Paul John Christmas Edition 2022 vs Rampur Select Indian Single Malt Whisky: Is the Higher Rating Justified? arrives with the quiet confidence of a spirit that knows its own worth.
Choosing between Paul John Christmas Edition 2022 and Rampur Select Indian Single Malt Whisky can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Paul John Christmas Edition 2022 | Rampur Select Indian Single Malt Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Indian | Indian |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 46% ABV | 43% ABV |
| Price | $80.00 | N/A |
| Rating | 9/10 | 8/10 |
Nose
Paul John Christmas Edition 2022: Vanilla and strong peppery spices are at the forefront, followed quickly by baked apples and brown sugar with a slight maltiness. At the tail end a sweet, dark note came through. Some are saying chocolate here, but for me, it was more of a date note (perhaps the Oloroso influence). The nose reminded me of apple crisp and sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream. Christmas indeed!
Rampur Select Indian Single Malt Whisky: The scent has a pleasant baseline of stewed fig, accented by the flavorful sweetness of honey.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Paul John Christmas Edition 2022: The vanilla and apple pie stays on the palate, though the dark fruit note does not cross over. The baking spice is accompanied by a strong peppery heat. Oak, apricot, malt, and light peat notes add depth. The flavors, though complex, are warm and inviting. The whisky has a soft, creamy mouthfeel and the finish is delightfully lingering and peppery.
Rampur Select Indian Single Malt Whisky: The malted barley is present in a bright, raisin sherry note, carried by a somewhat oily mouth feel. There are notes of orange and cinnamon, with the semi-sweet backnote of honey. The aromas open up into the finish, taking on the deeper, spicy character of stewed red fruit and cigar box wood while losing some of the honey sweetness.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Paul John Christmas Edition 2022: Comments: Sold in 50mL and 750mL bottles. 46% ABV
Rampur Select Indian Single Malt Whisky: Comments: 43% ABV. Mash bill: 100% Malted Barley
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
In this matchup, Paul John Christmas Edition 2022 takes the crown with a rating of 9/10 compared to Rampur Select Indian Single Malt Whisky's 8/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, Rampur Select Indian Single Malt Whisky is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of Rampur Select Indian Single Malt Whisky appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
- Paul John Christmas Edition 2022 – Full Review
- Rampur Select Indian Single Malt Whisky – Full Review
Final Reflections
Paul John Christmas Edition 2022 vs Rampur Select Indian Single Malt Whisky: Is the Higher Rating Justified? is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
