har en stor skara whiskyälskare.

Bland de icke-europeiska marknaderna, finns Paul John Single Malt Whisky bland annat också i Australien, Singapore, Nya Zeeland och Indien. I Indien lanserades framgångsrikt Paul John Single Malt Whisky i Goa år 2013 följt av lanseringen i Bangalore år 2015.
Källa:
Wikipedia

Jag har fått en intervju med Master Distiller Michael John D'souza.


I am very pleased to present an interview with Master Distiller Michael John D'souza.

Hello Michael. Can you please tell my readers who you are?
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. I'm Michael D'souza, and I am the Master Distiller of the Paul John Indian Single Malts. 

When and how did you get involved in the whisky industry?
I got involved in the whisky industry over twenty years ago, 1993 to be precise. And I've been honoured to have been involved in the making of our single malts right from scratch.

In your role, what do you enjoy the most?
Everything about whisky making is a joy for me, I guess I can say that whisky making from start to finish is my biggest passion.

How would you describe the house-style of Paul John?
Since we cater to a global audience we have striven to ensure that our whiskies suit the palates of all. Being made in Goa actually accentuates the flavors of our whiskies, since Goa has a unique tropical climate though it's set on the coasts of India and the effects of these elements add to the intrinsic character of the whisky.

What is it that make Paul John Whisky special in your opinion?
As mentioned above, our whiskies are made in Goa and the tropical climate and location of Goa has helped add intense flavors to our whiskies. They are more spicy and fruity in character and there's a bold depth in each of our expressions.

Your top five Paul John whiskies?
Our most popular expressions are the Brilliance, the Edited with a hint of peat, the Bold (peated), the Select Cask Peated and the Select Cask Classic. 

Your three favourite drams that you have not been involved in?
I enjoy the Japanese whiskies quite a bit like the Yamazaki and the Hakushu. I also enjoy the Old Pulteney (17 year old) and another favorite is the Springbank (15 year old).

Favourite moment in your whisky career?
I guess that would probably be when we were awarded the World Distiller of the Year whisky award in 2014.

What is your opinion on the trend of NAS whisky?
I believe that flavor is what's most important in a whisky and any good whisky that tastes great is all that matters, age in such matters need not be a priority.

Have you tried any swedish whisky? If so, what did you think of it?
Yes I have! I've had the peated cask strength dram of the Box Whisky with the sherry finish and I enjoyed it tremendously. 

Which three people would you invite for a whisky tasting, and why? (alive or dead).

George Best - George Best was arguably one of the most talented footballers of his era who captivated his fans with his extraordinary skill, agility and flair. Being a sports lover myself-I would have loved a conversation with George about whisky and football. 

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton - A tough and pragmatic leader, outspoken advocate for social justice and women's rights, and a resilient and intelligent politician, Hillary Clinton has achieved many "firsts" in her roles as First Lady of the United States, U.S. Senator, presidential candidate, and Secretary of State. Most importantly she loves her whiskies. She once said, " ... every one of us every day has choices to make about the kind of person we are and what we wish to become. You can decide to be someone who brings people together, or you can fall prey to those who wish to divide us. You can be someone who educates yourself, or you can believe that being negative is clever and being cynical is fashionable. You have a choice." 
 
Christina Hendricks - In her role as Joan in the series Mad Men, Christina Hendricks naturally came into contact with a lot of whiskey on the sets. Originally introduced to Scotch by her husband, she became a huge fan of the peaty spirit. Clearly, she fits right in, in the whiskey-mad world of Mad Men.
 

Do you have any whisky advice for my readers?
Whisky making is a serious profession, and whisky makers from different regions create whiskies that are quite unique to that particular environment. Whiskies should not be compared, not only because each and every distillery has its own style, but also because the equipment used, the casks and the environment are totally different. Awards and endorsements are just a recognition that one may get for their hard work. As a whisky maker I feel the greatest achievement happens when you are appreciated for your creation and craftsmanship. 

Finally, anything you would like to add?
Enjoy the experience that each whisky holds.

 

All pictures belongs to John Distilleries and Paul John Indian Single Malt©
Thanks to Michael for his cooperation. And thanks also to PR Head Ms. Asa Abraham.