Category: Whisky of the Week Page 10 of 77

Whisky of the Week

Whisky of the Week review and tasting notes for whisky, bourbon and whiskey from all around the world. Single malts, blends, blended malts, rye and grain whiskey tasted and reviewed.

Ardbeg Uigeadail Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/24/2023

In Single Malt whisky

In December 2013, I got some time to catch up on some of my blog posts. I initially tasted this Ardbeg Uigeadail Islay single malt Scotch whisky during July 2013.

My first introduction to Ardbeg was on Ardbeg Day 2013 when I wandered past Marc’s Whiskybrother Shop in Hydepark and tasted the Ardbeg 10 yo whisky.

Both me and John fell in love with it and walked out with our first bottle. Ardbeg has become one of my favourite distilleries, and my collection has since grown to a few more bottles, including expressions like Uigeadail and Corryvreckan.

I acquired the Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky on an online auction. The name Uigeadail derives from the Scotch Gaelic for ‘Dark and Mysterious Place’ and is named for the Loch from where Ardbeg draws its peat-laden waters.

Most of the standard Ardbeg releases is peated to about 50 ppm and the Ardbeg Uigeadai is a NAS release.

Also Read: Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa whisky

This expression marries the traditional smoky notes of Ardbeg with the sweet raisiny notes of old ex-Sherry casks. This release was launched 10 years ago and has won awards ever since. The Ardbeg distillery is part of the Louis Vuitton stable together with Glenmorangie distillery.

In 2009, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named Ardbeg Uigeadail ‘World Whisky of the Year’ – in praise of its “utter silky brilliance” and “complexity on a level only a handful of distilleries in the world can even dream of reaching.”

The 80,000 strong Ardbeg Committee also voted Ardbeg Uigeadail as their favourite Ardbeg. I was thrilled to get it and excitedly looked forward to tasting it.

Ardbeg Uigeadail Islay Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 54.2%.

COLOUR: Light amber. It’s a beautifully oily whisky, leaving delightful fingers on the inside of the glass. On the addition of water, it goes slightly milky – just beautiful.

NOSE: Nosing is unforgettable. Peat hits you like a wet cloth in the face. Smoke, iodine and medicinal notes follow soon after. You know you are dealing with an Ardbeg! Raisins, hints of honey and spice follow in the background. It’s complex and sophisticated.

PALATE: On tasting the Uigeadail, you are struck by how big a mouthful this whisky is. Peat and smoke fill your mouth. Notes of sherry and Christmas cake come through.

FINISH: Something else! The finish is long and lingering. Starting with raisins and honey, it ends with notes of pepper and espresso. Along the way, it evolves in complexity and richness and continues long after you have swallowed.

Its warmth seems to expand throughout your body. It is unforgettable. The Ardbeg Uigeadail is one of Johns favourites and a whisky he goes back to time and time again.

RATING: EXCELLENT

There is a perfect balance between the smoke and peat and the sweetness that the sherry casks bring. Complex, big and bold that stays in your memory long after the glass is empty, I know people how don’t like peat can find an Uigeadail overwhelming.

It is not a whisky for firs time whisky drinkers. In South Africa, it retails for around R1 100. The Ardbeg Uigeadail is one of the finest whiskies that you can lay your hands on if you love the Islay style.

This is a great whisky to experiment with in terms of side by side comparisons. I have tried the Uigeadail compared to the Corryvreckan single malt, the Ardbeg An Oa as well as the Lagavulin 16 year old whisky. All fun experiments that highlight the strong point of this Islay dram.

Uigeadail and Food Pairings

Pairing this whisky with food will be interesting. I can imagine fresh oysters and a glass of Uigeadail. When I get my hands on some fresh oysters topped up with a drop of lemon juice and a dash of Tabasco, I am trying it.

The Ardbeg Uigeadail also pair well with salmon sashimi. The saltiness of the fish and the soya should complement the smoky, peaty finish of the whisky. On the cheese front, a strongly flavoured cheese will do well with this peaty whisky.

