Meandering the world, one whisky at a time

Month: June 2013

The Glenrothes Robur Reserve Whisky

The Glenrothes Robur Reserve Whisky headerI was having lunch at Bottega Cafe in a suburb called Parkhurst in Johannesburg. I asked Savi (the owner) to recommend a whisky to pair with my lunch, and he suggested the Glenrothes.  It was my first encounter with The Glenrothes Robur Reserve single malt Scotch whisky.

It was so delicious; I soon acquired my own bottle of Glenrothes Robur Reserve single malt. The Glenrothes is a Speyside whisky with the distillery going back to 1879. The Robur Reserve single malt derives its name from Quercus Robor, the Latin name for European or Spanish oak.

Matured in first-fill casks that had previously been used to mature Oloroso sherry, the Glenrothes Robur Reserve has no age statement. The rounder bottle shape of the Glenrothes bottles is unique when compared to the other whisky bottles.

There is a small label on the front, allowing one to appreciate the spirit on the inside. It is the opposite of, a bottle like Bruichladdich, which covers the entire bottle in a label. The Glenrothes distillery is part of the Edrington Group together with Macallan and Highland Park,

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The Glenrothes Robur Reserve Whisky Review

Review and tasting notes The Glenrothes Robur Reserve single malt whisky with glassREGION: Speyside

ABV: 47%

COLOUR: The colour of the whisky is light amber and golden. t’s quite light in colour compared to other whiskies that have been matured or finished in sherry casks.

PALATE: On tasting the Glenrothes Robur Reserve, I hit by honey and dried fruit. It’s quite a sweet whisky, but not in a subtle way. I could not pick up the sherry sweetness, but Jeannette felt it was there.

Other reviewers have picked up spices, but we only picked it up a bit later. Only on the third mouthful did I notice the spicy notes. As the whisky evolves in your mouth, the honey is accompanied by hints of vanilla and caramel.

FINISH: The finish is well executed, with an initial drop off followed by a long tail that finishes in dried apricot and spice.

RATING: EXCELLENT

It’s a warm, mouth-filling finish that we both loved. I noticed that Jim Murray scored the Glenrothes Robur Reserve 80.5 in the 2012 Whisky Bible. This rating is pretty ordinary by his standards. I cannot understand why because we both thought it was excellent.

The nose is great, the palette full-mouthed and warm, and the finish delicious. Sadly it looks like the Glenrothes Robur Reserve Scotch is discontinued. If that is the case, I am happy to have a bottle to enjoy.

Also Read: Loch Lomond Whisky



Amrut Two Continents Single Malt Whisky

Amrut Two Continents Whisky headerToday I look at a world whisky, the Amrut Two Continents single malt whisky. In the past, Scotland was known as the home of whisky. Over the past decade, this has changed.

Today new world whiskies have no reason to defer to Scotland and the Amrut distillery in Bangalore, India,  produces world-class whiskies.

I guess Amrut Distilleries hit the big time when Malt Advocate Magazine called Amrut Fusion “World Whisky of the Year” and Jim Murray in the 2010 Whisky Bible named it the third-best whisky in the world. We are fortunate to travel to Bangalore and India yearly, and we love the culture, food, and colours.

The Amrut distillery is located in Bangalore, and I figured it would be easy to get Amrut whisky in Bangalore– wrong! The majority of shops in Bangalore were not aware of it, and requests for Amrut drew blank stares!  Recently I was visiting my friend Audrey in Sydney, Australia.

Knowing my love of all things whisky, she took me to a speciality whisky shop in the heart of the city. It was a great place, and I took the opportunity to acquire some Sullivans Cove whisky.

As I was paying for them and chatting to the delightful owner, I noticed the black box of Amrut Two Continents whisky, First edition. I immediately asked him what it would cost, and he told me it was not for sale, as it was the only one he still had and was part of his collection.

Well, after 20 minutes of haggling, interspersed with pleading, he eventually agreed to part ways with it. This whisky had travelled a long and complicated journey – from India to Europe to Australia and finally to South Africa! At long last, I had acquired an Amrut Two Continents.

Amrut only released 786 bottles of the first edition, and this bottle is number 408. In 2012 Whisky Advocate awarded it the “New Whisky of the Year” award, so expectations were high.

Amrut has been distilling whisky since 1948, and on the front, the remarkable journey of this whisky is described.

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Amrut Two Continents Single Malt Whisky Review

Review and tasting notes Amrut Two Continents whisky from India with glassThe bottle itself has a beautiful label echoing the rich architecture and design of India. It is housed in an elegant black presentation case with gold trim and lettering. The single malt whisky nestles in a deep purple material with the inside flap describing the mythology behind the Amrut name.

The whisky itself is distilled in India before being shipped to Europe (a secret location!) for the final three years of maturation – hence the name Two Continents.

COUNTRY: India

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Interesting, with hints of amber, honey, and light gold.

