Category: Whisky of the Week Page 12 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.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/21/2022

In Blended whisky

As I rummaged through my whisky collection, pondering the perfect dram to cap off another incredible year, my gaze fell upon the shopping bag on the counter. It struck me that, once again, I had unwittingly bought the whisky that has graced my glass more frequently than any other (with perhaps the exception of the Bain’s whisky). This is the iconic Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch whisky.

Steeped in history, this whisky brand has maintained its position as one of the best-selling whiskies since 1909, making next year its remarkable 110th anniversary. That’s over a century of excellence in every bottle.

Widely acclaimed as the most globally distributed brand of Scotch whisky. Johnnie Walker Black Label blended whisky boasts a consistent taste profile coupled with an affordable price point.

I instinctively reach for Johnnie Walker Black Label whenever I am whipping up a Rusty Nail Cocktail. It’s a timeless classic that always stays in style. But let’s rewind and delve into this whisky’s origins.

Born in a humble grocery shop, the Walker family rechristened their creation from ‘Extra Special Old Highland Whisky’ to the illustrious Johnnie Walker Black Label in 1909.

Over the years, it has become the benchmark against which I measure all other 12 year old blends. Whenever I sip something new, I can’t help but wonder: is it as smooth, as easy-drinking, and as affordable as a glass of Johnnie Black?

Black Label whisky is a meticulously crafted blend of approximately 40 whiskies from various regions across Scotland. It reigns supreme in terms of smoothness and drinkability, setting it apart from its sibling, Johnnie Walker Red Label.

The Johnnie Walker whisky range is part of the Diageo stable. Other releases include the Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky and the Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky.

Now, let’s dive into what makes this whisky so incredibly easy to savour.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Gold Label whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Deep polished amber

NOSE: When you bring the glass to your nose, you’re greeted with a delicate wisp of smoke, red berries, and the warm embrace of Christmas pudding, generously adorned with toffee and hints of winter spice.

PALATE: As it dances across your palate, you’ll find it both smooth and rich, with the perfect marriage of smoke and peat harmonizing with notes of fruit, citrus blossoms, oak, and malt. There’s a toffee sweetness here, embellished with subtle hints of spice. Remarkably, you don’t need to add water, but if you do, it coaxes even more sweetness.

FINISH: The finish is nothing short of awesome. It lingers, rewarding your senses with a harmonious blend of fruity sweetness, citrus peel, velvety vanilla, and a gentle, warming pepper spice.

RATING: DIVINE

What a fantastic release . Johnnie Walker Black Label delivers an astonishingly consistent taste that remains unwavering no matter where you travel. It’s a fixture in my home, always ready to be enjoyed. In fact, among all the sometimes costly Johnnie Walker releases I’ve had the pleasure of tasting, this one remains my favourite.

It is a compelling testament to the notion that price doesn’t always equate to taste and quality. You can easily pick this up for around £25 on Amazon.

Black Label comparisons

I’ve conducted intriguing side-by-side comparisons involving Johnnie Walker Black Label blended whisky. How does it stack up against Chivas Regal 12 yo? Is the Double Black whisky a significant improvement? The beauty of this release lies in its versatility for such comparisons. I’ve even placed it beside a Jameson whiskey; the contrast is enlightening.

For those curious souls, I’ve engaged in a Black Label vs Red Label comparison as well as a showdown with the illustrious Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky.

I also stumbled upon a Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish whisky in Mauritius. Rest assured, I’ve meticulously documented tasting notes for this release.

So, whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or just beginning your journey into the world of fine spirits, Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky is a timeless companion that never disappoints. Pour yourself a glass and savour the history, craftsmanship, and sheer delight this whisky offers.

Cheers to a drink that transcends time and trends.Here’s to many more years of raising our glasses to Johnnie Walker Black Label.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker XR 21 yo whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/17/2022

In Blended whisky

On my recent trip to Mauritius, I found an interesting bottle of Johnnie Walker whisky in the supermarket. I had not seen the Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish blended Scotch whisky before and bought a bottle to try.

On the island, we had some time to explore this bottle properly. We love the Black Label whisky and always have a bottle around. So it made sense to spend a bit of time with this bottle.

The Sherry Finish is a limited edition Johnnie Walker Black Label initially released as a Taiwan exclusive. It is now available in more countries. According to the brand, this release combines the familiar notes of the Black Label whisky with dried plum and fig with aromatic vanilla.

