By Pamela Nandi | Aug 14, 2025

When you think of Goa, the mind usually drifts to golden beaches, sun-kissed shacks, and seafood feasts.
But tucked away in the serene corners of Cuncolim lies a hidden treasure that every whisky lover needs to discover – the Paul John Whisky Distillery.

From the moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped in the rich aroma of malt and oak barrels, each carrying stories waiting to be poured. This wasn’t just another tasting session, it was a deep dive into the soul of Indian single malts.

From Grain to Glass – The Art of Paul John Whisky

What struck me instantly was how much passion flows through these walls. The team here doesn’t just make whisky, they craft it with precision, patience, and pride.

It all begins with selecting the finest Indian six-row barley, sourced from Rajasthan and Haryana. These grains are malted and mashed to release the sugars needed for fermentation.

Then comes nature’s little miracle, natural yeast begins the fermentation, slowly transforming those sugars into alcohol.

The spirit is then double-distilled in gleaming copper pot stills, refining it to pure perfection. And finally, the magic of Goa’s tropical climate takes over.

Matured in charred oak barrels, the whisky soaks in the warm coastal air, developing its depth, character, and that signature golden hue.

Every bottle carries the soul of India aged under sunshine, nurtured by humidity, and sipped with pride.

The Tasting Room – A Hug in Every Sip

The tasting session felt like a warm Goan embrace – slow, rich, and full of stories.

My favourites from the flight:

Paul John Pedro Ximenez – Sweet, luscious, with hints of warming spice.

Paul John Christmas Edition 2024 – A festive blend of spice, candied orange, and toasted oak.

Paul John Bold – A smoky, honeyed wave with earthy peat and oaky warmth.

Each sip felt like a passport stamp transporting me to new flavour landscapes, yet rooted in Goa’s essence.

If you’re in Goa and want to go beyond the beach, this is an experience that blends craftsmanship, culture, and a whole lot of character.

Why You Need to Visit Paul John Distillery

Beyond the exquisite whisky, the experience is a perfect blend of craftsmanship, culture, and charm.

The Paul John Visitor Centre – Modern yet welcoming, with a touch of Goan soul.

Distillery Tour – Up close with the art of whisky-making.

Tasting Room – Elegant, intimate, and oh-so-inviting.

Insta-worthy corners – Rustic barrels, gleaming stills, and sunlit spaces.

Warm hospitality – A team that treats you like family.

Final Sip

If you’re in Goa and want to go beyond the beaches, this is an experience that will leave you richer in taste, in stories, and in appreciation for fine Indian single malts.

📍 Paul John Visitor Centre, Cuncolim, Goa
🗓 Book a distillery tour & tasting
📸 Bring your camera – you’ll want to capture it all

So… would you go for a whisky tour in Goa? I’d love to hear in the comments below.