Category: Lifestyle Page 4 of 5

Top 5 Single Malt under R750

On 12/07/2016

Following my post last week on the ‘Top 5 Blends under R600’, I have worked hard to define my Top 5 Single Malt under R750. I have tasted a considerable variety of whiskies to sort the good from the bad, the cheap from the tasty.

Keeping it under R650 for the single malts have become impossible. With the decline in the currency and the general increase in single malt prices, I had to lift the price point to around R750.

But fear not, there are many delicious single malts at this price point. So, are you looking for a gift for your boss? You want to impress someone but not break the bank? Look no further, to my Top 5 Single Malt under R750 Edition. All available in South Africa.

Also Read: Gin and Olives Pairing

Top 5 Single Malt under R750

1. Glen Grant The Major’s Reserve Whisky

First up on the Top 5 Single Malt underR750 Edition: What a stunning dram! It is under R500 and delicious. One of the bottles I replace regularly. The Glen Grant Major’s Reserve is rich with spice, banana, green mango and pears. Notes of cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly balanced with malt, toffee and hints of oak.

2. Glen Moray Elgin Classic Whisky

I got this Speyside staple from my brother in law, and his taste in whisky impressed me. An excellent buy for a whisky lover. The Glen Moray is delicate with hints of malty sweetness, vanilla and oak floating about.

Fresh cut flowers, grass and green apples mixed with whispers of condensed milk and cinnamon biscuits. The Glen Moray has the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. It is a very easy drinking dram. The sense of lightness remains the whole way through.

3. Laphroaig Quarter Cask Whisky

This classic Islay dram squeezes into the list on the price point. But it has to be here! It is a delicious classic that is perfect for any peat lover. For me, the Quarter Cask epitomizes the Laphroaig style. Burnt peat, seaweed and iodine mixed with mild smoke and a surprising hint of spicy sweetness.

In the background lurk some oak, liquorice and fruity notes. The palate feels rich and thick, befitting a proper Islay whisky. The addition of water makes the Laphroaig Quarter Cask smoother and softens the medicinal notes. Big and bold!

4. Three Ships 10 yo Whisky

So glad I can add this exceptional Vintage to my list this year! Released earlier in 2016 and available for under R750, this South African dram is a MUST for whisky aficionados!

The Three Ships 10 yo Vintage edition has notes of malt, fruitiness, spices and fresh with hints of honey and butterscotch. Once you add water, peat and smoke are released, and the earthy character of this proudly South African dram comes through.

The Three Ships 10 yo has a beautiful body and is a nice big mouthful. Even without water, this is wonderfully smooth. The addition of water transforms the whisky. Water releases all the peaty earthy notes. But the peat is smooth, rich and not overwhelming. Perfect for someone who wants to expand his or her whisky tasting experience.

5. Checkers Private Barrel Co No 41 Whisky

Last but not least on my Top 5 Single Malts 2016 list, the Checkers Private Barrel Co No 41. This “Odd Bins” release from Checkers does not have a distillery name but comes in at a very affordable price. It is a 12 yo and has a fantastic taste for the price.

There’s a lot of toffee sweetness with a bit of spice. The Private Barrel Co No 41 is bursting with fruity flavour mixed with creamy, buttery fudge, toffee sweetness and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

The addition of water certainly brings out a lot more smoothness and brings some floral notes to the front. The strong point of this dram is the finish. It is probably one of the longest finishes that I have “tasted” in a long time. The addition of water seems to improve the finish.

Islay Whisky and Lamb Pairing

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/13/2015

In Lifestyle

Most of my whisky food pairings involve cheese. Whisky and cheese make for noteworthy combinations, and I have tried various kinds of cheese and whisky pairings. One of our favourites was the Laphroaig 10 yo Cask Strength single malt Scotch whisky and Stilton pairing. I enjoy our cheese pairings, usually as a late afternoon snack or after dinner as part of a cheese platter.

I wanted to broaden my whisky food-pairing repertoire, and when John came back from his Iceland expedition, it was the perfect time to try something else. The Scottish has been pairing whisky with lamb since whisky was first made.

Here in South Africa, this combination has not made it to the dinner table quite yet. Most of the meals, if served with alcohol, is served with wine or beer.

I had a lovely piece of lamb in the fridge, waiting for John’s return. I picked John’s favourite whisky region, Islay, for the pairing. The recipe for the rosemary and garlic leg of lamb is below.

