Amrut vs. Paul John: Which Indian Single Malt Whisky Should You Choose?

Why Indian Single Malts Deserve a Spot on Your Shelf

Not long ago, if you said “great single malt whisky,” most people would instinctively think Scotland—or maybe Japan. But over the past two decades, India has quietly become one of the most exciting countries in the whisky world.

Indian single malts like Amrut and Paul John have gone beyond being a curiosity. They’re not “good for an Indian whisky.” They’re good, full stop.

What makes them stand out? For starters, Indian whisky matures faster due to the intense climate. Combine that with local barley, skilled distillers, and bold experimentation, and you get whisky that punches far above its age statement.

But even within this category, two distilleries stand out: Amrut, based in Bangalore, and Paul John, distilling out of sunny Goa. So, which one should you reach for?

Let’s break it down.

Meet the Contenders – Amrut and Paul John

Amrut Distilleries (Bangalore)

Amrut isn’t new to the scene—they’ve been around since 1948, but their first single malt only arrived in 2004. That late entry was worth the wait. Their distillery sits about 3,000 feet above sea level, where Bangalore’s dry heat works overtime on whisky casks. Some say whisky ages three times faster there than in Scotland. Whether or not that’s scientifically precise, the result is undeniable: intensely flavoured, concentrated whisky.

The name “Amrut” means “nectar of the gods,” which sets a pretty high bar—but they manage to back it up.

Distillery Highlights:

• Altitude: 3,000 ft = dry heat, fast maturation
  
  
• Indian 6-row barley, sometimes blended with Scottish peated malt
  
  
• Focus on bold, spicy, oak-driven expressions
  
  
• Known globally for Amrut Fusion
  
  

Fun Fact: The angel’s share (evaporation) can reach 12–15% per year. In comparison, Scotland loses about 2%. That's a huge difference in how quickly a whisky develops.

Paul John Distilleries (Goa)

Paul John came onto the single malt scene later—around 2012—but made a splash fast. Based in Goa, the climate here is humid and coastal, meaning slower evaporation and a different kind of cask interaction. The result? Smoother, rounder whiskies that lean more toward tropical fruit and balance than spice and punch.

They use Indian-grown six-row barley, much like Amrut, but their fermentation and distillation process puts a bigger focus on texture and clarity. Peat is used, but subtly—never front and center.

Distillery Highlights:

• Coastal, humid climate = slower, gentler maturation
  
  
• Long fermentation for fruity esters
  
  
• No chill-filtration or added colour
  
  
• Known globally for Brilliance, Edited, and Bold
  
  

Master Distiller Michael D’Souza is considered a major force in modern Indian whisky.

Read also: Top 7 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: A Connoisseur’s Choice for 2025

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s how these two whisky makers stack up across key areas:

Category	Amrut	Paul John
Founded	1948 (Single Malt in 2004)	1992 (Single Malt in 2012)Goa (humid, coastal)
Location	Bangalore (dry, high-altitude)	Goa (humid, coastal)
Barley Source	Indian 6-row + Scottish (Fusion)	Indian 6-row
Peat Usage	Moderate in some expressions (Fusion, Peated)	Subtle peat used for balance
Maturation Rate	Rapid (10–15% evaporation)	Slower (8–10% evaporation)
Flavour Focus	Spice, oak, tropical heat	Fruit, texture, balance
Popular Expression	Amrut Fusion	Paul John Brilliance

Takeaway: If you like bold, spicy whisky with a lot of grip, Amrut is your jam. If you're after polish, finesse, and fruit-forward balance, Paul John delivers.

What Do They Taste Like?

Let’s get into the glass. What do these whiskies actually taste like?

Amrut: Bold, Intense, and Unapologetic

Amrut whiskies are not shy. Even their younger expressions pack serious flavour. Expect:

• Spices: Clove, cardamom, black pepper
  
  
• Fruits: Mango, papaya, citrus peel
  
  
• Oak: Charred and assertive
  
  
• Smoke: Present in peated versions, but not overwhelming
  
  

Amrut Fusion, arguably their flagship bottle, marries Indian and Scottish barley, including a touch of peat. You’ll get spice, fruit, dark chocolate, and smoke in one cohesive, full-bodied dram.

Read also: The English Distillery: Where England’s Whisky Renaissance Began

Paul John: Smooth, Fruity, and Refined

Paul John expressions are softer and more layered, with a texture that almost leans toward dessert. Look for:

• Fruits: Melon, guava, baked apple
  
  
• Sweetness: Honey, vanilla, toffee
  
  
• Spices: Subtle—more cinnamon than chilli
  
  
• Smoke: Light, used like seasoning rather than a main course
  
  

Paul John Brilliance, for example, is unpeated and silky. A great starter bottle if you’re new to Indian whisky.

 

Signature Bottles to Try First

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose a starting point:

Bottle	Amrut Fusion	Paul John Brilliance
Peat	Lightly peated (25% Scottish peated barley)	Unpeated
ABV	50%	46%
Profile	Spice, tropical fruit, chocolate, and smoke	Apple, honey, cinnamon, barley sweetness
Style	Punchy and layered	Clean and refined
Best For	Fans of bold Scotch or world whiskies	Bourbon drinkers or newcomers to single malts

Awards & Recognition

Both distilleries have put Indian whisky on the global map:

• Amrut Fusion was ranked Third Best Whisky in the World by Jim Murray in 2010, and has since racked up medals at the World Whiskies Awards and IWSC.
  
  
• Paul John has taken home Gold and Double Gold at events like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and their peated expressions like Bold and Edited have become sleeper hits among smoke-loving whisky fans.
  
  

Bottom line? These whiskies are winning where it counts: with judges and everyday drinkers.

Which One Should You Choose?

Still unsure? Here’s a quick decision guide:

Try Amrut if you:

• Like your whisky spicy, intense, and bold
  
  
• Want strong oak and exotic fruit flavours
  
  
• Are a fan of cask strength or high-proof whiskies
  
  

Try Paul John if you:

• Prefer fruit-forward, balanced, and smooth drams
  
  
• Appreciate subtle peat rather than heavy smoke
  
  
• Are looking for a polished sipping whisky with texture
  
  

You really can’t go wrong with either. It’s more about what mood you’re in—or what’s in your glass already.

What Do Whisky Drinkers Think?

Some fans describe Amrut as “a turbocharged Highland Scotch” while Paul John gets compared to “Balvenie with a tropical twist.” These aren’t clones of Scotch—they have their own rhythm, and that’s part of the charm.

If you hang out in whisky forums or Reddit threads, you’ll see both names spoken about with real affection. Many whisky lovers who try one end up exploring both.

Read also: 7 Common Whisky Distillation Myths—Debunked with Real Science

Final Sips

Amrut and Paul John aren’t rivals. They’re standard-bearers for Indian whisky. Each brings something unique to the table: one with power, one with precision.

So... which one should you choose?

The best way to find out is to taste them both. Try them side by side if you can. Better yet, bring a few friends and compare notes—it’s a lot more fun that way.