If you grew up in 2000s Kerala, the phrase “Vaikittentha paripadi?” is sure to bring back memories of the Original Choice ad featuring Mohanlal. The man behind the brand is a Malayali named Paul P. John and his entrepreneurial journey is truly inspiring.
A brilliant surrogate marketing campaign, the Vaikittentha paripadi ad was an instant hit, as was the whisky it so covertly promoted. By the time this ad was aired, Original Choice had already captured 51% of the South Indian whisky market; humbling big brands like the UB group and Shaw Wallace. It remains one of the best-selling whiskys worldwide, all due to the efforts of Paul P. John.
You might also like: Throwback To Malayalam Ads That’ll Make You Want To Go Back In Time
The Early Years of Paul P. John
Born in Kerala and raised in Bangalore, Paul P. John grew up in a household that revolved around the beverage trade. His father, T. John, was involved in coffee plantations and liquor distribution, giving Paul early exposure to the world of entrepreneurship. Working alongside his father instilled in him a keen interest in the alcohol and beverage industry, which eventually shaped his career choices.
After completing his education, Paul ventured into business with an ambitious plan to run a biscuit factory. However, the enterprise failed within two years, leaving him with financial losses but invaluable lessons in business management. For most, such a setback might have marked the end of their entrepreneurial journey. But for Paul, it was a stepping stone.
Original Choice: Affordable Whisky, Unmatched Success
In 1992, leveraging his family’s background and his determination to succeed, Paul P. John established National Distilleries in Karnataka. By 1996, it had evolved into John Distilleries, a name now synonymous with some of India’s most popular spirits. His first major success came with the launch of Original Choice, an affordable yet high-quality whisky that resonated with Indian consumers.
The phenomenal success of Original Choice laid the foundation for Paul’s next, more ambitious venture: Single Malt Whisky.
Redefining Single Malts, as Introduced by Paul P. John
In 2012, Paul turned his attention to single malt whisky, a market segment traditionally dominated by Scottish brands. Sceptics questioned whether Indian conditions could replicate the quality of single malts crafted in Scotland. At the time, it was believed that you needed Scottish weather and water to make single malt whiskys. Undeterred, Paul conducted extensive research, even experimenting with imported Scottish water to understand the possibilities.
His findings? Indian conditions, particularly in Goa, were ideal for producing single malts. Thus began the journey of Paul John Single Malt, which quickly garnered global acclaim. The brand has won over 320 international awards and is available in 44 countries, firmly establishing itself as one of the world’s finest whiskys.
You might also like: Alcohol Brands Started By NRI Malayalis
New Benchmarks in Luxury Hospitality
Paul’s ambitions extended beyond the spirits industry. His foray into hospitality resulted in the creation of Paul John Hotels and Resorts, which includes prestigious properties like the Kumarakom Lake Resort, Forte Kochi and Coorg Wilderness Resorts & Spa. These luxury establishments have set new benchmarks for hospitality in India, earning accolades such as the World Travel Award for India’s Leading Resort (for 4 years) and recognition as the Best Destination Spa in India and South Asia from Travel + Leisure.
In addition to whisky and hotels, Paul diversified into winemaking with Big Banyan Wines, demonstrating his versatility as an entrepreneur.
Paul P. John’s life is not just about business. His experiences, including time spent abroad in Florida, have significantly influenced his philosophy. His ventures reflect a commitment to excellence, whether in crafting whisky or delivering world-class hospitality.
Even with his remarkable achievements, Paul P. John shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to innovate in the spirits industry, exploring new liquors like gin while expanding his hospitality portfolio to exotic and diverse locations.
From the ashes of a failed biscuit factory to crafting one of the world’s most awarded single malts, Paul P. John’s journey is a remarkable narrative of determination and innovation. His story inspires entrepreneurs to dream big, adapt to challenges, and maintain an unwavering focus on quality. As he continues to evolve and expand his ventures, Paul’s journey shows that with persistence and innovation, nothing is impossible.