Bunnahabhain 12 year old Whisky & Lamb Pairing

My first whisky and lamb pairing was with the Bunnahabhain 12 year old whisky; a non peaty Islay shisky. My tasting notes for the Bunnahabhain 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky included notes of rich, fruity sultanas and toffee. The Bunnahabhain has a nice mouthfeel with smooth notes of sherry sweetness, herbal nuttiness and salty chewiness.

There are notes of warming oak spice, vanilla, candied fruit and little hints of smoke. The pairing was acceptable, however, the rosemary and garlic overwhelmed the Bunnahabhain 12 year old whisky a bit. The lamb was smooth and soft and brought out a few more salty and smoky notes in the Bunnahabhain. I give this Islay whisky and lamb pairing a Rating: 3/5.

Ardbeg 10 year old Whisky & Lamb

Secondly, I tried with the Ardbeg 10 year old single malt Scotch whisky. My tasting notes for the Ardbeg 10 yo whisky included notes of peat and smoke, wonderful citrus and hints of vanilla. It continues to coffee and a bit of iodine. The Ardbeg 10 year old is a big complex whisky, but not overwhelmingly so.

It has enough peat to be typically Islay, but not so much that it would frighten a non-peat lover. Pairing the Ardbeg 10 year old with the lamb was amazing. The Ardbeg was robust enough to stand up to the garlic and rosemary and cut through the richness of the lamb.

The peat and smoke in the Ardbeg enhanced the lamb’s earthiness and made it deliciously tasty. I give this Islay whisky and lamb pairing a Rating: 5/5.

I wanted to try the Laphroaig 10 year old pairing too, but this Ardbeg pairing was so delectable, I finished all the lamb before I could try any other combinations. So, next Sunday afternoon, when you sit down with your lamb roast, leave the beer and the wine in the fridge and pour yourself an Ardbeg 10 year old whisky. You will be glad you did.

Rosemary & Garlic Lamb Recipe

Ingredients

5 big cloves garlic (more if you love garlic)
Handful of fresh rosemary twigs
Zest of 1 lemon
Olive Oil
Leg of lamb (bone in)
Salt
Black Pepper
Baby Potatoes
3 Onions
More Garlic
250 ml white wine

Take the lamb out of the fridge and allow it to reach room temperature. Heat the oven to 150 C. Remove about half of the rosemary leaves from the stem. In a pestle and mortar, mash 2 cloves of garlic with the rosemary leaves, some olive oil, the lemon zest, some salt and pepper. Put aside.

With a sharp knife, make small cuts in the meat and stuff it with the remaining garlic and some rosemary. Rub the lamb with the garlic and rosemary mixture from the pestle and mortar.

Cut the onions in thick rings and put in the bottom of a roasting pan. Pour in the wine and put the meat on top of the onions. Add the baby potatoes. We usually add a few (read many) more cloves of garlic to the pan as well.

Cover with foil and slow roast until nearly done. Roasting time depends on the size of the leg and on how you like your lamb. We roasted it for 25 minutes per 500g, but if you prefer your meat more well done, you can go up to 35 minutes per 500g.

Take the foil off for the last 30 minutes of roasting. Take the lamb out of the oven and carefully put the foil back on. Allow the meat to stand for 15 minutes before cutting. Sit down and enjoy with a glass of peaty Islay Whisky from Ardbeg.

Also Read: Smoked Leg of Lamb marinated in Black Grouse

The Top 5 Blends under R500

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/12/2014

In Lifestyle

Last week I about the Top 5 single malt whiskies under R500 available in South Africa. This blog post came about after a friend asked for some help in choosing whisky as a gift. This week, I continue with my recommendation and wrote a Top 5 blends under R500 available in South Africa post for this week.

These whiskies are all readily available in South Africa and will not break the bank. Additionally, they are all whiskies that we have personally tasted and rated over the last two years. These are whiskies that I rate Excellent or Divine. I have tried to include a variety to cover a broad range of tastes.

The blended whisky category was both a lot easier but also a lot harder to narrow down compared to the single malt group. There are not too many single malt whiskies available under R500. Most of the single malt whiskies retail for more than R500.

In the blended whisky category, there are too many to choose from. So, to narrow this list down to only our Top 5 blends was a bit more difficult.

Here goes, the Top 5 blends under R500 available in South Africa that you can buy with confidence. Don’t stress about Christmas presents; this list has you covered. And it wouldn’t leave you with an empty wallet.

