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29.10.2026

3 min

Paul John Christmas Edition 2026 Returns for a Ninth Year With Spanish Moscatel Casks

Paul John Christmas Edition 2026 bottle on a table on a Goan veranda decorated with paper Christmas star lanterns, with palm trees outside in warm daylight

Paul John Christmas Edition 2026 Returns for a Ninth Year With Spanish Moscatel Casks

A Goan Christmas Tradition

Indian distiller Paul John has released the 2026 edition of its annual Christmas single malt. On Spiritory it appears as the Paul John Christmas Edition 2026.

It is the ninth release in the series. Michael D'Souza, master distiller at Paul John, said: "Since its inception in 2018, the Paul John Christmas Edition has become a celebration of both Goa's enduring Christmas spirit and our passion for whisky craftsmanship."

Moscatel Casks From Spain

The unpeated whisky was created on the tropical shores of Goa. It was first matured in American oak casks and then finished for 18 months in Moscatel casks sourced from Spain, given a three level char. Moscatel is an aromatic wine and a fixture on the Christmas table in Spanish festive traditions, and it lends the whisky a floral, sweet character.

Goa's tropical heat and humidity shape the spirit. The angels' share is higher, maturation moves quicker, and the whisky typically draws greater intensity of flavour from its casks.

Tasting Notes

According to the official notes, the golden whisky offers orange blossom honey and light spices on the nose. The palate develops into honeyed malt, dark chocolate, clove and nutmeg, with a long, creamy finish.

D'Souza described the expression as capturing "the spirit of Christmas in a glass." Each year, he said, Paul John creates a distinct small batch expression from carefully selected whiskies matured in an evolving palette of Spanish and Portuguese wine, rum and brandy casks.

About the Release

The 2026 Christmas Edition is bottled at 48% ABV, non chill filtered and with no additives, in a 70 cl bottle. The run totals 6,500 bottles worldwide. Next year will mark a decade of Paul John Christmas Editions.

On Spiritory it is listed as Paul John Christmas Edition 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Paul John Christmas Edition 2026?

The ninth edition of Paul John's annual Christmas single malt from Goa, India, bottled at 48% ABV in a 70 cl bottle.

Which casks does it use?

American oak casks first, then 18 months in Spanish Moscatel casks that were given a three level char.

How many bottles were made?

The release totals 6,500 bottles worldwide.

Is it peated or chill filtered?

It is unpeated, non chill filtered and has no additives.


About the author

Spiritory Team

Spiritory Team

Spiritory is a team of dedicated Whisky, Rum and Spirits Enthusiast. Our passion for the product, craftmanship and art of producing the finest spirits in the world will be represented in every article we write on our blog-page. Our goal is to produce content which is interesting to read and for a broad base of consumers, enthusiasts, investors and collectors.