Whisky of the Week

Meandering the world, one whisky at a time

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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.

Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky

By

On 01/11/2021

In Single Malt whisky

Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky header
Amrut is a brand of Indian single malt whisky manufactured by the Amrut Distilleries in Bangalore. It is the first single malt whisky to be made in India. The brand became famous after whisky connoisseur Jim Murray declared Amrut Fusion single malt whisky as one of the world’s best whiskies in the 2010 edition of his annual Whisky Bible.

Amrut Distilleries Ltd was founded in Bangalore, Karnataka, in 1948 by JN Radhakrishna Rao Jagdale. The company initially manufactured Indian Made Foreign Liquor.

They built the distillery in 1987, and it is located on Mysore Road, roughly 20 km from Bangalore. Most distillers in India were manufacturing whisky by converting molasses to alcohol. In 1982, Jagdale decided to create a premium whisky from barley blended with malt.

Amrut Distilleries began procuring barley from farmers in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan. The company had a surplus stock of their malt whisky by 1995, and Jagdale allowed some barrels to age longer to see how they would turn out. Amrut, according to the company, translates as “Elixir of Life”.




The Angel’s Share

The whiskies had been ageing for almost four to five years by the year 2000. Amrut discovered that the hot weather in India makes whisky mature faster than it does in Europe or the United States. The fraction lost to the angels’ share is also higher, at 11–12% per year.

In Scotland, the annual evaporation loss is about 2%. Surinder Kumar, the master blender at Amrut Distilleries, estimates that one year of barrel ageing in India is equal to three years of ageing in Scotland. Launched in 2009, Amrut Fusion is produced using 25% Scottish peated barley and 75% unpeated Indian barley.

The two barleys are matured separately in oak casks in Bangalore for around four years. Subsequently, the two matured malts are blended in measured proportions and married for three months in ex-bourbon casks.

Also Read: Paul John Bold Whisky

Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky Review

Review and tasting notes Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky with glass
COUNTRY: India

ABV:46%

COLOUR:  A golden yellow.  It is quite an oily whisky and makes long fingers on the sides of the glass.

NOSE:  Quite subtle.  There are notes of oak, cereals and barley. There is a hint of bourbon in the background and very mild peat. After the addition of a bit of water, fresh-cut flowers appear on the nose.

PALATE: Without the addition of water, the palate brings oak and is very spicy. Adding some water allows the Amrut Fusion to open up, and it delivers a nice mouthful that hits you with lots of spice, very mild peat and sweetness.

There are notes of oak and bourbon with hints of toffee. This full-bodied Amrut Fusion has a wonderfully complex palate. It is a warming whisky with amazing character.

FINISH: The Amrut Fusion single malt has a stunning finish. It builds to a crescendo transitioning from spicy to sweetness at the end.  Most whiskies finish the other way around. The fantastic thing about the Amrut Fusion whisky is that it ends on a deliciously sweet note after starting quite spicy. There are notes of condensed milk with soft spices at the end. A thoroughly brilliant whisky for a cold evening.

RATING: DIVINE

This is a delicious single malt whisky from an amazing country. I could not find Amrut in Bangalore on our last trip in 2011 as Amrut only launched in India this past year. I will hopefully be going back to India in 2015 to spend some time with our friend Professor Sundar in Bangalore and then hope to visit this amazing distillery.

The Amrut Fusion retail for around £50 in the UK and ₹ 3,286 in India.

Other Amrut Expressions I have tried include the Amrut Kadhambam as well as the Amrut Intermediate Sherry whisky.

Also Read: Reisetbauer 12 yo Whisky


Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon Whiskey

By

On 01/04/2021

In Bourbon whiskey

Maker's Mark 46 Bourbon Whiskey header
If you’re a bourbon whiskey enthusiast, you’ve undoubtedly come across the iconic Maker’s Mark bottles, sealed with their striking blood-red wax tops. The golden liquid inside is as exceptional as the recognizable red wax seal.

My husband, John, and I are no strangers to the pleasures of Maker’s Mark. It graces our shelves quite often, but recently, our eyes have been on the highly anticipated Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon whiskey.