I paired this peaty release with some Lindt Lindor dark 60% chocolate, and it makes for a delicious combination.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 yo Whisky

Black & White Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/16/2023

In Blended whisky

I love the older James Bond movies. After the passing of Sean Connery at the end of 2020, there was a Bond movie marathon on TV, and I noticed that James drinks Black & White blended Scotch whisky in Dr No. It also gets mentioned in Moonraker. I have a Scottie as well, so I had to at least try this well known and affordable blend.

Black & White whisky is a classic old blend. James Buchanan created the brand during the early 1880s and was initially called Buchanan’s Blend. It was sold in the House of Commons Bar and became known as the Buchanan’s House of Commons blend. The packaging was in a black bottle with a white label.

James got the idea for the brand logo and name change on his way home from a dog-show. The Scottish terrier and West Highland terrier on the label were added in the 1890s and became iconic Scotch whisky symbols.

Mergers and acquisitions followed, and the brand ended up in the Diageo stable. It is popular in France, Italy, Canada, Latin America and South Africa. In South Africa, it is priced in the affordable category around R170. Black & White whisky contains a high proportion of grain whisky. It is a NAS release.

According to some research, Physicist Richard Feynman drank Black & White whisky, as described in his book ‘Surely You’re Joking, Mr Feynman’. As the hubby is a huge fan of Mr Feynman, he was quite eager to try this blend. Needless to say, he was not very inspired by Mr Feynman’s whisky taste.

Also Read: White Horse Blended Scotch Whisky

Black & White Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Rich Gold

NOSE: Raw alcohol notes with caramel sweetness. I let the glass stand for a good couple of minutes for the worst of the alcohol, and mentholated spirit notes to disappear. Not the best introduction to this blended whisky.

PALATE: Grain sweetness with bits of vanilla, caramel and cinnamon. Not the most complex whisky. After the raw alcohol notes on the nose, I was not expecting much, but there is something drinkable in the Black & White whisky. Hints of bourbon and fruit. Adding water softens the rough edges a bit but makes it even sweeter.

FINISH: Short, with a caramel sweetness.

RATING: GOOD

The raw alcohol notes on the nose can be overwhelming. It was only after letting the glass breath for a good 15 minutes that you can get past the raw notes to the sweet grains on the palate.

I was expecting quite an unrefined and harsh mouthful, but the palate is softer and more drinkable than what the nose suggests. Not something I want to drink every day, but with a good mixer, it will be quite drinkable.

Water brings forward even more sweetness, so it can easily become just a bit too sweet. I would not mix this with something sweet, but rather something with a ginger or spicy kick to balance the sweetness.

Daisy, my Scottie, watched the tasting with her usual indifference and I think I need to add a Westie to the family just to get the picture right.

Also Read: Royal Challenge Whisky

Lagavulin 16 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/26/2022

In Single Malt whisky

If you know about peaty whisky, the name “Lagavulin 16 year old” is bound to cross your path. This single malt whisky has become a cult classic, often serving as the measuring stick for Islay peatiness.

It’s a perennial favourite among many of my whisky-loving friends, and today, I am delving into the intriguing world of Lagavulin 16 year old Islay single malt Scotch whisky.

Lagavulin 16 yo whisky, a cornerstone of the Islay scene, has long been celebrated for its distinctive character. My journey into the Lagavulin universe began with the Distillers Edition. Now, it’s time to acquaint myself with its iconic 16 yo counterpart.

Lagavulin is a historic distillery with centuries-old roots, situated in a picturesque bay along Islay’s south coast. The name “Lagavulin” translates from Gaelic to “Lag a’ Mhuilinn,” signifying the hollow of the mill.

Founded by local farmer John Johnston in 1816, it stands proudly within sight of Dunyvaig Castle. However, illicit distillation has been a covert art in these parts for much longer. For a deeper dive into Lagavulin’s rich history, check out the details in my Distillers Edition blog post.