Also Read: Helden Hickory Wood Spirit

The Top 5 Blends under R500

Ballantine’s Finest Whisky

This Ballantine’s Finest whisky is blended from more than 50 single malts (particularly Miltonduff and Glenburgie), as well as 4 single grain whiskies. I received this as a gift from good friends. It was the first blended whisky that I gave a rating of Divine.

The Ballantine’s Finest Scotch whisky has flavours of Christmas cake, dried fruit and muscovado sugar. In the background, there are hints of peat and smoke. Since tasting this, I have extended our collection of Ballantine’s whiskies with everything I can get my hands on. They are all amazing!

Black Grouse Whisky

This blended Scotch whisky is a peaty version of the regular Famous Grouse. Named after the Black Grouse, a declining bird species in Europe. Jim Murray awarded it 94 points in this Whisky Bible.

I truly enjoyed this whisky and rated it Excellent. Tasting notes include peat smoke, caramel and spice. Not only peaty and affordable, but it paired remarkably well with Indian food.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

One of the world’s most famous premium blends,Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch whisky. This 12 yo is a mixture of around 40 different whiskies. The iconic square bottle makes it one of the world’s most recognizable Scottish whiskies.

It’s also one of whisky critic Jim Murray’s favourite blends. With tasting notes that include winter spice and treacle, notes of wood smoke and creamy toffee, no wonder this is one of my top picks.

Monkey Shoulder Whisky

Rooted in malt whisky history and inspired by the malt men who still turn the malting barley by hand, Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky made from three of Speyside’s finest single malts. The distilleries include The Balvenie and Glenfiddich.

It has notes of barley, cereals and spices mixed with honey sweetness and vanilla. I gave this blended whisky a rating Excellent. It will also make a great addition to whisky cocktails.

Three Ships Bourbon Cask Whisky

This favourite blend was the first 100% South African blended whisky. The Three Ships Bourbon cask finish whisky has been finished in 1st fill American bourbon casks. The bourbon casks impart an appealing sweetness and spiciness to this great whisky.

It has notes of caramel and marshmallow mixed in between the cereal and barley. I rated this proudly South African whisky as Excellent and it just had to be on my list.

These blended whiskies are available at most major retailers. With Christmas coming up, I notice that most major brands are releasing gift pack versions of their whiskies. So not only do you get a great bottle of whisky, but there are matching gifts and special packaging. Well worth it!

Also Read: Tomintoul 10 yo Whisky

Top 5 Single Malts under R500

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/05/2014

In Lifestyle

A couple of days ago, a friend asked for some advice. She needed to buy whisky as a gift but did not know where to start. Walking into a bottle store can be a daunting experience. The sheer volume of products available makes choosing tough.

And knowing what whisky is worth buying on a small budget can be doubly difficult. And she needed to impress with something exceptional. I did some thinking and came up with my Top 5 Single Malts under R500.

I have also done a Top 5 Blends under R500 list. These whiskies are available in South Africa and will not break the bank. Additionally, they are all whiskies that I have tasted and rated over the last couple of years.

There is a glaring omission on the list. But as this amazing single malt whisky is as rare as hen’s teeth, I did not add it. However, The Three Ships 10 yo single malt needs an honorary mention. It retails (ed) below R500, and if you can still get your hands on one of the last few in the trade, grab it. It is worth it. But alas, not too many of them are left in the shops.

Here are the Top 5 Single Malts under R500 in South Africa that you can buy with confidence. As a gift for the boss or for your father in law. A special bottle for your boyfriend or your best friend.

Or best of it all – as a gift to yourself. Don’t stress too much about Christmas presents; this list has you covered. And it will not break the bank.

Related Article: Gin and Olives

The Top 5 Single Malts under R500

anCnoc 12 yo Whisky

This AnCnoc 12 yo single malt Scotch whisky is a typical non-sherried Speyside style, showing polished malt and a delicious spiciness throughout. It has a warm, complex palate and lasting finish.

I tried this whisky for the first time in Dullstroom during our visit to Wild About Whisky. It was so lovely, I immediately grabbed a bottle. It is affordable and easy drinking.

Ardbeg 10 yo Whisky

An Islay classic that is the favourite of many lovers of peaty, smoky whisky. The Ardbeg 10 year old single malt Scotch does not flaunt the peat; instead, it allows the malt’s natural sweetness to produce a whisky of perfect balance.

Even if you are not a ‘peathead’, this whisky is just perfect. I rated it Excellent. A perfect gift for someone who wants to try something new. This peaty whisky also pairs well with lamb.

