Category: Whisky Comparison Page 8 of 10

Whisky Comparison

A combination of side by side whisky / bourbon / whiskey comparison blog posts. A look at all the most popular whiskies and how they rate next to their rivals. From bourbons and Scottish whisky to blends and single malts. A broad collection of comparisons I have tried.

Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 yo Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/17/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Today I look at a comparison of 15 year old whiskies; two classic brands. These two brands go head to head all over the world. The Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 year old single malt Scotch whisky.

Both these single malt whiskies have iconic status worldwide. They are two of the most recognizable names in whisky. But what happens when you put them in a side by side comparison.

One from Speyside and one from the Scottish Highlands. Both spent time ageing in bourbon whiskey and sherry casks. Let’s start in Speyside.

Glenfiddich 15 year old Whisky

Review and Tasting notes Glenfiddich 15 yo Macallan 15 yo vs Glenfiddich 15 yo single malt whisky

The Glenfiddich is one of my favourite distilleries, and this release has a special place in my heart. I love the sweet fruity releases that consistently come from this Speyside distillery. Family-owned after all this time, everyone knows the classic triangular-shaped bottle of Glenfiddich.

The Glenfiddich 15 year old single malt Scotch whisky is matured in American bourbon, Portuguese sherry and virgin oak casks. The whisky is then mellowed in a handcrafted Oregon pine solera vat (that is always kept half full) before being married in Portuguese oak tuns.

The Macallan Fine Oak 15 year old Whisky

Review and Tasting notes Macallan 15 yo Macallan 15 yo vs Glenfiddich 15 yo single malt whisky

The Macallan Distillery started life as Elchies Distillery. The name changed, and it expanded as the demand for the product soared. Over time, the Macallan had become a premium brand and have some of the most expensive drams in the world. The Macallan is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Edrington Group.

The Macallan Fine Oak 15 year old is a single malt Scotch aged in a combination of bourbon oak casks as well as sherry casks.

Also Read: Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 year old Whisky

Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 yo Single Malt Whisky Comparison

	Macallan 15 yo whisky	Glenfiddich 15 yo whisky
Region	Highland Whisky	Speyside Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Golden straw	Golden red
Nose	Oak and orange blossom sweetness. It is rich and rewarding and invites you to dive in. There are faint hints of orange peel and honey.	Complex and rich with sweet sultanas, honey, stewed apple crumble with cream and caramel. Bit of oak and vanilla combining with hints of sherry and fudge.
Palate	Florals, barley, vanilla sweetness mixed with some pepper spice and nutmeg. Adding water smooths out the spiciness, but takes away some of the sweetness. Faint hints of orange blossom and fruit float about. I was expecting a lot more bourbon notes on the palate, but the bourbon notes are a very faint part of the vanilla sweetness.	There are notes of honey, oak, cinnamon and nutmeg spice, brandy-soaked fruitcake, hints of nuts perfectly balanced with more fruit and vanilla. Water just smooths out this already delicious dram.
Finish	Medium length and end in notes of oak, orange and spice.	Long and lingering with hints of malt, honey and cinnamon
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Great all round, well-balanced smooth whisky.	Rich, delicious, complex and easy drinking.
Price	$170	$80
Pairs well with	Wensleydale cheese or soft buttery blue cheese.	Duck, Grilled sirloin steak.

This side by side whisky comparison divided John and me. He loves the Macallan 15 year old, and I love the Glenfiddich 15 year old whisky.

The Macallan 15 year old bring notes of oak, florals, vanilla and orange blossom mixed with pepper and nutmeg. On the other side, the Glenfiddich 15 year old is brandy soaked fruit cake, nuts, oak and cinnamon.

The Macallan is bolder and more spice forward than the Glenfiddich. The Glenfiddich has a more elegant complexity with a nicer finish.

I love the creamy and soft fruity sweetness of the Glenfiddich, and it will probably be one of my all-time favourite drams. John loves the bolder, spicier notes balanced with the sweetness of the Macallan.

Looking at online ratings, it seems like more people prefer the Macallan compared to the Glenfiddich. The Glenfiddich 15 year old will always have a special place in my heart regardless. But for now, we are just going to sit back and enjoy these two excellent whiskies.