Among Diageo’s “Classic Malts of Scotland,” a prestigious lineup with Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Glenkinchie, Oban, and Talisker, Lagavulin holds its own distinctive place. This distinction can be attributed to its meticulous distillation process involving slow distillation speeds and pear-shaped pot stills.

Lagavulin offers various expressions, including the Lagavulin 8 year old, the different Distillers Editions, luxurious 25 year old and 30 year old bottlings, and regular 12 year old releases. The Lagavulin 16 year old single malt whisky was aged in oak barrels and boasts a peat level of approximately 35 ppm.

Also Read: Tamnavulin Double Cask Whisky

Lagavulin 16 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: The nose has notes of liquorice, smoke, subtle hints of peat, and tantalizing fruity sweetness. Oak, iodine, and vanilla notes dance delicately in the background, creating a beautifully balanced olfactory experience.

PALATE: Dry oak and peat form the backbone, complemented by a gentle cherry sweetness and wisps of smoke. The medium body carries traces of iodine and tar. It is not very complex and somewhat one-dimensional.

FINISH: Lagavulin 16 year old whisky leaves you with a medium-length finish with lingering peatiness, hints of oak, and a touch of vanilla.

RATING: VERY GOOD

We exchanged slightly disappointed glances as I shared this Lagavulin moment with John. Our anticipation was high, yet the experience didn’t match the hype. While undoubtedly peaty with its signature smokiness and fruity undertones, Lagavulin 16 year old single malt lacked the depth and wow factor we had hoped for.

It displayed a few rough edges and didn’t quite live up to the impeccable balance promised by its nose. This particular bottle might be in my collection for an extended period.

The Lagavulin 16 year old Scotch is one of those whiskies that begs to be paired with a robust cheese. Imagine the intense flavours of Blue Stilton or Roquefort cheese intermingling with the peaty nuances of this Islay classic. It is a match made in heaven for any connoisseur.

In my ongoing series of side-by-side comparisons, I’ve ventured into a Lagavulin versus Ardbeg 10 yo whisky comparison as well as an Uigeadail versus Lagaulin comparison. Are you curious to see how these titans of Islay measure up against each other? Dive into the world of peat and flavour with my detailed analysis.

As you venture forth on your whisky journey, remember that Lagavulin 16 year old whisky is an essential stop on discovering the rich, smoky wonders of Islay single malt.

Whether it completely sweeps you off your feet or not, its legendary status is undeniable, making it an experience every whisky enthusiast should undertake.

Also Read: Loch Lomond Steam and Fire Whisky

Johnnie Walker Double Black Blended Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/19/2022

In Blended whisky

Time for a Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky. Black – a timeless colour that resonates with elegance and sophistication. Henry Ford once famously quipped, “A customer can have a car painted any colour he wants as long as it’s black.” His reasoning? Cost-effectiveness, as black was the only colour available in the quick-drying paint of his time.

Coco Chanel echoed the sentiments, declaring, “Women think of all colours except the absence of colour. I have said that black has it all. Its beauty is absolute. It is perfect harmony.” Black, it seems, stirs profound emotions.

In the realm of colour psychology, black signifies power and refinement. It’s a hue shrouded in mystery, denoting strength and authority. Black exudes formality, elegance, and prestige. So, it’s no surprise that Johnnie Walker chose to double down on black when crafting their exquisite Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch whisky.

Also Read: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black

Introduced by Diageo around 2011, Johnnie Walker Double Black elevates the iconic flavours of its predecessor, Johnnie Walker Black, to a whole new level. The maestro behind this transformation is Diageo Master Blender Jim Beveridge, who envisioned a darker, smokier interpretation of the beloved Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky.

Beveridge oversaw the maturation of Double Black in heavily charred oak casks. A higher proportion of Scottish West Coast and Island whiskies were blended into the mix, intensifying the already remarkable Johnnie Walker Black flavours. And thus, the Double Black blended Scotch was born, devoid of any age statement.

Johnnie Walker Double Black Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Amber with a little bit of red and copper floating around.

