Category: Bourbon whiskey Page 1 of 7

As the year speeds to its end, I was going through my bottles to find something different to try. A distinctive bourbon shaped like a pot still immediately caught my attention, and I couldn’t resist trying it. A reasonably unknown bourbon in South Africa, the Willett Pot Still Reserve bourbon whiskey bottle has a unique shape which drew my eye.

The Willett Pot Still Reserve bourbon is a creation from the Willett Distillery, owned by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD). Although the name indicates distillers, they only started focusing on distilling whiskey (again) in 2012.

Distilling ran in the Willet’s blood. John David Willett (born 1841) had been the master distiller for the Moore, Willett & Frenke Distillery. From there, the company moved through various generations of Willett’s until the early 1980s, when the distillery closed down. Subsequently, the company shifted its focus to independent bottling.

Also Read: Slaughter House Whiskey

In 2008, the company initially introduced the Willett Pot Still Reserve bourbon whiskey as a single-barrel release. The first batches were sourced from an undisclosed distillery, and bourbon enthusiasts have speculated that it likely originated from the nearby Heaven Hill Distillery, with the liquid ageing for approximately 8-10 years.

A significant turning point occurred in 2012 when the Willett Distillery underwent a revamp and started producing its own spirit. The description on the bottle changed from single barrel to small batch in 2015. According to Willett, each small batch of their bourbon incorporates around 12 barrels, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product.

While Willett’s journey into producing their bourbon is clear, some mysteries still surround their mash bill and the extent to which they’ve fully transitioned to their own product. Online sources suggest that the mash bill comprises a mix of 65% corn, 20% wheat, and 15% malted barley.

The Willett Pot Still Reserve bourbon whiskey is a non-age statement (NAS) release and is defined as a straight Kentucky bourbon, which means it must have aged for at least four years in new charred oak barrels. The distinctive pot-still-shaped bottle piqued my curiosity, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Whiskey Review

I have bottle 174 of 2101 from single barrel no. 4809. I assume that this is an older release and contain liquid from the unspecified distillery.

REGION: USA

ABV: 47%

COLOUR: Light amber

NOSE: The nose greets you with typical bourbon vanilla and cherry notes, accompanied by woody and spicy aromas. A delightful brown sugar sweetness intertwines with hints of dry orange blossoms, creating an inviting bouquet. While not the most complex, the nose is undeniably pleasant.

PALATE: As you take your first sip, the Willett bourbon reveals its spicy character with pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Dark brown sugar mingles with creamy oak and a herby undertone. Vanilla hides behind the cloves, with subtle citrus peel notes and ripe red cherries.

A tobacco-like chewiness lurks in the background. Adding a few drops of water tempers the spice and alcohol heat, allowing the brown sugar sweetness to come to the front.

FINISH: The medium-length finish leaves you with notes of oak, vanilla, and a touch of lemon pepper.

RATING: VERY GOOD

While it may lean towards the spicier side, it’s essential to remember that individual taste preferences vary. I found the Willet Pot Still Reserve bourbon whiskey slightly too spicy for my sweeter palate, while John thoroughly enjoyed its unique character.

It may not be the most complex bourbon, but it offers a smooth and drinkable experience. The bottle’s elaborate design adds a distinctive touch to my whiskey collection.

Also Read: How to pair whisky and cheese

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/14/2022

In Bourbon whiskey

In the ever-evolving world of whiskey, a gem deserves the spotlight – Uncle Nearest 1856 whiskey. As I reminisce about the good old days before Covid, when whisky shows were still a part of our lives, I recall the moment I had the privilege of trying this relatively new whiskey release in South Africa.

The Uncle Nearest 1856 whiskey was a revelation with a unique and exciting taste that I rushed to buy a bottle. Fast forward to today, and whisky shows are still a distant dream, but it’s time we shed some light on this exceptional bottling.

he Uncle Nearest whiskey brand introduced its 1856 expression to the world in 2017, and it comes with a remarkable history that’s as rich as its flavour. This story begins with Nathan “Nearest” Green, an individual who was formerly enslaved but played a pivotal role in developing Jack Daniel’s whiskey and the iconic Lincoln County process, which involves charcoal filtration.

Nathan Green, also known as Uncle Nearest, served as the first master distiller at Jack Daniel’s distillery. His influence was so profound that his sons also found their place at the Jack Daniel’s distillery. Remarkably, today, Nearest Green’s great-great-granddaughter, Victoria Eady Butler, is the master blender for the whiskey that pays homage to his enduring legacy.

