(September 12, 2024) Paul P John, Chairman, The Paul Resorts & Hotels Pvt Ltd and John Distilleries Pvt Ltd. has put India on the world map with his award winning single malt whiskey. With a portfolio of spirit brands under John Distilleries Pvt. Ltd. and world-class resorts, John has made waves with his attention to quality and doing things in style. In 2012, Paul John ventured off-shore and entered the UK markets with three single casks—161, 163, and 164—along with the Paul John Brilliance and Bold. Today, they have the largest portfolio of single malts in India, ranging from unpeated to peated expressions. Their malts malts are available in 44 countries and have won over 320 international awards.
Early Days
“I am originally from Kerala, but I grew up in Bangalore. Also, my parents lived in Coorg, so I spent most of my holidays there,” he tells Global Indian. As he studied, he worked alongside his father, who operated a chain of beverage shops across Karnataka. It led to a deep fascination with the alcobev industry, which John went on to pursue and take to new heights. “Witnessing my father’s entrepreneurial journey was incredibly inspiring for me, shaping my aspirations to eventually become an entrepreneur myself. His mentorship and example laid a strong foundation for my career path in the industry,” he reminisces.
Paul P John
Launching John Distillieries
Continuing his love for spirits, John started John Distilleries Pvt. Ltd. in 1996. “Our focus was on the mass segment of the southern states. In 2008, we set up a malt plant at my distillery in Goa, and in 2012, we launched our single malts in the UK,” John says.
The company was a nearly instant success, and John signed Malayalam actor Mohanlal as the surrogate brand ambassador. In less than a decade, the company became a leader in the Indian whisky industry, selling four million cases in 2005. That year, Original Choice was the largest-selling IMFL brand in Karnataka, selling nearly two lakh cases – around 1.2 million cases in total. The company’s successes only grew – in 2006, Original Choice sold around 4.5 million cases, and 6.4 million cases in 2007. In the same year, he branched out into wineries, launching the Big Banyan brand, for which they hired oenologist Lucio Matricardi as the chief wine maker. Their ‘Bellissima’ is the first desert wine in India to be made from the Muscat grape.
Today, they have the largest portfolio of single malts in India, ranging from unpeated to peated expressions, with ABV from 40% to 58% and cask strength. Paul P John has made Indian single malts available in 44 countries and the brand has won over 320 internationally acclaimed awards. “One of my proudest moments was when Mithuna by Paul John was declared one of the finest whiskies in the world,” he says. The company has recently launched Malhar Indian Craft Gins, Roulette premium whisky and brandy, and Big Banyan wines.
Foray into Hospitality
Four years after launching his distillieries, John ventured into hospitality, to “be in a space that gave him personal satisfaction, where he could create something niche and different.” This was in 2000, and the first venture, a true labour of love, was the Kumarakom Lake Resort, amid Kerala’s beautiful backwaters. “Now, I have got five luxe properties in South India, including The Paul Bangalore and Big Banyan Vineyard and Resort, also in Bengaluru. He also returned to the home of his childhood, Coorg, where he launched the Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa, followed by Forte Kochi Hotel in Cochin. “Each of these places has its own special theme and style, making sure every guest gets a truly unique holiday experience with us,” he says.
Driven by legacy
With a lot on his plate, John says that the desire to make a mark in life, to have a purpose for being born, and, if possible, to leave a legacy behind has been the driving force in his life. “One of the strongest motivations for me is taking care of the people in my organisation who have been with me, supported me, and worked tirelessly to help us achieve our common goals,” he says.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple – set your mind on your goal and work hard for it as there are no shortcuts to success. “The road may be difficult, and you may face several challenges but do not waver from your goal,” he says. And this comes from his own experience as he has overcome challenges by being steadfast, patient, positive, and unwavering. “It has not always been easy, but I have learned that when a challenge arises, focusing on how to resolve it always brings a solution,” John explains.
Mithuna, by Paul P John
For him of the many lessons he has learnt in life, the biggest is that success is a team effort. “Empower your team and believe in their ability to deliver. Once you have confidence in them and they understand and believe in your vision, great things can happen,” he says.
In leisure
In his free time, John always enjoys travelling and discovering new places and cultures. When he is at home, an occasional game of golf or a great dram of single malt with family and friends is his favourite way to unwind. Looking ahead, his focus is on expanding his portfolio in the alcobev industry to include all segments and choices, and to reach more markets in India and internationally.
“In hospitality, we aim to expand our reach to more destinations in India and abroad, establishing ourselves as the go to choice for premium holiday and stay experiences,” he says. And with his flagship brand Original Choice, being one of the top-selling brands in India’s popular whisky segment and one of the top 10 selling whiskies in the world with sales exceeding 21 million cases a year, it is not hard to guess why he is so successful.
Visit the Paul P John website to learn more about the premium Indian single malt.
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