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Also Read: Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/09/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra whisky side by side comparison
When it comes to whisky, few names evoke the same sense of timeless sophistication as Chivas Regal. This renowned brand has been synonymous with exquisite whisky experiences for generations, and today, I will dive into a captivating comparison between two of its releases: Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra blended Scotch whisky.

Before we delve into the delightful showdown between these two whiskies, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich heritage of the Chivas Brothers. Their story dates back to 1801, with the opening of a high-end grocery store in Aberdeen.

At this emporium, they catered to an affluent clientele, offering an array of luxury products like coffee, spices, and imported French brandy. In the cellar beneath this store, the brothers embarked on a tradition of blending and ageing whiskies, setting the stage for Chivas Regal’s legacy.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs An Oa Whisky

In response to their patrons’ demand for smoother, more decadent whisky, the brothers crafted their first proprietary blend, known as Royal Glen Dee. Another blend, Royal Strathythan, soon followed this. As the demand continued to soar, the brothers made a strategic move by acquiring the Strathisla distillery in Moray, Speyside.

Strathisla remains one of the key components of the Chivas Regal blend and stands as the spiritual home of this iconic brand. Notably, Strathisla Distillery is the oldest continuously operating distillery in Scotland, with its roots tracing back to 1786.

The Chivas Regal brand is part of the Pernod Ricard group.

Chivas Regal 12 year old Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 yo blended whisky with glass Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra whisky comparison
Chivas Brothers’ journey took them across the Atlantic as they created a whisky blend for export to the USA during the early 1900s. This whisky bore the name Chivas Regal. However, the production faced disruptions due to Prohibition and World War II.

After these turbulent times, Chivas Regal returned as Chivas Regal 12 year old blended whisky. Chivas Regal 12 year old Scotch is a blend of various malt and grain whiskies, each matured for a minimum of 12 years.

Chivas Regal Extra Whisky

Chivas Regal Extra with glass Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra whisky comparison

In 2014, Chivas introduced a new whisky to their portfolio, the Chivas Regal Extra blended Scotch whisky. This creation gracefully bridges the gap between the Chivas 12 year old and the Chivas 18 year old.

Chivas Extra distinguishes itself with the absence of an age statement. What sets it apart is a slightly higher percentage of sherry cask-aged whisky in the blend.

Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra Whisky

	Chivas Regal 12 yo	Chivas Regal Extra whisky
Type	Blended Whisky	Blended Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Golden wheat	Dark caramel with red tints
Nose	Sweet with notes of fresh red fruit, custard, fresh-cut flowers and hints of dry wood. There is a green freshness on the nose that blend with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.	Fruity sweetness mixed with cherries, pears, warming nutmeg and caramel. Not overly sweet, but delicate and fresh.
Palate	Toasted oak, spice, malt and heaps of berry sweetness balanced with green notes. Water softens the spicy notes and brings out more creamy toffee and malt. Medium body.	Medium bodied whisky with notes of pears and cinnamon mixed with cherries, hints of dry oak and caramel. Not overly sweet and water softens and smooths out the dram.
Finish	Medium length that ends in notes of pepper spice and lemon rind with hints of fruity sweetness.	Fruity sweetness with hints of spice.
My Rating	Very Good	Very Good
Price	$37	$43
Pairs well with	Hazelnut chocolates, fresh tropical fruit, coconut, tuna and chicken satay.	Salami, smoked nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Caramelized apples.

When it comes to flavour, the Chivas 12 year old offers enticing notes of red fruit, fresh flowers, and toasted oak, with a well-balanced infusion of spices and creamy toffee.

In contrast, Chivas Extra showcases delightful flavours of cherries, pears, caramel, and dry oak, accented by subtle hints of spice.

The true magic unfolds when you taste these two side by side. Chivas Regal Extra’s sherry influence becomes notably pronounced, resulting in a smoother and more delicate profile. On the other hand, Chivas 12 boasts a spicier character, a more complex nose, and a longer finish, making it a favourite among many.

I took to Twitter to gauge the preferences of fellow whisky enthusiasts, and the overwhelming consensus favoured the Chivas 12 year old whisky, a sentiment shared by John as well.