Also Read: The Singleton Tailfire Whisky

Like the standard Black Label, the Sherry Finish is a blend that includes whisky from Cardhu in Speyside, Cameronbridge and Glenkinchie in the Lowlands and Clynelish from the Scottish Highlands. It was aged for 12 years and then finished in barrels seasoned with sherry from Jerez.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish Whisky Review

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Reddish gold

NOSE: It has the distinctive Black Label peat and smoky nose with an extra layer of sweetness. Red fruits, dried cherries and hints of sherry. Bits of spice and vanilla, with hints of dry wood.

PALATE: Peat and faint sherry sweetness with black pepper, red berries and caramel. Drying tannins and oak underlay the red fruits with hints of chocolate. On the palate, it is delicate and soft with none of the standard Black Label bolder notes. As the ABV was only 40%, we did not add water.

FINISH: A drying, peaty finish with bitter citrus and black pepper. Medium length.

RATING: VERY GOOD

I was expecting a bit more of the sherry richness to shine through. The sherry notes are subdued and somewhat out of balance with the peat and spices. The sherry finish adds a unique red fruit note but also tannins and drying oak.

Not bad, but if I have to choose between the Sherry Finish or the standard Black Label, I will take the standard Black Label whisky. I have to add that we quickly finished our bottle during our holiday. It will be a great dram for Johnnie Walker aficionados.

The serving suggestion for the Sherry Finish whisky is either on the rocks or in a tall glass filled with ice, topped up with a blackcurrant mixer and garnished with a sprig of mint or a slice of citrus. According to Johnnie Walker, it also pairs well with dark fruits, nuts and chocolate after a meal.

I have not seen it in South Africa, and I can’t remember what we paid for it in Mauritius. It was not too expensive, though; I see it retails for around R 650 worldwide. On Amazon you can pick it up for £33.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Select Casks Rye Finish Whisky

Rhino Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/10/2022

In Single Malt whisky

Today I look at a delicious whisky with a great cause. That is a win-win situation. A week ago, this bottle of Rhino whisky arrived. I love the design and packaging, and it comes with an extraordinary story.

Southern Africa is facing a poaching crisis. The killing of rhinos for their horns has reached unprecedented levels. In just a decade, more than 7,500 African rhinos have been killed in the mistaken belief that the horn can heal illness. The horn is mainly composed of keratin, the same protein found in hair and fingernails and holds no medicinal value.

Two friends were sitting around a campfire lamenting the rhino poaching crisis and the possible extinction of these magnificent animals. Tired of just talking, they decided to do something about it.

Also Read: Benriach The Smoky Twelve Whisky

Gerrit Wagener and Brin Kuchner (a qualified ranger) decided to create a whisky that would highlight the plight of the African rhino and give back to rhino conservation in Africa. They committed to donating 5% of all sales to rehabilitating orphaned baby rhinos at the Rhino Orphanage in the Limpopo province. And so Rhino whisky was born.

The Rhino whisky is a Scotch single malt whisky from an undisclosed distillery in Strathspey, the area around the River Spey in Northeastern Scotland. Rhino whisky is double matured in Rum Casks and bottled as a NAS release.

Rhino whisky retails for around R 590.00 and is available online via Takealot and WhiskyBrother & Co in South Africa and at a few select retailers.

Rhino Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Gold red

NOSE: Elegant tropical fruit sweetness with bits of baking spice and malt. Hints of cream and vanilla with a green undertone.

PALATE: Freshly baked vanilla shortbread and toasted oak. Then comes the tropical fruit sweetness with overripe guava and hints of honey and floral notes. There are hints of cinnamon and black pepper in the background. Nice balance between the oaky spices and the sweetness. Medium body. A drop or two of water brings more spices to the front.

FINISH: Medium length with malt oiliness and vanilla.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Rhino whisky is an easy drinking and approachable dram. Perfect for a novice but well-rounded enough for a connoisseur to also enjoy. The whisky worked for my palate as I prefer sweeter drams. This is a delicious whisky and will make a great gift for the whisky lover in your life.

The Rhino Orphanage

The Rhino Orphanage, a non-profit organisation, is the world’s first rhino orphanage. The orphanage is a specialist, dedicated, a non-commercial centre that cares for orphaned and injured baby rhinos with the only aim of releasing them back into the wild.

Visit www.therhinoorphanage.co.za for more information.

Sample disclosure: I received this whisky from the Rhino Whisky PR team. The review and tasting notes are my own honest, fair and independent thoughts about the whisky.

Also Read: Clan Denny Islay Edition Whisky

Wemyss Peat Chimney Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/03/2022

In Blended Malt Whisky

I have been looking through my whisky cupboard, trying to find something new to drink, a dram standing around too long that needs some attention. Something interesting for me to write about. I am a huge Wemyss Malts fan, so let’s explore the Peat Chimney blended malt whisky today.