During one of John’s frequent travels, he managed to secure a bottle of this whiskey. And, to our delight, we’ve learned that Maker’s Mark 46 will soon be available in South Africa, making it easier to replace our beloved bottle when the time comes.



Now, the burning question is, what sets the “standard” Maker’s Mark bourbon apart from the Maker’s 46 bourbon? According to the website, Maker’s 46 is the first new addition to their lineup since the 1950s, designed to introduce a spicier dimension to their classic release.

The process behind Maker’s 46 whiskey starts with their standard Maker’s Mark bourbon. They insert heavily seared French oak staves into freshly emptied Maker’s Mark barrels, which are then refilled and returned to the ageing warehouses.

The “46” designation represents the culmination of countless experiments, with experiment No. 46 ultimately achieving the desired flavour profile.

Maker’s Mark is unique because it doesn’t include rye in its mash bill. Instead, it relies on red winter wheat (16%), corn (70%), and malted barley (14%) in the mash bill.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon

Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon Whiskey Review

Rewiew and tasting notes Maker's Mark 46 Bourbon Makers Mark 46 bourbon whiskey with glass
The Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon whiskey is aged longer than the standard Maker’s Mark, so the wood has a longer time to impact on the bourbon.

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 47%

COLOUR: Dark polished copper with red notes.

NOSE: The nose boasts a rich and sweet bouquet with notes of plump maraschino cherries, oak, vanilla, caramel, hints of honey, and buttery cinnamon toast.

PALATE: Rich and creamy. There are notes of oak, vanilla cinnamon, all perfectly balanced. The Maker’s Mark 46 has a big mouthfeel. It is smooth like creamed honey. After the second sip butter toffee, toast and hints of pepper show up. While water can mellow the heat, sipped neat’s just as delightful.

FINISH: The finish is long and lingering, concluding with notes of caramel, pepper, and vanilla.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Maker’s Mark 46 is a bolder and spicier alternative to the traditional Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey, featuring an oilier mouthfeel and a delightful complexity. It’s an easy-drinking and delicious bourbon.

Our bottle is rapidly depleting and is unlikely to last through September, making it a fitting tribute to Bourbon Heritage Month. We eagerly await October to restock this bottle.

For those looking to experiment, the Maker’s Mark website offers an array of amazing recipes, such as the Mint Julep Lamb Chops.

In another blog post, I conducted a side-by-side comparison between Maker’s 46 and standard Maker’s Mark, revealing which one I preferred.

With its distinct character and unique production process, this bourbon is a must-try for any bourbon connoisseur.

Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace Bourbon


Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Review

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On 12/17/2020

In Single Malt whisky

Glenfiddich 12 yo Single Malt Whisky header
Today, I look at the Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky. With its iconic triangular bottle, the Glenfiddich distillery has carved its name into the annals of whisky history as a stalwart producer of exceptional single malts.

This distinctive form, which graced Glenfiddich bottles from 1957 to today, has become synonymous with quality and character. As I delve into the realm of whisky wonders, I am particularly captivated by the Glenfiddich 12 year old expression. It has a matching green cover tin that befits its reputation.

Trailblazers in packaging innovation, Glenfiddich was among the first to encase their bottles in stylish tubes and gift tins. They were also among the first to embrace the significance of the duty-free market, cementing their status as pioneers in the industry.

These visionary strides have enabled Glenfiddich to remain a cherished gem of family ownership amid a landscape dominated by conglomerates.




The Glenfiddich distillery was founded in Dufftown, Scotland, in 1886, close to the Glen of the River Fiddich. This storied birthplace imparts the distinct Speyside character to its whisky, weaving tradition and terroir into every sip.

The Glenfiddich 12 year old Scotch whisky is crafted through maturation in a harmonious marriage of Oloroso sherry and bourbon whisky casks.

In my ever-growing whisky collection, I’ve reserved a special place for the Glenfiddich range, a testament to my admiration for their artistry.

A medley of Glenfiddich tasting notes line my archive, with a few standouts etching themselves into my memory:

As the gateway to the distillery’s offerings, the Glenfiddich 12 year old whisky beckons with an alluring promise of discovery.

