Tag: Rating: Good Page 2 of 7

Whisky of the Week review and tasting notes for whisky I rated Good. When the whisky is drinkable but forgettable. One of us sometimes doesn’t finish the glass. The bottle might be in my collection for a long long time. See more HERE.

Today I look at the Tamnavulin Double Cask Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, produced at one of the younger Scottish whisky distilleries. The Tamnavulin distillery was built in 1966, mainly to supply the booming market for whisky to use in blends including Whyte & Mackay and Mackinlay’s.

Tamnavulin distillery was built on the remains of a wool mill, and Tamnavulin is a translation of the Gaelic for ‘mill on the hill’. The water used is from underground springs in the neighbouring hills.

The distillery changed hands a few times and spend some time closed. It ended up in the Emperador/ Whyte & Mackay stable together with Jura and Dalmore.

Also Read: Springbank 18 yo Whisky

In 2016, Tamnavulin was re-launched in the UK as a single malt brand. It marks the 50th anniversary of the distillery. The Tamnavulin range also includes a Sherry cask edition, a red wine cask edition as well as a Vintage Collection.

The Tamnavulin Double Cask single malt whisky is the first official release from the distillery in more than two decades! It is first matured in American oak barrels before a finishing period in sherry casks.

Tamnavulin Double Cask Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Amber gold.

NOSE: An unusual nose. It took me a while to identify the notes. Fermented grapes, wet moss with bits of caramel sweetness. Some alcohol notes floating around—something like mouldy bread in the background.

PALATE: Oak, pepper with bits of caramel, lemon and tobacco. Not a very complex whisky. Adding water renders it flat and one dimensional. Water brings the honey sweetness to the front and softens the oak and pepper notes.

FINISH: Drying oak and pectin.

RATING: GOOD

I have seen very positive reviews on this release, and I was excited to try it. However, it left me disappointed. I saw people mentioning flavours including chocolate mousse, brownies and marzipan. I am wondering if there is something wrong with my bottle.

According to the reviews, I could look forward to Christmas pudding and some fruit, but could not find any of these in my glass; I did not even want to finish my drink. Sadly, I think this bottle of Tamnavulin will be in my collection for quite some time.

Also Read: Glen Scotia Double Cask Whisky

The Chita Single Grain Japanese Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/25/2020

In Grain Whisky

I am expanding my grain tasting notes a bit today with The Chita single grain Japanese whisky. A grain whisky from Japan which had fans of Japanese whisky very excited. There has been lots of hype around Japanese whisky these last couple of years.

The prices of Japanese whisky has skyrocketed, and brands like Hakushu, Yamazaki and Hibiki are sold at premium prices.

There has also been a new focus on grain whiskies with grain releases coming from Japan, Scotland and of course South Africa’s own Bain’s whisky.

I received this bottle of The Chita single grain Japanese whisky as a gift from a friend of John’s. He could not believe that that I did not have a bottle in my collection and immediately went out and bought me one.

The Chita grain whisky is the primary grain component of many of the Suntory blended whiskies. Founded in 1972, Chita distillery is a Japanese whisky distillery located in the Chita district of the Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

Also Read: Milk & Honey Classic Whisky

The Chita distillery produces three types of grain whisky using corn through a continuous multiple column distillation process. The first two are blended whisky components that are used in blends.

Both in Suntory’s domestic market Kakubin and Suntory Old as well as high-end Hibiki respectively. The third type is the distillery’s flagship single grain release called “The Chita”.

Launched in 2015, the Chita is matured in three different kinds of casks: American ex-bourbon barrels, Spanish oak barrels and European oak wine barrels. It has no age statement.

The Chita Single Grain Japanese Whisky Review

COUNTRY: Japan

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Light autumn golden

NOSE: Honey sweetness, cereal, pineapple, mango and melon. Hints of soft spices and vanilla. Delicate and sweet with hints of tropical fruit.

PALATE: Vanilla sponge cake sweetness and oak with honey and tropical fruit. Hints of floral notes with toasted grains. Honey drizzled mango and pineapple. Medium body but not very complicated. Faint traces of cinnamon and cardamom. A few rough edges. Water smoothes out the sharp bits and brings even more fruity sweetness forward. Easy drinking.

FINISH: Medium length, with notes of lemon drops, vanilla and wood.

RATING: GOOD

Not the most complex whisky. Also, one of the sweetest drams I have had in a while. A bit too sweet perhaps. Take into account that I have a sweet tooth and love sweet things; it was a bit much even for me. I found it bland and uninspiring.