I especially appreciate the Single Cask releases from this innovative bottler. They always come up with wonderfully descriptive names for the bottlings, naming the releases after a “distinct taste profile”.

I have Lemon Sorbet and Peppered Biltong in my collection. How delicious does that sound! Some of the new releases include ‘Jam on Toast’ and ‘Cherry Bakewell Pie’.

Also Read: Mackinlay’s Whisky

Wemyss Malts was founded in 2005, and it has been independently run by brother and sister duo William and Isabella, who are family of the Scottish Wemyss family. There are three blended malts released in the series, as well as batch strength versions. They include The Hive and Spice King. They usually are available in SA and retail for around R850.

Peat Chimney is a blended malt containing more than 10 single malts, with the signature malt coming from Islay to bring elegant notes of sweet smoke, salt and peat. Peat Chimney was launched in 2005. It is non-chill-filtered and bottled at 46%, same as all the Wemyss releases.

Wemyss Malts Peat Chimney Whisky Review

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: Light and elegant smoke, bits of peat mixed with some sweet fruit. Creamy cereal and salty notes with hints of stewed prunes.

PALATE: Stewed apple, bits of spice and hints of smoke and earthy peat. Caramel sweetness, green notes and hints of pepper and malt. Medium body. Add water carefully. Just a drop or two to release more fruity sweetness. If you add too much, it drowns out any smoke.

FINISH: Medium length with fruity sweetness and citrus.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The Wemyss Peat Chimney has a nice balance between fruity sweetness, smoke and peat. It is a gentle introduction for anyone who wants to explore peat and smoke.

I was hoping for a bolder mouthfeel and something with a bit more character. But that might be because I have been trying bold peaty drams this year that I was expecting something more memorable.

That is just me. The Wemyss Malt Peat Chimney blended malt is not a bad bottle, and we will probably finish it in the not too distant future. I might use this as a base to blend with other Islay malts to see if I can brighten it up.

Also Read: Compass Box No Name No 2 Whisky

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/26/2022

In Single Malt whisky

Time for a whisky from somewhere different. In celebration of World Whisky Day, let’s try a whisky from Taiwan. The Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique cask strength single malt whisky. On the 21^st of May, it was World Whisky Day. Dreamt up by Blair Bowman while studying at the University of Aberdeen, participants are encouraged to drink whisky on this day.

As if we need an excuse! It is a day to invite friends and neighbours over to try a few drams and celebrate the glorious ‘water of life’. It is about making whisky fun and enjoyable. Spreading the whisky word to people who have not tried it before. You should drink what you enjoy. Be it Scottish or bourbon, Irish or world whiskey – enjoy it and share it.

I have saved our last small bottle of Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique whisky for this special day. What better whisky to celebrate World Whisky Day with than a world whisky.

The King Car Group distils Kavalan. The whisky was named after the indigenous people who initially inhabited the area – the Kavalan people. Kavalan is the only dedicated single malt distillery in Taiwan. The distillery uses a similar production process as well as the same rules as Scottish whisky.

Kavalan had their stills made in Scotland, and they even have an Edinburgh-educated (Taiwanese) master blender – Ian Chang. Mr Lee, the distillery founder, is a big fan of classical music. There is a full-size concert hall at the Kavalan distillery. The Kavalan whiskies all have a musical connection like the Kavalan Concertmaster release.

The Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique cask strength single malt whisky was matured in used American oak wine barrels that have been toasted and charred again.

Related Article: Slyrs Whisky

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Whisky Review

COUNTRY: Taiwan

ABV: 57%

COLOUR: Ruby red amber colour.

NOSE: It almost looks like burnt caramel. Initially, the nose is sweet with hints of berries, cherries, fermented grapes and slight floral notes. Some vanilla and caramel are floating around. After a while, faint hints of oak and bitter chocolate emerge.

PALATE: It an almost sweet jam-like quality, followed by an unusual spiciness which lingers around for a long time, slowly dissipating away. There are notes of oak and fruit. It’s a rich mouth-filling dram that feels luxurious on the palate. The addition of water smooths the dram and takes away some of the alcohol heat. It makes the whisky easier on the palate.

FINISH: One of the highlights of this whisky.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Solist Vinho Barrique Cask is a rich complex bold, full-bodied whisky. It has complexity and flavour notes that complimented each other. Very well balanced. Now to find myself a proper full-sized bottle! It is a bit on the expensive side, but so worth it.

In South Africa, this release retails for around R 2 300. The Vinho Barrique whisky is big and bold; it lingers forever. What a beautiful dram. A bit expensive, but a dram I don’t mind paying extra for.

Also read: Macallan 10 yo Whisky