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Review

Review and tasting notes The Glenfiddich 12 yo single malt whisky with glass
REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Bright amber. It’s quite a light colour. The whisky itself is quite oily and leave distinctive fingers on the inside of the glass.

NOSE:  First brings fresh fruit, pear, oak & honey. Hints of  yellow apple, honey sweetness and vanilla.  The addition of water releases more florals and faint spice in the nose.

PALATE: On the palate, the first impression is smoothness. It is wonderfully rounded with creamy wood notes, toffee and dried fruit. A subtle hint of pear mixed with spicy cinnamon and nutmeg. It is a very smooth, medium-bodied whisky that is not very complex. In my opinion, this is one of those examples of a whisky that most people will enjoy.

FINISH: Medium length. It ends with notes of oak and spice. There is a lovely oily mouth feel at the end.

RATING: EXCELLENT.

It is the perfect starter whisky for a novice in single malt whiskies. The Glenfiddich 12 year old is unpretentious, harmonious, and smooth.

Within the cultural tapestry of Afrikaans, there is a word: “staatmaker.” It evokes the essence of dependability, a quality that resonates beautifully with the Glenfiddich 12 yo whisky.

Another great feature is the affordable price. The retail price is around R 500 in South Africa and in India the price is ₹ 5,860.

As my journey of whisky comparison evolves, I’ve compared the Glenfiddich 12 year old with its counterparts – the Glenlivet 12 year old single malt whisky and the Singleton 12 year old single malt whisky – to gauge their distinct personalities when savoured side by side.

I have also experimented with the Chivas 12 year old and the Glenfiddich 12 year old to see how the blend match up to the single malt.  Follow the link to see my views on this comparison.

Pairing Glenfiddich and Food

Looking around at food pairings that elevate the Glenfiddich’s charm:

  • A pear and ginger crumble marries splendidly with the whisky’s pear undertones, crafting a dessert of heartwarming proportions.
  • The savoury allure of a charcuterie platter, laden with salty meats and creamy cheeses, works in harmony with the Glenfiddich’s notes.

In single malt terms, the Glenfiddich 12 year old Scotch is a must have in your cupboard – a testament to a legacy that encapsulates innovation, tradition, and accessibility.

Related Article: Tomatin 12 yo Whisky



Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish 11 yo Whisky

By

On 11/30/2020

In Single Malt whisky

Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish 11 yo single malt Whisky
During October 2019, the James Sedgwick Distillery invited a few loyal and enthusiastic Cape supporters to celebrate the Three Ships birthday at the distillery. What they did not know was that this not only was a celebration but a small consumer testing opportunity as well.

Andy Watts, the Master Distiller, wanted some end-user feedback in choosing his next Three Ships Master’s Collection release.

During the event, he gave the fans a few of his ‘work-in-progress’ drams to sample. Unbeknown to them, their feedback during the evening determined the 2020 Master’s Collection release.

A year later, they launched the new Three Ships Master’s Collection Edition. It is a limited edition Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish 11 year old single malt whisky.

During the launch, 400 bottles were available for purchase and similar to previous years, the bottles flew off the shelves. The 400 bottles sold out within 8 minutes.




The Shiraz Cask finish whisky was first matured for eight years in American oak barrels, before being finished in seasoned Shiraz oak casks for three years. The Shiraz casks were selected from across Distell’s wineries, and no specific winery was given preference.

This is the second red wine finish release from the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington. During 2016 they released the Pinotage Cask Finish 15 yo whisky, which was amazing,

Shiraz wine is typically a bold and full-bodied wine with notes of smoke, bacon, blackberry, blueberry and pepper spice.

James Sedgwick Distillery released only 2 994 bottles of the Shiraz Cask. The first 400 are sold, and the remaining bottles are available at leading retailers. The Three Ships Shiraz Cask retails for R 950.  The Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish whisky is non-chill-filtered.

Also Read: Bain’s 15 yo Sonically Matured whisky

Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish 11 yo Whisky Review

Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish 11 yo single malt Whisky with glass
I invited some friends to share this release with me on Twitter and have included their comments.

ABV: 51.4%

REGION: South Africa

COLOUR: Rose Gold

NOSE: Dry toasted oak, fruity sweetness with a hint of peat.  Red fruits, toasted nuts, honey and caramel in the background.  Bits of chocolate orange.

