Paul John Brilliance 46% Produced by John Distilleries in Goa, India, the Paul John range of single malt whiskies (named after their Chairman) represents a move into premium spirits for a company who are already big players in the Indian molasses 'whisky' market. Made using Indian 6-row barley from the Himalayan foothills, Brilliance is matured in bourbon barrels for 3-5 years before bottling at cask strength. (As with Amrut, the tropical climate cause greater evaporation, around 12-13% a year, but in turn they show very well at younger ages.) Champagne, sweetness, grapes, caramel sweetness, mild pepper 3.75 Sweetness hits you straightaway on the front, you get a little peppery note on the nose, nutty, balance it is not dry and a very thick creamy smoothness, sweetness, peanut butter. As you continue to take more, you get an overwhelming numbing of the nose, waxy, oily, chewy caramel - i feel a prolong drink of this beyond the 2nd sip will make you disappointed 1.5 Oaky, and quite a sustained note 2 2.25