Paul John Single Malt Sazerac Rye Cask: The Doppelgänger

Fourth Collaboration with SMAC India: Nearly 9 Years of Tropical Aging in American Rye Casks, Limited to 156 Bottles

Indian single malt brand Paul John has announced the launch of its fourth exclusive single cask collaboration, The Doppelgänger, created in partnership with India's Single Malt Amateur Club (SMAC India). Drawn from Cask #24194 and bottled in September 2026, this single malt whisky is strictly limited to 156 bottles. It was officially unveiled at the Paul John Visitor Centre in Goa during the annual spirits retreat, Spirits by the Shore 2026.

This release marks the very first time across all collaborations between Paul John and SMAC that a Sazerac Rye oak barrel has been utilized. The spirit was matured in an American white oak cask previously used to age Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, spending nearly nine years maturing in India's tropical climate. This aging process seamlessly integrates the robust profile of Indian single malt with the aromatic nuances of American rye whiskey.

Blind Tasting Defies Sherry Cask Expectations and Official Tasting Notes

According to official distillery tasting notes, The Doppelgänger displays a deep copper hue. The nose opens with dried cherries, dried apricots, and licorice, accompanied by subtle hints of plum cake. On the palate, it delivers spiced chocolate, warm cinnamon rolls, vanilla, and velvety crème brûlée, leading into a lingering finish framed by caramel toffee and persistent vanilla.

Cask #24194 was selected by SMAC India members during a blind tasting where no information regarding age, cask type, or whisky identity was disclosed. Hemanth A. Rao, founder of SMAC India, noted that many members initially attributed the rich dark fruit and confectionery dessert notes to a sherry cask maturation. In reality, no sherry wood was involved—giving rise to the name "The Doppelgänger" for defying expectations. Paul P. John, Chairman of Paul John Whiskies, expressed that this intuitive choice based purely on liquid quality marks a key milestone in their ongoing partnership.

Past Collaborative Single Casks and Global Brand Expansion

The Doppelgänger also represents the 11th bespoke whisky bottling released by SMAC India, with allocation shared across Goa and Karnataka. The first joint single cask, Cask #6028, debuted in 2020, followed later by the ALTER and EGO twin single cask releases. Produced by John Distilleries in Goa, Paul John whisky has expanded to 44 countries worldwide since its international debut in 2012, amassing more than 390 international accolades.

📅 Published Date: 2026-09-16

🔗 Source: The Whiskey Wash