NOSE: On the initial nosing, you get a feeling of richness, complexity and luxury. There are notes of smoke, sherry-soaked Christmas pudding, red berry fruits, and a medley of nuts. Hints of vanilla intertwine with delicate, malty nuances.

PALATE: The journey continues with a burst of peppery spices, swiftly followed by waves of smoke and oak. It’s 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.

With a few drops of water, the Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch whisky becomes sweeter, smoother, and more approachable, albeit losing a fraction of its intricacy.

FINISH: The grand finale unfolds gradually, leaving you with lingering notes of pepper, malt, and citrus. Without water, the finish is undeniably superior. The addition of water releases a touch of citrus bitterness in the finish.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch whisky is that quintessential blend you can confidently request anywhere. It unfailingly delivers delight, turning even the dreariest of days into moments of joy. This dram is bold and audacious, a testament to Johnnie Walker’s commitment to quality. It’s a whisky worth stocking up on!

For those curious souls, I embarked on a side-by-side comparison between the classic Johnnie Black Label and the enigmatic Double Black. Is Double Black indeed double the delight?

Meanwhile, in Mauritius, I stumbled upon a release I didn’t see in South Africa, the Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry finish whisky, and embarked on a flavour adventure, capturing intriguing tasting notes for this distinctive release.

Also Read: Milk & Honey Elements Peated Whisky

Bain’s 15 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/12/2022

In Grain Whisky

The first time I tasted the Bain’s 15 year old whisky was about five years ago at The Only Whisky Show when Andy Watts had some in a beautiful decanter hidden underneath the table at his Three Ships stand.

It was love at first taste. I knew that this was what, for me, perfect whisky tasted like. Unfortunately, it took a year or so before it was released as a distillery bottling.

The Bain’s 15 year old whisky is the first in the Founder’s Collection series and pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain, who built the Bain’s Kloof Pass. More editions in the Founders collection include the Bain’s 18 year old PX Cask, Oloroso Cask, and Fino casks. The Bain’s range has also expanded with a 10 yo Shiraz cask and even a 21 year old Double Cask.

Also Read: Scottish Leader Original Whisky

Initially, only 2 000 bottles of the Bain’s 15 yo whisky was released in June 2018 for the Mandela Centenary celebrations and the special guests attending the Barack Obama speech and gala dinner.

Fortunately, the distillery released more bottles in travel retail and the James Sedgwick distillery shop. It retails for about R1000. I have also seen this bottle in duty free in Mauritius.

Bain’s is a 100% South African yellow corn single grain whisky. The Bain’s 15 yo started life similar to the standard Bain’s whisky with an initial maturation of 3 years in first fill bourbon casks before being re-casked for a further 2-3 years in a second set of first fill bourbon casks. Then for an additional 10 years of maturing in both 3rd and 4th fill bourbon cask before bottling.

Bain’s 15 year old Whisky Review

COUNTRY: South Africa

ABV: 52.5%

COLOUR: Golden amber

NOSE: Rich vanilla and tropical fruit. Banana and sweet pineapple with hints of toasted nuts, muscovado sugar and wood. A floral hints in the background with soft black pepper. Rich, inviting, and just perfect.

PALATE: Heaven in a glass. Tropical fruit salad sprinkled with vanilla sugar and freshly baked French palmiers. Creamy and sweet with hints of cinnamon, pepper and caramelised banana. Bits of toasted wood, dried fruit and marmalade in the background.

It needs no water and is perfectly drinkable, just like it is. More creamy vanilla and pepper come to the front if you want to add a few drops of water. Medium body and perfect for summer.

FINISH: Long and lingering with tropical sweetness, cinnamon and white pepper.

RATING: DIVINE

If I can take only one whisky with me to a desert island, it will be the Bains 15 year old whisky. It perfectly balances sweetness and spices but is light and ideal for island sunshine. The Bain’s have the perfect level of spicy vanilla sweetness balanced with wood and tropical fruit to keep me happy for a long, long time. A true masterpiece!

I have also tasted the Bain’s 15 year old Sonically Matured whisky and have captured my tasting notes for this release as well.