Indian single malt whisky has firmly established itself on the global stage, with Indri Founder’s Reserve and Paul John Mithuna standing out as two distinctive expressions of India’s growing whisky story. If you are weighing up Indri Founder's Reserve vs Paul John Mithuna, this comparison keeps things simple. Indri Founder's Reserve, made in Haryana, is an 11 year old single malt matured fully in ex-Bordeaux red wine casks. Parallelly, Paul John Mithuna, made in Goa, is a no age statement single malt from the brand's Zodiac series, matured in virgin American oak and finished in ex-bourbon casks. Below, we look at what makes each bottle special, the flavour profile and tasting notes of both whiskies and how their price in India compares. Whether you want a gift, a collector's bottle or something for your home bar, this guide will help you choose.
When it comes to style, the two whiskies take different routes. Indri Founder's Reserve is a tribute to Pt. Kidar Nath Sharma, the founder of the Piccadily group. Only 1,100 bottles were released worldwide, split evenly between India and international markets. It is bottled at 50 per cent ABV in India and 58.5 per cent ABV overseas, and it carries a clear 11 year age statement.
Conversely, Paul John Mithuna is named after India's counterpart to the zodiac sign Gemini and is the second release in the Zodiac series. It is unpeated, non-chill filtered and bottled at 58 per cent ABV. It carries no age statement, though reviewers report it is around five years old. In essence, Indri brings age and wine-cask polish to the table, while Paul John takes a bolder, oak-led approach.
The Indri Founder's Reserve flavour profile is fruity and rich. The nose opens with dark fruits, warm spices, cherries and red plums, along with vanilla and oak. On the palate, it tastes nutmeg, ginger, citrus and toffee. The finish is long and jammy, with a sweet note of stewed orange. Indri whisky tasting notes are usually described as fruit-forward at cask strength.
At the same time, the Paul John Mithuna flavour profile is sweeter, spicier and oakier. The nose shows liquorice, honey, vanilla and toasty oak, with floral and citrus touches. The palate is chewy, with coffee mocha, cocoa, orange peel and gentle spice. The finish is long and complex with dark sugars and honey.
If you like red fruit and a wine-style sweetness, Indri Founder's Reserve is the better fit. But if you prefer honeyed, mocha-led richness with a firmer oak backbone, Paul John Mithuna may suit you more.
Prices for both whiskies vary by state and seller because of local taxes and excise rules, so it is advised to always check before buying.
As a broad guide in 2026, Indri Founder's Reserve is listed at around Rs 46,890 for a 70cl bottle at Delhi Duty Free.
However, Paul John Mithuna sits in a lower bracket. Delhi Duty Free lists it at around Rs 20,370 for 70cl, while an older Goa retailer listing showed INR 20,000 for 750ml.
For most buyers, the decision comes down to both budget and taste. Paul John Mithuna costs less than half as much, while Indri Founder's Reserve offers an 11 year age statement and a rarer release. Either way, you are getting a great Indian single malt whisky.