PALATE: Peat and spices. The fruity sweetness from the nose continues on the palate together with the caramel bits. Adding a few drops of water allows the complexity to come through. It enables the spices to become more defined, and now you can taste pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Dark chocolate and  liquorice. Despite the higher ABV, there is no alcohol heat, and I managed to finish my first glass without water. The peaty notes are a green Highland kind of peat.

FINISH: Complex with notes of drying oak, sweetness and peat.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Take time over this dram; it has so many layers to uncover. It is beautifully balanced between the spicy and fruity sweet notes.  For me, the shiraz shines through in the drying oak and red fruit notes. The shiraz finish softened the spicy notes.

You can pair this bold, spicy whisky with bold food choices, and I think the Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish whisky will work well with a big, juicy BBQ burger or grilled beef. Even a spicy sausage stew will match nicely. The James Sedgwick Distillery has also released a Bain’s Shiraz Cask Finish whisky which is rather delicious.

Also Read: The English Whisky Co Chapter 6 Whisky



Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated Whisky

By

On 11/16/2020

In Grain Whisky

Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated Whisky
A few weeks ago, we visited Dullstroom. After being housebound for the last eight months, we needed a change of scenery. We rented a small house in the town and spent the weekend relaxing. However, we did make time to visit our favourite whisky bar, Wild About Whisky, to try a few new releases. One of the drams they had available was the Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated single grain Scotch whisky.

It was just after I read the article on Malt Musings about the Loch Lomond Single Grain compared to the Tweeddale Peated and a few other releases. So I was glad for the opportunity to taste it as well. Let me say up front; I  liked the Tweeddale whisky so much that I bought a bottle. Now I can capture proper tasting notes for the blog.

Peated grain whisky is not readily available in SA, so it is a unique experience to try something different. Tweeddale claim to be the first peated grain whisky available. The Tweeddale brand started, like so many other blends, in a grocery store.

Also Read: Teeling Single Grain Whiskey

The Tweeddale blend was created by Alasdair Day in 2010 from a recipe discovered in his great grandfather Richard Day’s cellar book for Coldstream grocer J&A Davidson.

Tweeddale has been part of the R&B Distillers portfolio since 2015, also co-owned by Day. A new limited batch of Tweeddale is released every year. Currently available in South Africa is the Peated release and the Grain of Truth Sherry releases.

The Grain of Truth is non-chill-filtered with natural colour. Half of the malted barley is peated to 50 ppm, and the other half is from unpeated single grain (wheat). The whisky is aged in ex-bourbon casks.




Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated Whisky Review

Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated Whisky with glass
REGION: Highlands

ABV: 50%

COLOUR: Pale gold / light wheat

NOSE: Sweetness and peat balanced with fruit. There are hints of green apple mixed in with light smoke. Bits of creamy lime and oak. Delicious and inviting you to taste.

PALATE: Sweetness and peat. Spicier than the nose suggests there are notes of nutmeg and cinnamon with caramel and fresh orchard fruit. Some light chocolate notes with stewed pear. Delicious and well balanced. I finished my first glass without water. Bits of oaky spice and nuts with wisps of smoke. Unique and delicious, I had to have a second glass of this whisky.

FINISH: Slightly drying with oak, lime and cinnamon. Faint bits of fruity sweetness. Long and lingering.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a delicious dram. Easy drinking. Nothing like Islay peat and smoke with fish and medicinal notes. More of a Highland style peat and smoke with fruit, heather and burning grass. A dram I will be exploring a bit more over the summer. Comparing last week’s Loch Lomond Single Grain to the Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated would be quite tricky.

They are both delicious releases and will feature quite a lot over my summer. The Loch Lomond is perfect for hot sunny days; it is light and fragrant. The Tweeddale is bigger and bolder and more for after dinner drinking.

The Tweeddale retails for around R690 in South Africa, and I found it at Wild About Whisky, and I see that McBeth on Whisky also has some available.

This peated grain pairs well with a cheeseboard. The smoke and sweetness will work with creamy or harder cheese.

Also Read: Toor Whisky



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