PALATE: Tasting the Amrut Two Continents, we immediately picked up honey, spice, and vanilla. There was a hint of peat but no smoke. Delicate waves of oak come through. The Amrut Two Continents comes across as a slightly sweet whisky, but in no way does it overpower. The whisky gets better if you let it breathe a bit.

FINISH: The finish is something else! It starts slowly and then builds to a big mouthful with a long slow tail. Jim Murray said – and we agree – it has a voluptuous finish.

RATING: DIVINE

This Amrut release is truly a unique whisky, and I am ecstatic to have it in my collection. I paired this fantastic whisky with some Blue Tower Cheese, and it made a delectable whisky cheese pairing.

Other Amrut expressions I have written about include the  Amrut Fusion as well as the Amrut Kadhambam.

Also Read: Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique whisky



The Balvenie 12 year old Doublewood Whisky

Balvenie Doublewood 12 yo Whisky headerWhen it comes to distilleries, Balvenie holds a special place in my heart, landing a spot in my top five favourite distilleries. It’s a sentiment shared by John, and our recent adventure into the world of whiskies led us to the Balvenie 12 year old Doublewood Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. A name that resonates with connoisseurs, Balvenie also boasts a 17 year old counterpart.

Nestled in the picturesque region of Speyside, Scotland, the Balvenie distillery has been crafting exceptional spirits since 1892. Founded by the skilled William Grant, who honed his craft at the renowned Mortlach distillery, Balvenie has an illustrious heritage. The man behind the magic today is none other than the esteemed Malt Master, David Stewart.

I’ve delved deep into the rich history and various releases from Balvenie, and one of my all-time favourites has to be the Balvenie Caribbean Cask. It’s the kind of dram that pairs perfectly with cheese or chocolate, offering a symphony of flavours.

Back to the Doublewood 12 year old Scotch, this whisky is initially matured in refill American oak casks before moving into first-fill European oak Oloroso sherry butts for an additional nine months.

After this, the whisky is transferred to large oak vessels for 3-4 months, allowing the flavours from different casks to beautifully “marry.” This expression was unveiled by Balvenie in 1993.

You can easily recognise Balvenie whisky on the shelf. They are bottled in the classic Balvenie bottle that exudes timeless charm. The bottle’s shape harks back to a bygone era, and the traditional dark cream colours and fonts evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Now, let’s talk about what really matters – the tasting experience.

Related Article:  Glenfiddich 12 yo Whisky

The Balvenie 12 year old Doublewood Whisky Review

Review and tasting notes The Balvenie Doublewood 12 yo single malt whisky with glassREGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: The Balvenie 12 year old Doublewood is a dark, almost polished amber and burnt copper colour.

NOSE: On the nose, the Balvenie 12 year old greets you with a blend of oak and sherry notes. Hints of fresh grapes, red berries, and an array of spices dance around, with vanilla gently lingering in the background. It’s a rich and inviting start that promises a memorable journey.

PALATE: The palate takes a slightly unexpected turn. The dominant note is unmistakably oak, with the sherry influence remaining more subtle than anticipated. Those delightful hints of fresh grapes, red berries, and spices promised by the nose remain present but are somewhat subdued.

There are bits of vanilla trailing along. However, it’s not as complex as one might expect from a whisky aged in two distinct types of wood. The Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old whisky feels a tad flat, leaving me underwhelmed.

FINISH: The finish drops off rather swiftly, which is a tad disappointing.

RATING: GOOD

Now, as someone with a collection boasting at least six bottles of Balvenie, I was possibly expecting more from this one. I distinctly remember a previous encounter with the 12 year old single malt that I enjoyed. Perhaps I encountered a dud bottle this time.

The nose is lovely, warming and inviting, promising a unique experience, but on the palate, it falls flat. The finish is also short and unmemorable.

Balvenie Distillery has a well-earned reputation for crafting excellent whiskies. I’m eager to revisit this release, possibly from a different bottle. It’s worth noting that the success of the 12 year old Doublewood led to the creation of a 17 year old Doublewood edition.

For those seeking a more in-depth exploration, I’ve compared this release with the Balvenie Caribbean Cask whisky side-by-side, highlighting the nuances in a dedicated blog post. Explore the intricate world of Balvenie with me.

Also Read: Dunville’s Three Crowns Sherry Finish Whiskey



Ardbeg 10 Year Old Whisky

Ardbeg 10 yo single malt whisky

If you’re hunting for a classic peat release, look no further than the Ardbeg 10 year old Islay single malt whisky. This Scottish gem hails from the renowned Islay region, celebrated for its distinctive peat and sea-influenced flavours. But before I delve into the depths of this extraordinary single malt, let’s set the scene.

Johannesburg boasts a unique treasure for whisky enthusiasts – Whisky Brother, the city’s first whisky speciality whisky shop. Marc, the owner and all round expert is our go-to guy for all things whisky. And through his enticing tweet, we found ourselves at the Ardbeg Day tasting.

At the event, we sampled various Ardbeg whisky releases. The Ardbeg 10 year old stood out among them, and we took a bottle home. In honour of Ardbeg Day, we immediately popped the cork on that very Saturday.