Currently, this Tennessee whiskey is sourced from two (unnamed) Tennessee distilleries. It is distilled based on a recipe credited to Uncle Nearest that dates back to the late 1800s.

The mash bill is not stated but contains at least 51% corn and a high rye percentage. It was aged in new, charred American oak barrels. Uncle Nearest 1856 is a blend of whiskey aged between 8 and 14 years.

The new Nearest Green distillery is currently in Phase 1. It is on a sprawling 270-acre horse farm in Shelbyville, on the route to Lynchburg. Founded by Fawn Weaver and owned by Grant Sidney Inc., this distillery ensures that Uncle Nearest’s legacy lives on.

Also Read: Crown Royal Deluxe Whisky

Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

COLOUR: Dark amber

ABV: 50%

NOSE: On the nose, there are scents of dried grass, vanilla, and peaches, all drizzled with a touch of maple syrup. There’s a subtle green note in the background, with hints of distant charcoal smoke and a medley of spices.

PALATE: The palate is bold and robust. Oats mingle with vanilla sugar and maple syrup, followed by the warmth of toasted wood, nutty undertones, and the freshness of green grass. As the journey continues, whispers of caramel appear before the spices steal the show.

Expect a gentle pepper heat infused with nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and faint traces of dark chocolate. While there’s a hint of alcohol heat, a drop of water opens up the spices, making the nutmeg and cinnamon more pronounced, all while soothing the alcohol heat.

This whiskey is an exquisite balance of smoothness and sweetness, making it an absolute pleasure to savour.

FINISH: The finish is medium-length, leaving you with lingering notes of vanilla, oak spices, and a delightful caramel sweetness.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a lovely dram. Big and bold, but still smooth and unique. I loved the toasted oak notes in this whiskey. Together with the maple sweetness and the vanilla, this created bits of magic on my palate. It reminded me of a little of my grandfather’s woodwork bench and the smell of him creating furniture. This is a great whiskey to use for a whiskey sour cocktail.

Even more compelling is that Uncle Nearest is a black-owned whiskey brand that pays tribute to the recipe created by the USA’s first black master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green. This delightful whiskey is, in every sense, a win-win, offering a piece of history in every sip.

Uncle Nearest doesn’t stop at the 1856 expression; it boasts a lineup of other brand variants. This includes Uncle Nearest 1820 Premium whiskey, Nathan Green 1870 Single Barrel, and Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch whiskey. Each one promises its own unique journey through flavour and history.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Rye vs Jack Daniel’s Rye

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/06/2018

In Bourbon whiskey

I was captivated when I saw the bottle with its elegant floral adornments. There’s something enchanting about a distinctive bottle shape, especially when you can envision repurposing it once the contents are gone. The Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon whiskey takes bottle aesthetics to a new level.

Its unique, eye-catching design features a distinct shape and exquisite raised roses embedded in the glass.

The origin of the Four Roses brand has a touch of mystery surrounding it. Some sources suggest that Rufus Mathewson Rose was the brand’s founder and that it was likely named as a tribute to the Rose Family.

However, the version I find more enchanting is the romantic tale of Paul L Jones Jr falling head over heels for a charming Southern belle. Instead of proposing in person, he opted for a heartfelt letter.

Her response was equally poetic – she promised to wear a red rose to the local ball to signal her favourable response. To his delight, she wore not one but four red roses.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Sadly, the fact that Paul L Jones Jr never tied the knot hints at an untold twist in this love story. But let’s shift our focus to the liquid gold inside the bottle.

Four Roses employs a unique approach by using two different mash bills and five distinct yeast strains to craft ten distinctive bourbon recipes. The Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon whiskey boasts a mash bill consisting of 60% corn, 35% malted rye, and 5% malted barley, complemented by yeast blends that impart fruity, vanilla, and caramel notes.

Today, the Four Roses brand is owned by the Kirin Brewery Company. In addition to the Single Barrel, their portfolio features the classic Four Roses Bourbon and the Four Roses Small Batch bourbon.

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 50%

COLOUR: Dark reddish copper

NOSE: Fruity sweetness with some cinnamon, toffee, maple syrup, vanilla spice, hints of dark chocolate.Prepare to be greeted by a symphony of fruity sweetness intertwined with hints of cinnamon, toffee, maple syrup, vanilla spice, and subtle undertones of dark chocolate.

