Paul John Extends Winning Run with Key Titles at World Whiskies Awards

Paul P John, Chairman, John Distilleries, and Michael D’Souza, Master Distiller, said the recognition reflects India’s growing presence in global whisky while reinforcing the role of craftsmanship and experience in shaping premium single malts.

Paul John has added multiple honours at the World Whiskies Awards 2026, further strengthening its position as one of India’s most recognised single malt whisky brands on the global stage.
At the awards held in the United Kingdom on 25 March, the brand secured top recognition including ‘World’s Best Master Distiller or Master Blender’ for Michael D’Souza and ‘Best Team Visitor Centre’ for the Paul John Visitor Centre. The wins follow an earlier recognition this year for Port Select Cask as ‘Best Indian Single Malt’.

The continued recognition reflects a wider shift, with Indian single malts gaining increased acceptance and credibility in international markets.
Michael D’Souza’s recognition marks a return to a title he previously received in 2017, underlining consistency in craftsmanship and the role of technical expertise in shaping the quality of Indian single malts.

The award for the Paul John Visitor Centre builds on its earlier recognition as ‘Best Visitor Centre’ last year. The distillery reported a 16 percent increase in overall visitor footfall and a 12 percent rise in international visitors following that recognition, with expectations of further growth of around 30 percent this year.
Paul P John, Chairman, John Distilleries, said, “The recognitions at the World Whiskies Awards are a proud moment for us and a testament to India’s growing stature in the global whisky landscape. Our focus has always been on creating world class single malts rooted in craftsmanship and authenticity, and it is encouraging to see this vision resonate so strongly with global audiences.”

He added that the industry is seeing a shift where distilleries are evolving into experience driven spaces, with a growing emphasis on quality and engagement.
Michael D’Souza, Master Distiller, John Distilleries, said, “Receiving the World’s Best Master Distiller recognition is truly humbling. This honour reflects the collective passion and craftsmanship that defines us and the dedication of the entire team behind every expression.”
He added that the recognition encourages continued focus on refining the craft and presenting Indian single malts to global audiences.

With a portfolio that has consistently received international recognition, Paul John continues to play a role in shaping India’s presence in the global whisky market. The latest wins place the brand among a limited group of distilleries globally, and among the few from India, to be recognised across both individual achievement and visitor experience categories at the awards.

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