Personally, I found myself captivated by the Chivas Extra, with its softer, sweeter, and more delicate notes. It provided the perfect warmth and comfort on a rainy afternoon.

As a parting thought, it’s worth mentioning that Chivas Regal has also expanded its lineup with Chivas XV blended whisky. Stay tuned as I plan to compare these three exceptional releases in the coming months.

Until then, savour the elegance and complexity of Chivas Regal’s offerings, a testament to the enduring legacy of this esteemed brand.

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Also Read: Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black Label Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/18/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black Label Whisky side by side comparison
I love a glass of Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky during the week. It is a bottle I replace quite frequently. Over weekends, however, you will find me with a glass of Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky. Why do I drink them so differently?

I have never tried them side-by-side. This past weekend I pitted these two bottles against each other. Is the Double Black really double the goodness?I think you sometimes get a better sense of how good whisky is if you do a side-by-side comparison. So today I look at the Johnnie Walker Black Label vs Double Black whisky.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Review and tasting notes Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 yo with glass Review and tastingnotes Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky with glass Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black
This whisky has consistently been one of the top-selling blends in the world since 1909. Johnnie Walker is considered the most widely distributed brand of Scotch whiskey globally, and this blend has an affordable price point. In South Africa, the Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch whisky retails for around R 320 ($39 ).

Johnnie Walker Black Label is a blend of about 40 whiskies from all around Scotland. It is part of the Diageo stable of brands. From the smoky Islands to the sweeter Speyside with some Highland malts in between. All the whisky is at least 12 years old.

Johnnie Walker Double Black Whisky

Review and tastingnotes Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky with glass ohnnie Walker Black vs Double Black

Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch whisky, released in 2011, takes the iconic flavours of Johnnie Walker Black to the next level. Diageo, Jim Beveridge, Master Blender for Diageo wanted to create a darker, smokier interpretation of the famous Johnnie Walker Black.

Double Black is matured in heavily charred oak casks and uses a higher proportion of Scottish West coast and Island whiskies to elevate the Johnnie Walker Black flavours to a new level of intensity. It retails for around R 500 ($ 56 ).

Also Read: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Comparison

Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black Whisky

	Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky	Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky
Region	Blended Whisky	Blended Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Amber with a little bit of red and copper	Polished amber
Nose	Richness, complexity and luxury. There are notes of smoke, sherry rich Christmas pudding, red berry fruits and nuts. Hints of vanilla with touches of malt.	Faint smoke, red berries and tropical fruit, Christmas pudding with heaps of vanilla toffee and winter spice.
Palate	A burst of peppery spices, followed by waves of smoke and oak. A robust, mouth-filling experience marked by a buttery richness in flavour. Subtle peat notes harmonize beautifully with the embrace of malt and honey sweetness.	Smooth and easy drinking with smoke and peat perfectly balanced with fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt. A creamy toffee sweetness with hints of spice and cereal. You don't even need to add water, but water releases a bit more sweetness.
Finish	It has a brilliant finish that builds slowly. The finish ends in notes of pepper, malt and citrus. Without water, the finish is better. Some citrus bitterness is released in the finish when you add water.	Awesome. Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, smoke, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice.
My Rating	Excellent	Divine
Comments	Big, bold and robust. Rich and delicious with a luxurious feel.	Easy drinking, affordable and rewarding. Full bodied.
Price	$50	$40
Pairs well with	Blue Cheese, smoked leg of lamb or a rump steak.	A cheese platter or roasted pork.

From the colour to the palate intensity, the difference is quite noticeable. The Black Label is slightly lighter in colour compared to the Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky.

The Black Label brings notes of smoke, peat with a toffee sweetness and hints of citrus blossoms. A fruity sweetness balanced with cereals and spice.

Double Black is spicier at the start but settles with notes of peat, malt and a honey sweetness. The Double Black finish is shorter and with more citrus pepper notes. The Double Black also has a softer peat profile when compared to the Black Label.

The strong point of the Black Label is the fact that it is more approachable, easy drinking and smooth with rich peat. It has more fruity notes and is slightly less spicy than the Double Black. The finish on the Black Label is long and rewarding and end in warming spices.