Balblair 2000 Vintage Whisky

At a respectable 10 years of age, the Balblair 2000 Vintage single malt Scotch whisky is one of the youngest of the current offerings from the oldest working distillery in the Highlands region of Scotland.

I bought this bottle from Whisky Brother and sampled this single malt early in 2013. With tasting notes that include vanilla pod, toffee apple, lemon cream biscuits, it certainly was delicious.

Glenfarclas 12 yo Whisky

Another whisky I discovered on one of my visits to Wild About Whisky in the beautiful town of Dullstroom. Glenfarclas produces expressions in the traditional Speyside style, with a heavy Sherry influence.

I rated this Glenfarclas 12 year old single malt whisky as Excellent. It pairs very nicely with Christmas Cake as well. A unique whisky for someone with a sweet palate.

Glenfiddich Rich Oak Whisky

This Speyside whisky was aged for 14 years before being finished in new American and Spanish oak casks. The official tasting notes for the Genfiddich Rich Oak single malt Scotch whisky include vanilla, coconut, pine, cherry, sweet spice, tobacco and leather.

I bought this for John from WhiskyBrother in 2013. It is from one of the best-known distilleries in the world and will make a wonderful gift for anyone who likes whisky.

These whiskies are available through the Whisky Brother Shop in Hydepark, Wild About Whisky and most major retailers.

Also Read: Teeling Small Batch Whiskey

Smoked Leg of Lamb with Black Grouse Marinade

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/02/2014

In Lifestyle

About two years ago, I read a blog post by one of my favourite food bloggers, Drizzle & Dip. It was a recipe for Sticky Chipotle BBQ ribs that she made on a Big Green Egg. It sounded so interesting, and after doing some research, I knew that this is the braai solution we have been looking for.

I bought The Big Green Egg (BGE) for John as a Christmas gift. It took him a while to learn how to manage the temperature on the Big Green Egg, but he figured it out through trial and error (and YouTube) and have happily been smoking and braaing (BBQ) on the Big Green Egg.

His newfound confidence with our Egg has allowed us to start experimenting with new recipes. Lamb is one of our preferred meats, and there is nothing nicer than a juicy smoked leg of lamb on the Big Green Egg. But we wanted to try something different.

Some time ago, I did a post on the best whisky to serve with Indian food. Black Grouse whisky, the peated expression from the Famous Grouse, worked well with the curries we tried. My tasting notes on the Black Grouse blended whisky are captured here.

The mixture of peat and smoke is well balanced, and I rate this fresh and delicate whisky as one of the best whiskies that any Indian restaurant can add to their bar. Combining my whisky knowledge and cooking experience, I started experimenting with Indian garam masala, lamb and the Black Grouse whisky. And the results was amazing.

Also Read: Tiramisu with whiskey

Smoked Leg of Lamb with Black Grouse Whisky Marinade

2 kg of deboned leg of lamb

Marinade

4 teaspoons Minced Garlic
2 teaspoons Garum Masala powder
½ teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 teaspoon dried Rosemary
1 teaspoon White Pepper
30 ml Black Grouse whisky
1 teaspoon of meat spice

Combine all the ingredients for the marinade and massage into the lamb. Put it into a zip lock bag and let it marinade in the fridge overnight. Soak some hickory wood chips in water for an hour. Heat the Big Green Egg to 250F with the plate setting on indirect. Smoke for 2-3 hours until the internal temperature of the lamb reaches 130F (medium-rare). Take the lamb off the Egg and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

The smoke and peat from the Black Grouse combine well with the garum masala spices and garlic. This combination is further enhanced by the smoke from the hickory wood chips. The resultant flavours produce a leg of lamb that is rich and smoky with the spice and garlic notes in the background.

I think that the Black Grouse whisky is responsible for this rich, wonderful intensity of flavour. The result is a juicy, fall-apart soft, smoked leg of lamb. Just perfect!

I served this smoked leg of lamb with Jack’s honey maple sweet potatoes. Based on a recipe that I got from the Spring 2012 Whisky Advocate magazine. This recipe warrants a blog post all on its own, as it is so delicious. The Honey Jack Daniels’ sweetness combined amazingly with the smoky lamb and created the perfect summer meal.

During 2014, Edrington revamped the Black Grouse and released it as the Famous Grouse Smoky Black whisky

Another dish I made on my Big Green Egg was a Bain’s whisky chicken marinade which came delicious.

Also Read: Islay Whisky and Lamb Pairing