Now, let’s talk Ardbeg. Situated on the remote Scottish island of Islay, this distillery is a place of exquisite beauty, making it a destination I aspire to someday visit. I’ve shared detailed insights about Ardbeg in many other blog posts, so remember to check those out.

In September 2016, a group of adventurous souls embarked on a three-day journey along the rugged Islay Coast. Guided by Distillery Manager Mickey Heads and survival expert Monty Halls, these “ARDventurers” conquered the island’s untamed coastline, wild peat bogs, misty hills, and brooding lochs, all vying for the title of Ultimate ARDventurer.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the star of the show – the Ardbeg 10 year old whisky. The 10 year old is aged exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels. It’s non-chill filtered, ensuring a fuller, richer flavour. Ardbeg’s core range includes other exceptional expressions like the Ardbeg Wee Beastie, the An Oa, Uigeadail, and the Ardbeg Corryvreckan whisky.

Related Article: Talisker 10 yo whisky

Ardbeg 10 year old Whisky Review

Review and tasting notes Ardbeg 10 yo single malt whisky with glassREGION: Islay

ABV: 46%

COLOUR:  Quite light, with hints of green.

NOSE: As we nosed the Ardbeg 10, there were distinctive peat and wood smoke notes. In the background is a hint of orange sweetness with light vanilla and sea salt. However, the first impression wasn’t overwhelming; it was an inviting and intriguing aroma with a touch of sweetness in the background.

PALATE: Upon tasting, the complexity of this whisky unravelled. Beyond the initial peat, we detected warming citrus notes and hints of vanilla, followed by subtle hints of coffee and a touch of iodine and pepper.

The Ardbeg 10 year old is undoubtedly a bold whisky, but it doesn’t overpower the palate. It’s a symphony of well-balanced Islay flavours and a truly elegant dram.

FINISH: This Ardbeg has one of the longest and most full-bodied finishes I’ve ever experienced. It lingers and evolves on the palate, creating an unforgettable journey of flavours. It’s no wonder that Jim Murray showered it with praise. It ends in notes of smoky sweetness with light black pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

This whisky has swiftly become one of my favourites from Islay. When winter comes around and the urge to cosy up by the fire strikes, the Ardbeg 10 year old is the perfect companion. It balances peat, smoke, and sweetness harmoniously while maintaining its bold character.

But there’s more to this whisky than just sipping it neat. I’ve used the Ardbeg 10 year old whisky to craft delightful whisky truffles, and it even earned a spot on my “Top 5 Single Malt Whiskies” list.

If you’re curious how the Ardbeg 10 year old stacks up against other iconic drams, stay tuned for my comparative series, where I compared it against the Talisker 10 year old and the Lagavulin 16 year old whisky.

In 2023, I compared the Ardbeg 10 year old and the Ardbeg An Oa single malt release. To discover which one emerged victorious, follow the link. Cheers to the world of Ardbeg!

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Island Green Whisky


Whisky Ratings

Whisky ratings system headerFor all my ‘Whisky of the Week‘ posts, I publish a review and a rating for every whisky. These whisky ratings are based on my personal whisky rating system. There are many whisky rating systems in use.

The two that my audience is  most familiar with are those used by Jim Murray and Serge Valentin. Jim Murray publishes the annual Whisky Bible and has reviews and ratings for more than 4,500 whiskies.

Serge runs the WhiskyFun site and lists more than 8,500 reviews and ratings. Both Serge and Jim use a 100 point scale that takes factors like nose, taste, balance, complexity and finish into account and determines a score using a formula.

Whisky  scores can differ by half a point in these schemes. These guys are legends, and John and I are just ordinary folks that like whisky, so we wanted a simple system that could convey our impressions.

How the Whisky Ratings work

whisky ratings for whisky of the weekThe great thing about any whisky is that one person may love it, and another may think it ordinary. It often happens with John and me! We don’t always agree.  John prefers peaty full-bodied whiskies, and I prefer sweeter Speyside whiskies. A complicated whisky rating system makes no sense for us, so we came up with a simple whisky rating system.

The whisky rating is assigned based on our reaction.  It is broken down as follows:

ORDINARY if we look at each other and go “oh dear”. We usually don’t finish the glass.

GOOD when it’s enjoyable but forgettable.  One of us sometimes doesn’t finish the glass.

VERY GOOD when it’s enjoyable and memorable, and we don’t mind having another glass later in the week,

EXCELLENT when we want to pour a second and third round,

DIVINE when we both go “OMG!!” and try not to finish the bottle.

When we disagree on the rating, we will take an average of both our scores.  It may make Jim and Serge cringe, but it’s good fun for us!  And at the end of each year, we look back at the EXCELLENT and DIVINE ratings and choose our favourite.

Some of my favourite drams during the last couple of years include:

These “divine rated” drams are a combination of expensive and affordable. There are affordable whiskies that are delicious, and not all expensive older drams are good.

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