National, 09th April 2026: In a year that’s steadily spotlighting Indian single malts on the global stage, Paul John is extending its winning streak, adding 2 more top honours at the World Whiskies Awards 2026, held in the UK on March 25, winning the ‘World’s Best Master Distiller/Master Blender’ for Michael D’Souza and ‘Best Team – Visitor Centre’ for the Paul John Visitor Centre. Following its earlier win for the Port Select Cask as ‘Best Indian Single Malt’ this year, the brand’s continued recognition signals a broader shift, with Indian single malts increasingly finding traction and credibility on the global stage.
The recognition of Michael D’Souza as ‘World’s Best Master Distiller/Master Blender’, a title he has also previously received in 2017, highlights the role of craftsmanship and consistency in shaping the quality and global appeal of Indian single malts, further reinforcing the brand’s growing stature on the world stage.
Meanwhile, the recognition for the ‘Best Team – Visitor Centre’ for the Paul John Visitor Centre builds on the brand’s previous win for ‘Best Visitor Centre’ at the World Whiskies Awards last year, which saw the distillery record an estimated 16% increase in visitor footfall and a 12% rise in international visitors. The brand expects a further 30% growth this year, owing to the continued impact of this recognition and the growing importance of experience-led engagement in the premium whisky category.
Commenting on the win, Paul P John, Chairman, John Distilleries, said, “The recognitions at the World Whiskies Awards are a proud moment for us and a testament to India’s growing stature in the global whisky landscape. Our focus has always been on creating world-class single malts rooted in craftsmanship and authenticity, and it is encouraging to see this vision resonate so strongly with global audiences. We’re also seeing an industry shift towards the intersection of craft and experience, with distilleries evolving into cultural spaces and a new generation prioritising quality over quantity. The recognition further reinforces our commitment to delivering meaningful, world-class experiences alongside our product.”
Adding to this, Michael D’Souza, Master Distiller, John Distilleries, said, “Receiving the World’s Best Master Distiller recognition is truly humbling. This honour reflects the collective passion and craftsmanship that defines us, and the dedication of the entire team behind every expression. Being recognised at the World Whiskies Awards encourages us to continue refining our craft while consistently showcasing the quality and character of Indian single malts on the global stage.”
With a portfolio that consistently earns global acclaim, Paul John remains one of the most awarded Indian single malts, playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s presence in the global whisky landscape. These latest wins place the homegrown brand among a select few distilleries globally, and among the only ones from India, to be recognised across individual achievement and visitor experience at the World Whiskies Awards.
