Indian whisky recently created a stir globally when Mithuna from Paul John was ranked as the 3rd best in the world by Jim Murray in his 2021 Whisky Bible.

Only 7000 bottles of Mithuna will be released globally in select markets including the USA, UK, Germany and India. Pricing is expected to be at INR 20,000 in Goa. Swizzle caught up with Michael John D’Souza, the man behind the magic and the Master Distiller of John Distillers, to ask him a few questions about Mithuna.

Swizzle – Your feeling on raising the bar for expectations from Indian whisky for consumers across the world?

Michael – I think what we are doing here is 2 fold – first at Paul John we are defining the standards of what the quality of our offerings should be across the world and then keep improvising on it. Second, we are contributing to building the category of Indian Single Malts in the world. We want to raise the bar first for us and then present it to the world.

Swizzle – What inspired you while creating the blend for Mithuna?

Michael – Mithuna by Paul John has been named after the Indian counterpart of the Zodiac sign – Gemini and Gemini is known for its contradictory strengths. A Gemini is known to be energetic, enthusiastic, entertaining and much more, and these characteristics were what inspired me to create a blend that had delicate sweetness and mouthfeel which were as outstanding as the whisky’s strong and robust spiciness.

Swizzle – What is the cask selection used for Mithuna whiskies

Michael – MITHUNA is matured in two different types of casks. It was initially aged in virgin American oak casks for 4 years and then aged in ex-bourbon casks for another 2 years. Virgin oak gave the whisky its depth and vibrancy, whereas ex-bourbon delivered the elegancy.

Swizzle – What is the Average age of the whiskies that were used in the blend

Michael – 6 Years.

Swizzle – Based on the blend, what would be your suggested serve?

Michael – Mithuna is bottled at 58% ABV, this is a massive whisky and requires time and patience while drinking. I recommend adding a few drops of water which would do wonders, because adding water would enable the whisky to express itself beautifully. I wouldn’t suggest adding too much water nor any other mixer because that would spoil the perfect intensity, mouthfeel and sweetness the whisky owns.

Swizzle – What can we expect for the next launch in the series?

Michael – Nothing has been finalized. But it will be something special for sure.