Indian whisky brand racks up major awards and stuns everyone

Wednesday, 01 April 2026 at 09:25

At the World Whiskies Awards 2026, one standout whisky maker walked away with an impressive haul. The Indian whisky brand Paul John took home multiple honors—and not all of them were just for the whisky.

The Indian whisky producer Paul John made a strong impression on the international stage. The distillery won several awards, including the title of World's Best Master Distiller/Master Blender.

That accolade went to Michael D’Souza, and it wasn’t his first time. This year he was named ‘World’s Best Master Distiller/Master Blender’ for the second time, a title he first claimed in 2017. D’Souza draws great energy from this recognition and insists it was a team effort.

'It’s truly an honor to be named the world’s best master distiller. This award reflects the shared passion and craftsmanship that define us, as well as the dedication of the entire team behind every whisky.'

- Michael D’Souza

Under D’Souza’s leadership, Paul John has developed a style that’s instantly recognizable: rich, layered, and shaped by India’s climate. The tropical heat accelerates maturation, yielding deeper, more intense flavors. It’s exactly this character that’s winning growing acclaim worldwide.

Beyond the accolades for the distiller himself, the whiskies also earned top marks. Port Select Cask won Best Indian Single Malt earlier this year. In total, the brand has already collected five awards this year.

Indian single malts are gaining ground worldwide

Paul John’s rise is part of a bigger movement. Indian single malts have been gaining ground for several years, increasingly taking their place alongside the established whisky nations. It’s not just about quality, it’s about courage. Producers are willing to experiment and carve out their own identity.

With these recent wins, Paul John shows that India is no longer a surprise newcomer, but a mature player to be taken seriously. And perhaps more importantly: a player that continues to grow, innovate, and surprise.

Experience is becoming as important as the product

Notably, it wasn’t only the whisky and the whisky maker that won awards. The team at the Paul John Visitor Centre was also named ‘Best Team – Visitor Centre’. Where it once was mainly about what’s in the bottle, today it’s increasingly about the complete experience.

People want to see where their whisky comes from, understand the process, and feel the story behind it. That shift is clear in growing visitor numbers and international interest. Distilleries are becoming places of experience, not just production.

Vision and leadership behind the success

According to Paul P John, this string of awards is more than just welcome recognition. It’s proof that India has firmly established itself as a serious contender in the world of premium whisky.

He emphasizes that the focus has always been on authenticity and quality and that approach is now resonating globally. At the same time, consumers are changing. There’s a clear shift toward more mindful choices: less, but better. People want to know what they’re drinking and why it’s special.

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FAQ

What is Paul John?
A premium Indian single malt whisky producer with international recognition.
Why is Paul John so successful?
Thanks to tropical maturation, strong craftsmanship, and multiple international awards.
Where is Paul John whisky made?
In Goa, India, where the warm climate drives faster, richer maturation.