The Double Black is bold, vibrant and luxurious. Double Black is a more grown-up version of the Black Label whisky. It is the whisky to show you have arrived. The whisky to drink when you celebrate your achievements. The Johnnie Walker Black Label is like an old friend that pops around anytime and is always welcome.

These whiskies are both available via Amazon as well. You can see the Johnnie Walker Black Label and the Johnnie Walker Double Black Label by following the respective links.

Both of these Johnnie Walkers are excellent blended whiskies. I don’t mind either of these two in my glass! However, looking at how quickly the level in my two bottles go down, it is clear that I prefer the Black Label slightly more.

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Also Read: Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky

Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/28/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Comparison: Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye whiskey side by side
It is exciting to see more and more rye whiskies becoming available in South Africa. It adds a rich dimension to the whiskey tasting options available. Rye whiskey in South Africa is still relatively unknown, but slowly I am getting the opportunity to taste more and more of these spicier drams.

Today I am looking at a comparison between Sazerac rye vs Rittenhouse rye whiskey. From one of the first rye whiskies that I tried, the Rittenhouse rye to the latest rye whiskey I have tried, the Sazerac rye whiskey

Before Prohibition in the USA, rye whiskey distilleries dotted the Pennsylvania landscape. Rye was a popular grain in America. Rye grain is easy to grow and durable. Surplus rye was fermented and distilled, which was a cheaper option than transporting it to other areas. Rye has a more spicy palate compared to bourbons.

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

Review and tasting notes: Sazerac Rye Whiskey with glass Comparison: Rittenhouse Rye vs Sazerac Rye Whisky
Sazerac rye whiskey is produced at the Buffalo Trace distillery. Other brands in the Buffalo Trace portfolio include WL Weller bourbon, Eagle Rare bourbon, Blanton’s bourbon and Fireball Cinnamon.

Sazerac Straight rye whiskey is aged for around 6 years and the mash bill is not disclosed. It is suggested that the mash bill is the minimum required, around 51%. I love the old school bottle shape that stands out compared to the other standard bottles on my whisky shelf.

Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

REview and Tasting notes: Rittenhouse Rye whiskey with glass comparisong rittenhouse Rye vs Sazerac Rye whiskey
Produced in the tradition of the classic Pennsylvania or “Monongahela” rye whiskies, Rittenhouse Straight rye whiskey is an acclaimed rye enjoying a comeback throughout the USA.

Heaven Hill Distilleries produce Rittenhouse rye. It is aged for 4 years. The mash bill is not disclosed.

Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey Comparison

	Rittenhous Rye Whiskey	Sazerac Rye Whiskey
Type	Rye whiskey	Rye whiskey
ABV	40%	45%
Colour	Dark Gold	Dark gold with hints of red.
Nose	Spicy and rich. Notes of nutmeg, eucalyptus and vanilla. Faint hints of fresh cut grass, lemon blossom and liquorice.	Sweetness blended with a variety of spices. Bits of pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. Woody notes with red berries, vanilla and caramel.
Palate	Freshly baked lemon and sugar biscuits and spices. Adding water releases more vanilla notes. Rich spices including warming pepper with a hint of dry oak. Medium Body.	Toasted oak notes with spices mixed with red berry and orange flavours, bits of toffee. Cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper heat with a vanilla and caramel creaminess. Medium body. Water tones down the spicy heat and makes it very drinkable.
Finish	Medium length that end in spicy lemon pepper notes .	Medium length ending in pepper spice and orange sweetness.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Delicious and different.	Smooth and easy drinking.
Price	$30	$35
Pairs well with	Milk chocolate, ribs and savory cornbread	Aged cheddar, jambalaya

If I had to do a blind taste test between these two rye whiskies, I don’t know if I will be able to tell them apart. They are so incredibly similar. From the colour to the spicy notes, these two rye whiskies are very much alike.

What the side by side tasting has shown, is the subtle differences between them, which was interesting.

The Rittenhouse rye whiskey has a more lemony profile. Hints of nutmeg, eucalyptus and rye spices mingle with fresh cut grass and vanilla.

The Sazerac rye whisky has a more orangey profile. Caramel, cinnamon and oak mixed with red berries and black pepper.

Looking at only the oak notes, these also differ slightly from dryer oak notes in the Rittenhouse Rye to more toasty oak notes in the Sazerac.