PALATE: Buckle up for a bold and spicy journey. While the fruity sweetness from the nose takes a step back, you’ll be hit with a robust burst of rye spices – think nutmeg, allspice, and cloves – with intriguing hints of dried fruit. Amidst it all, notes of bitter chocolate dance around toasted oak.

There’s no need to dilute this bourbon, as there’s no harsh alcohol burn, even at its high ABV. However, a drop of water works magic, coaxing forth more sweetness. The spices mellow, and the fruity sweetness takes centre stage, transforming the dark chocolate into luscious, chocolate-covered cherries.

FINISH: The finish is spicy with lingering oaky nuances.

RATING: EXCELLENT

This Single Barrel bourbon whiskey is delicious. Creamy and indulgent, it boasts a substantial body that leaves a lasting impression. There may be more budget-friendly options, retailing at around R700 at Whisky Brother.

Furthermore, its availability might be limited in South Africa. However, the experience it offers is well worth the investment. If you chance upon it, seize the opportunity to savour this gem.

Pairing this bold and spicy Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon whiskey with a perfectly aged steak is a culinary match made in heaven. Have you had the pleasure of enjoying this exquisite bourbon? Share your thoughts; we’d love your take on the Four Roses Single Barrel.

Also Read: Eagle Rare 10 yo Bourbon

Slaughter House Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/04/2018

In Bourbon whiskey

I love to explore the artwork on bottles. Many of the wine producers have re-invented their old fashioned, standard labels into works of art to stand out in a crowded market place. Especially in the last couple of years, there has been an explosion of striking and fun labels.

Whisky is slowly changing too, from the more traditional labels to fun and colourful labelling. Leading this change is the beautiful labels on the Douglas Laing Remarkable Malt releases including Timorous Beastie and Scallywag whisky and the beautiful labels coming out of Japan. Filled with flowers and soft colours, they stand out in between the dark traditional whisky labelling.

A few weeks ago, I found a bottle of whiskey from the USA with a colourful and striking label (and name). The Slaughter House American whiskey is a newish entrant to the SA whisky market, and I added a bottle to my collection. After reading a bit more about the Splinter Group (owner of Slaughter House), I noticed a wine connection.

A casual conversation between the Wilkinson family and renowned winemaker, Dave Phinney sparked an idea to mellow whiskey in seasoned wine barrels. Dave Phinney, the founder of Orin Swift Cellars in Napa Valley, California, is a very well known name in the USA’s wine and spirit industry. And so The Splinter Group started.

The Slaughter House label shows a butchers meat cleaver with a white backdrop. This image invokes a murderous intention similar to an old school slasher movie. Slaughter House American whiskey was released in 2015 and followed its first product, Straight Edge bourbon.

Also Read: Koval Bourbon

Slaughter House American Whiskey Review

The Slaughter House mash bill comprises 85% corn, 8% wheat, 6% rye and 1% malted barley. The whiskey spends 9 years in American oak before being finished in Orin Swift Cellars’ Papillon barrels (French oak barrels). It gives it a distinct Bordeaux barrel finish.

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 44%

COLOUR: Dark copper

NOSE: Vanilla, cinnamon and honey with hints of oak. The nose is rich and sweet and inviting and promises a sweet experience.

PALATE: The intense sweetness and vanilla do not translate into the palate. There are notes of hot pepper spices, stone fruit and oak with hints of honey. In the background, crumbs of buttered toast with marmalade. Medium body with lots of lemon pepper.

FINISH: Black lemon pepper with hints of sweetness.

RATING: GOOD

The nose was lovely and promised vanilla and sweetness, but left me with lemon black pepper overwhelming everything else in the end. It was so spicy that I did not finish my glass. I read quite a few reviews on this and was expecting a lot more. I don’t know if I have a defective bottle, but this bottle might be in my collection for quite a while.

Looking at my previous notes, I found another American whiskey that I have tried, the McCarthy’s single malt whiskey from Oregon. See my thoughts on this young release.

The range also includes Whip Saw rye whiskey and Partner Sweet Vermouth. Slaughter House American whiskey was awarded a Gold Medal and Best in Class at the 2015 Whiskies of the World competition.

Also Read: Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon

1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/12/2018

In Bourbon whiskey

My second bourbon for this year – the 1792 Small Batch Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. These last couple of years, I have been lamenting the fact that the variety of bourbons available in South Africa is declining. The bourbon selection was limited to Buffalo Trace, a few bottles of Bulleit bourbon, and some Wild Turkey and cheaper Jim Beam releases.