I might be biased, but this is not in the same class as my beloved Bain’s grain whisky. The Bain’s whisky is bolder and make you sit up and take notice. It has sweetness and tropical notes, but they are better balanced.

Compared to this Japanese release, the Bain’s is way more memorable. The Chita retail price in South Africa is around R1 300, which is rather steep. The Bain’s whisky sells for only R300 (before Covid).

Suntory launched The Chita, especially for use in the Japanese highball cocktail market. It will undoubtedly make a good base for a cocktail.

What did you think of this Japanese grain release? Overhyped or best thing ever?

Also Read: Boplaas Single Grain Whisky

Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/06/2020

In Irish Whiskey

In these trying times, savouring life’s little pleasures is essential. For many, that includes enjoying a glass of their favourite whiskey. Among the top choices in South Africa, right up there with Jack Daniel’s and Johnnie Walker, is the ever-popular Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey.

If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t sampled Jameson in a while, now’s the perfect moment to explore the intricacies of this quintessential Irish whiskey.

The Jameson name is synonymous with Irish whiskey, and with good reason. John Jameson, a Scottish lawyer, established the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin in 1780. The legacy didn’t stop with him; his four sons followed his distilling footsteps.

By the turn of the 19th century, Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey was renowned globally. But as with any great tale, world events took their toll on the Irish whiskey industry. The Irish War of Independence, subsequent trade wars, and Prohibition in the US all conspired to limit their access to the vast American market.

Also Read: Tullamore DEW Whiskey

During these challenges, Scottish distilleries embraced the column stills in the mid-19th century, revolutionising production. Unfortunately, the labour-intensive single pot still process that characterised Irish whiskey couldn’t keep pace with this innovative technique.

Fast forward to the 1960s, and a pivotal moment in Irish whiskey history occurred. Three of the four surviving Irish distilleries, namely Powers, Jameson, and the Cork Distillery Company, joined forces to create Irish Distillers.

Then, in the 1970s, they centralised production at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland. Today, the Jameson brand is owned by Pernod Ricard. This conglomerate boasts a comprehensive portfolio of Irish whiskey brands, including Redbreast, Green Spot, and Yellow Spot whiskey.

Other releases in the Jameson stable include the Jameson Caskmates IPA, and the Select Reserve. But let’s shift our focus to the main star: the Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey.

Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey Review

Jameson is a blend of pot still and grain whiskey. Like all Irish whiskey, it is triple distilled to give it the well-known Irish smoothness. The Jameson Irish whiskey is aged for 4 years in oak.

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Gold

NOSE: The aromatic journey begins with freshly baked banana bread, tropical fruits, and spicy wood and caramel hints. It’s a delicious blend of grains with plums, pineapple, and banana. The complexity of these scents is both intriguing and delightful.

PALATE: Jameson Irish whiskey delivers a smooth experience. The medium body features subtle malt undertones, aniseed, vanilla, and traces of pepper notes. Although it’s less multifaceted than anticipated after the captivating nose, adding a splash of water can soften the pepper notes.

FINISH: The finish is relatively short, leaving a gentle combination of pepper and a touch of orange rind.

RATING: GOOD

Now, let’s talk about the experience. While the nose sets high expectations with its complexity and deliciousness, the taste doesn’t quite measure up. Jameson possesses the trademark Irish smoothness, but, in comparison to the Caskmate releases, it’s somewhat bland.

The world of Irish whiskey offers more exciting options. Still, it’s hard to deny that Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey excels in marketing, making it a recognisable choice. In my recent exploration of Irish whiskey, Teeling has captured my attention with its delicious releases.

Also, if I had to choose between Jameson and the Checkers Private Barrel Co. Irish whiskey release, the latter would be my preference. Nevertheless, Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey is an affordable night-out option perfect for crafting cocktails. I’ll reserve my Jameson bottle for those cosy Irish coffees.

In South Africa the Jameson is priced for around R 360 and in India it costs around ₹ 3059.

To truly appreciate the distinction between Jameson and other brands, I did a side-by-side with Johnnie Walker Black Label. The contrast is remarkable, highlighting the unique character of each.

Additionally, I explored how Jameson stands up against Tullamore DEW whiskey, offering insight into the diversity of Irish whiskey options. This is also makes for a refreshing cocktail if you mix Jameson Irish whiskey and ginger ale.

Exploring the ever-expanding world of Irish whiskey is essential to finding the perfect match for your palate. So, as we navigate the challenges of this lockdown, take solace in the glass of Jameson and the world of flavours it offers.