I prefer the Sazerac Rye when I have these two side by side. The Sazerac Rye is somewhat smoother and more drinkable, but only marginally.

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Also Read: Pikesville Rye Whiskey

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/16/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Today, I delve into the intriguing world of Johnnie Walker whisky, focusing on two exceptional releases: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Johnnie Walker Gold Label blended Scotch whisky.

The showdown begins as we explore the legacy of the Gold Label 18 year old whisky, which was sadly discontinued in 2013, and its successors, the Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 year old blended Scotch.

Buckle up for a journey through time and flavour as we engage in a spirited bout of Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky.

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Whisky

REview and Tasting notes Johnnie Walker Gold Label Centenary Blend with glass
First, let’s pay homage to the legend that is the Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 year old whisky. Crafted in 1920 by Sir Alexander Walker himself, this distinguished blend was created to commemorate the Johnnie Walker Company’s century in the whisky business, tracing its roots back to 1820.

The Gold Label is a blend of 15 different whiskies, boasting selections like Talisker, Clynish, Royal Lochnagar, and Cardhu. Each of these whiskies has gracefully aged for a minimum of 18 years, resulting in a harmonious blend that Jim Murray himself deemed worthy of 96 points in his esteemed Whisky Bible.

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label Whisky

Tasting notes for the Johnnie Walker Platinum blended whisky with glass
Now, let’s fast forward to the present and introduce the successor, the Johnnie Walker Platinum Label. This gem marked the first addition to the Johnnie Walker “colour” series in a while.

Initially launched in Travel Retail, it soon became widely available and earned its place next to the coveted Johnnie Walker Blue Label. The Platinum Label doesn’t hold back either.

With a blend of malts aged for around 18 years, it stands as Diageo’s formidable competition to the world of 18-year-old single malts. This release weaves together a select few single malt and grain whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 18 years, all crafted in the elegant and sweet Speyside style, according to Diageo’s discerning standards.

Also Read: Singleton 12 yo vs Glenfiddich 12 yo whisky

Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label Whisky

Comparing the Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky

	Johnnie Walker Platinum Label	Johnnie Walker Gold Label
Type	Blended whisky	Blended whisky
ABV	40%	43%
Colour	Bright gold	Bright gold
Nose	Toffee sweetness, brandy soaked fruits with hints of orange and smoke. Fresh-cut flowers and butterscotch. Traces of vanilla and caramel intermingle in the background.	Malt and barley with hints of smoke, oaky spices and sun dried grass. Rich and complex with a fruity sweetness. Apples and cinnamon hints balanced with fresh flowers.
Palate	Mild spice and hints of oak. Floral notes, malt, cinnamon and oranges intermingling with smoke. Something peaty in the background.	Honey and apricot jam, hints of malt and cream, toasted oak spices with smoky hints. Bits of cinnamon and dried fruit, wonderful balance between sweet and spice.
Finish	Medium length and ends in notes of orange and spice.	Long and lingering with notes of honey and green grass
My Rating	Very Good	Excellent
Comments	It is an easy drinking whisky.	A lovely balance between the rich fruity notes and hints of smoke.
Pairs well with	Delicate fish or soft cheese	Dark Chocolate dessert or beef stew

When placed side by side, it becomes evident just how subtle the differences are. They share striking similarities, beginning with their nearly identical hues, which make the choice all the more challenging.

In the battle of Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky, both contenders are champions in their own right, offering distinct yet equally enchanting experiences for whisky enthusiasts.

The Johnnie Walker Gold Label whisky brings notes of barley, apricot jam and cinnamon. A fruity sweetness with creamy oak. The Johnnie Walker Platinum Label whisky brings brandy-soaked fruit, orange and light smoke. The finish on the Gold Label is longer and more satisfactory than on the Platinum Label.

If one were to nudge ahead slightly, it would be the Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 year old whisky. I found the Gold Label richer and somewhat more complex, with an outstanding balance. The Platinum Label is easier to drink and more approachable.

Whether you choose the elegance of the Gold Label or indulge in the fruity notes of the Platinum Label, Johnnie Walker continues to deliver exceptional blends that honour their long legacy.

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Also Read: Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR Whisky