Paul John Single Malts are the master creations of John Distilleries Ltd (JDL). Established in 1992, the company is driven by the vision of its Chairman, Mr Paul P. John. His passion for creating liquor brands of international repute led him to persevere, innovate and break the mold.
So tell us Ajay, what do you do for a living? What does your role entail at Paul John whisky.
A: I am the Country Head for the U.S. market for Paul John Indian Single Malt. I specialize in developing the Paul John Single Malt line for the U.S. market. This includes the sales and marketing portion on a national basis to the state distributor level.Essentially, I am the liaison between the importer (Domaine Select) and to my company John Distilleries.
How long have you worked for Paul John ?
A: I’ve been with John Distilleries for over a year and half. I see myself with John Distilleries for a long term relationship.
Who would you say were your biggest influences ?
A: Aakash Bhoja – My brother got me involved into the alcohol industry. He owns a successful wine & spirits shop back in Nebraska and without his knowledge and network, I wouldn’t be where I am currently at.
Madhu Kanna – My colleague that is the Head of International Sales and Marketing. I continue to soak as much knowledge as he can throw at me. I am constantly challenged by Madhu and that’s what pushes me to succeed and grow.
Michael D’Souza – Master Distiller. Spending two weeks with Michael brought me to another level of advanced training and knowledge. Michael is full of an immense amount of knowledge and wisdom with great humility.
Ajay, tell us a little about the history of Paul John Whisky.
A: Our distillery in Goa started laying down the first barrels back in 2008. We directly launched to the U.K. as our first market in 2012. We wanted to make a statement that our single malts are a “World Class” single malt and that it can compete against the Scotch single malts.
Our distillery is currently in expansion mode to meet the long term demands and growth of Paul John Single Malt.
John Distilleries is the 8th best selling whisky company in the world. Original Choice whisky is sold mainly in India with a volume of 13 million cases a year.
Master Distiller Michael D’Souza has been with John Distilleries for 24 years now. Our Chairman Paul John started John Distilleries back in 1992. We have developed a wide range portfolio of premium wines and spirits.
There is a lot of competition in the whisky market now-a-days. How do you think Paul John whisky stands out from all the other whisky in the world?
A: I believe what makes our whiskies so special is that we use all 100% indigenous ingredients from India. We use six row barely from the foothills of Himalayas. Our water source is pure 100% Goan water that is collected through the streams from the mountain run offs.
The tropical Goan temperatures help play a major role to the flavor profile of our whiskies and accelerates the aging process. The Arabian sea that borders Goa creates a hint of salinity to our whiskies. Master Distiller Michael D’Souza is the key to this whole operation for the development of the whiskies.
Finally, the John Distilleries team is the overall heartbeat that keeps pushing to new levels.
That’s very interesting. Tell me does the weather help or hinder the production of your whisky?
A: Both! The weather plays a crucial role to developing our whiskies. The average temperature in Goa all year round is 85 degrees.
One year of aging our whiskies would be like four years in Scotland. Our Angel’s share 8% per annum. In Scotland, it’s 2%.
We can produce a single malt at an accelerated rate, but we lose more product through the evaporation rate.
How long have you been drinking whisky, what was your first dram?
A: I’ve been appreciating whisky over four years now. I would say my first dram was Makers Mark.
If you had to pick one whisky for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: I enjoy cask strength whiskies. I can play with the dilution process, if needed. I would have to go with Paul John Sherry Oloroso finish. 57.4%. I enjoy the fruit notes and love the texture and layers that this whisky has to offer.
Ajay, you said you come from a military background, how do you think that helps you in your day to day activities at Paul John?
A: Mission accomplishment is an absolute must. I am determined to accomplish any tasks at hand that my colleagues assign me.
Organization is one of the most effective way to stay successful in business. I do have room for improvement and look to implement changes for 2017. Daily physical fitness is needed to keep the mind clear from stress and to maintain the wear and tear from flying to nationwide meetings and trade show events.
Confidence is what keeps my gears moving. Believe in yourself and never give up. There are a couple times where this brand was put in a high risk scenario. These were calculated risks that eventually paid out. I have had my doubts at times but I have learned from the military is that you go with your gut instinct and whether it’s right or wrong. You learn and keep moving forward.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Tastethedram?
A: Keep exploring! There are new emerging World Whiskies that are using different methods of grains and water sources that are indigenous. The climates are becoming a factor in the production process. I believe India is the next wave of an emerging new world whisky player. India now has three distilleries producing fantastic single malts that have been released globally.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Ajay who has just begun his career with Paul John Whisky. We know that his future is bright and are truly honored to have set down with him for this interview. Keep up the good work Ajay!
Slainte!
