Every month, WhiskyBrother & Co publish their top 5 sellers for the month. It is always interesting to see the old favourites (Glenmorangie, Ardbeg and Glendronach) share space with newcomers. The June the list had an exciting surprise. A South African whisky aged in Brandy Casks – Boplaas single grain whisky.
Obviously, after Ardbeg Day at the end of May, it was expected that the Ardbeg Kelpie would make an appearance. However, number 2 on the list was unusual.
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I saw the Boplaas whisky a while ago on social media and managed to grab a bottle. It is great to see that this local release is getting more exposure. I was rather intrigued by this SA release and did some more research on Boplaas.
The Boplaas Family Vineyards in Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo is known for crafting and distilling pot still brandy, port and wines. The brandy distillery dates back to 1880, with the first order of brandy sent to Cape Town harbour for export to London.
In the early 1920s, the distilling license was repealed, and the pot still stood dormant for nearly 70 years. However, it was fired up again in 1989, and in 1994, Boplaas released the very first estate brandy – the Boplaas 5 yo potstill estate brandy.
The Boplaas brandy, ports and wine have won numerous prizes around the world. I have also seen a Boplaas gin but is yet to get my hands on this one.
The Boplaas Whisky is a blended cask-aged grain whisky.It is made from maize, and distilled to an alcohol content of 93% and then diluted with distilled water to 68% strength. The ageing takes place in American oak barrels for between 54 and 60 months. The spirit is then finished in Boplaas brandy barrels for a short time. The Boplaas single grain whisky is bottled unfiltered.
COUNTRY: South Africa.
ABV: 43%
COLOUR: Golden amber
NOSE: Brandy and sweet fruits. Bits of vanilla. Let it breathe for a bit to allow some of the alcohol notes to disappear.
PALATE: Brandy, sweet fruit, cinnamon and bits of orange peel. Hits of wood. Medium body. Not too complex. Water smoothes out the alcohol bite but releases more of the sweetness.
FINISH: Brandy and spices
RATING: VERY GOOD
There is no age statement on the Boplaas, and it drinks more than a 3 yo than a 5 yo. It is not the most complex of whiskies, with mainly brandy fruitiness. After my experience with the Schoonspruit, I opened this bottle with reluctance. It is not a Bain’s Grain whisky, but it has potential. It is better than the Wild Reeds and a few of the well known Scottish releases I have tried over the years.
I shared it with a few whisky loving friends, and they all agreed. It has definite potential and was better than expected. Have you tried this South African release?
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