Also Read: Pairing Whisky and Pizza

Glenglassaugh Revival Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/09/2020

In Single Malt whisky

Today I look at the Glenglassaugh Revival single malt Scotchwhisky. What a great name for a whisky release: Revival. I realised that this whisky comes with a unique story. The Glenglassaugh distillery is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery located in the Highland Region.

It sits on a hillside, not too far from the sea. A local entrepreneur James Moir and his two nephews established the distillery in 1875. Another distillery connected to a grocery store, like so many others.

Moir had an expanding grocery business and wanted to establish a distillery that would produce a whisky for his customers. The site was chosen due to its proximity to a clean water supply, the Glassaugh Springs and easy access to the nearby barley fields.

Highland Distillers bought the company in 1892. In 1960 it was rebuilt and upgraded to double the production capacity and to yield lighter spirit. However, during the economic downturn of 1986, this small remote distillery stopped production. But there was a light at the end of the still.

Also Read: Mackmyra Svensk Rok Whisky

In 2008 an independent investment group bought the distillery from the Edrington Group (where it landed up) and started production again. They released some of the pre-1986 stock as exclusive releases and won various prices with their releases.

The first spirit distilled under the new ownership was bottled and released as Glenglassaugh during 2011. In 2013 the Benriach Distillery Company purchased the distillery.

That is why the name Revival is such a fitting name for this release. This distillery kept on coming back time and time again. The Glenglassaugh Revival single malt is the first single malt Scotch released from this distillery available for retail.

Glenglassaugh Revival Whisky Review

Revival has been matured in a mix of ex-red wine and fresh ex-bourbon casks and then finished for 6 months in ex-Oloroso sherry butts. It is a NAS release. It is not chill-filtered with no added colour.

REGION: Highland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Amber gold with green hints

NOSE: Green grass, pine needles, caramel sweetness and fresh earth. Dry apricot with bits of butterscotch and vanilla. Quite sweet.

PALATE: Drying oak, citrus and pepper. The sweetness promised by the nose does not carry through to the taste. Bits of sawdust, cocoa powder and bitter lemon. Medium-bodied. Not very complex. Water brings more lemon pepper forward.

FINISH: Medium with bitter lemon and pepper.

RATING: GOOD

This Glenglassaught is a very dry whisky. John described it as licking an oak plank. I found it quite astringent. After a finish in sherry casks, I was expecting more sweetness and red fruits, but neither of us picked up any of these notes.

I am glad that I only have a small bottle because if it were a big bottle, it would still be standing in my whisky room in 10 years. It did not put me off tasting more from this distillery, and I will continue to explore the Glenglassaugh Evolution, and Glenglassaugh Torfa releases over the next couple of months.

Also Read: Maraska ABC Whisky

Loch Lomond Original Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/22/2019

In Single Malt whisky

I have tried many of the releases from Loch Lomond, but have not written about the entry-level release; the Loch Lomond Original single malt Scotch whisky. So today I write about the last Loch Lomond mini from my stash that I have tasted but not yet captured.

The Loch Lomond story is captured in my post on Loch Lomond Signature as well as on Loch Lomond Single Grain. It is a very versatile distillery; producing both malt and grain whisky and they have a big brand portfolio. From their range, I prefer the Glen Scotia releases. In the future, I hope to try some of the other brands within their portfolio.

The Loch Lomond Original whisky is a peated single malt aged in American oak and has no age statement. It retails for around R850 in SA.

Loch Lomond Original Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV: 43 %

COLOUR: Golden with green hints.

NOSE: Caramel, tropical fruit and toasted oak. There is a fresh green note to the nose like fresh-cut hay and green grass. Soft peaty hints with bits of roasted nuts and cereal.

PALATE: Green notes mixed with honey sweetness and vanilla. Green grass and fresh herbs mixed with fruity notes. Cereal and hints of bitter chocolate mixed with pepper and ginger and in the background delicate peat and smoke.

A bit of an alcohol burn. It needs some water to soften the heat and water brings more nuttiness, and lemon pepper balanced with caramel sweetness. However, the water softens the peat and smoke. Not very complex.

FINISH: Short finish ending in pepper and lemon peel.

RATING: GOOD

A bit young, with some raw sharp edges. Not very complex, and not the cheapest of single malts. The nose is the better part of the dram, but the vibrancy of the nose does not carry to the palate.

This is not my favourite of the Loch Lomond range. However, the subsequent releases does get better and more interesting and complex. Looking back at some of the releases I have tried, my favourite is still the Glen Scotia Victoriana whisky.

Also Read: Paul John Mars Orbiter Whisky