Category: Whisky of the Week Page 36 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.

Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/06/2020

In Irish Whiskey

In these trying times, savouring life’s little pleasures is essential. For many, that includes enjoying a glass of their favourite whiskey. Among the top choices in South Africa, right up there with Jack Daniel’s and Johnnie Walker, is the ever-popular Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey.

If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t sampled Jameson in a while, now’s the perfect moment to explore the intricacies of this quintessential Irish whiskey.

The Jameson name is synonymous with Irish whiskey, and with good reason. John Jameson, a Scottish lawyer, established the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin in 1780. The legacy didn’t stop with him; his four sons followed his distilling footsteps.

By the turn of the 19th century, Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey was renowned globally. But as with any great tale, world events took their toll on the Irish whiskey industry. The Irish War of Independence, subsequent trade wars, and Prohibition in the US all conspired to limit their access to the vast American market.

Also Read: Tullamore DEW Whiskey

During these challenges, Scottish distilleries embraced the column stills in the mid-19th century, revolutionising production. Unfortunately, the labour-intensive single pot still process that characterised Irish whiskey couldn’t keep pace with this innovative technique.

Fast forward to the 1960s, and a pivotal moment in Irish whiskey history occurred. Three of the four surviving Irish distilleries, namely Powers, Jameson, and the Cork Distillery Company, joined forces to create Irish Distillers.

Then, in the 1970s, they centralised production at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland. Today, the Jameson brand is owned by Pernod Ricard. This conglomerate boasts a comprehensive portfolio of Irish whiskey brands, including Redbreast, Green Spot, and Yellow Spot whiskey.

Other releases in the Jameson stable include the Jameson Caskmates IPA, and the Select Reserve. But let’s shift our focus to the main star: the Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey.

Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey Review

Jameson is a blend of pot still and grain whiskey. Like all Irish whiskey, it is triple distilled to give it the well-known Irish smoothness. The Jameson Irish whiskey is aged for 4 years in oak.

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV:43%

COLOUR: Gold

NOSE: The aromatic journey begins with freshly baked banana bread, tropical fruits, and spicy wood and caramel hints. It’s a delicious blend of grains with plums, pineapple, and banana. The complexity of these scents is both intriguing and delightful.

PALATE: Jameson Irish whiskey delivers a smooth experience. The medium body features subtle malt undertones, aniseed, vanilla, and traces of pepper notes. Although it’s less multifaceted than anticipated after the captivating nose, adding a splash of water can soften the pepper notes.

FINISH: The finish is relatively short, leaving a gentle combination of pepper and a touch of orange rind.

RATING: GOOD

Now, let’s talk about the experience. While the nose sets high expectations with its complexity and deliciousness, the taste doesn’t quite measure up. Jameson possesses the trademark Irish smoothness, but, in comparison to the Caskmate releases, it’s somewhat bland.

The world of Irish whiskey offers more exciting options. Still, it’s hard to deny that Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey excels in marketing, making it a recognisable choice. In my recent exploration of Irish whiskey, Teeling has captured my attention with its delicious releases.

Also, if I had to choose between Jameson and the Checkers Private Barrel Co. Irish whiskey release, the latter would be my preference. Nevertheless, Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey is an affordable night-out option perfect for crafting cocktails. I’ll reserve my Jameson bottle for those cosy Irish coffees.

In South Africa the Jameson is priced for around R 360 and in India it costs around ₹ 3059.

To truly appreciate the distinction between Jameson and other brands, I did a side-by-side with Johnnie Walker Black Label. The contrast is remarkable, highlighting the unique character of each.

Additionally, I explored how Jameson stands up against Tullamore DEW whiskey, offering insight into the diversity of Irish whiskey options. This is also makes for a refreshing cocktail if you mix Jameson Irish whiskey and ginger ale.

Exploring the ever-expanding world of Irish whiskey is essential to finding the perfect match for your palate. So, as we navigate the challenges of this lockdown, take solace in the glass of Jameson and the world of flavours it offers.

Also Read: Pairing Whisky and Pizza

The Balvenie 14 year old Caribbean Cask Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/13/2020

In Single Malt whisky

The Balvenie 14 year old Caribbean Cask single malt Scotch whisky; this is one of those bottles that I have to review before I finish it. When I find great chocolate I want to pair with whisky, this is often one of the first bottles I grab. Likewise, when looking for a whisky to pair with soft cheese, this bottle regularly comes to mind.

Only when looking back on my whisky and food posts and tasting notes, did I realize, just how much I relied on the Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 year old whisky for its fruity notes.

According to some research, the Balvenie Caribbean Cask Scotch whisky was launched to mark the 50th anniversary of David Stewart joining the Balvenie distillery. It has since become a permanent part of the Balvenie range.

Related Article: Glenkinchie 12 year old whisky

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask whisky has been matured in traditional oak casks for 14 years. Afterwards, it was finished in casks that previously held Malt Master David Stewart’s personal blend of select West Indian rum.

You can read more of the Balvenie distillery history in my blog on The Balvenie Doublewood, The Balvenie Portwood 1993 and the Balvenie Single Barrel whisky

I have paired the Balvenie Caribbean Cask with Lindt Excellence Blueberry Intense. The tartness of the blueberries cuts through the sweetness of the whisky. The dark chocolate compliments the toffee flavours of the whisky superbly. A great whisky chocolate pairing.

I have also paired it with a creamy South African Camembert. Another great pairing! This dram works well with a Brie cheese too. A very versatile whisky! One I will certainly replace it when the bottle is empty. So below my official tasting notes on this versatile whisky.

Balvenie 14 year old Caribbean Cask Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%.

COLOUR: It is golden wheat with flashes of ruby.

NOSE: Rich with sweet notes of ripe mango, pineapple and guava, toffee, Christmas cake and plump rum-soaked raisins. Hints of florals and malt intermingling with oak come to mind. Notes of fudge and lashings of spices.

PALATE: Without water, the fruitiness continues with mango and spicy notes, creamy caramel toffee and bits of oak, vanilla and ginger. There is a tipsy tart yumminess in the background. The Caribbean Cask has a creamy mouthfeel and is quite chewy.

Adding water brings more wood to the front and softens the spiciness. Water brings together all the symphony of notes in this whisky.

FINISH: Long and lingering, smooth and creamy. It stays around long after the glass is empty. Notes of light pectin and pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

This Scottish dram has me dreaming of a hammock strung between 2 palm trees with the ocean lapping softly at the nearby shore. It is memorable and evolves as you drink it. If you see one, grab it. It is a worthy addition to any collection.

Balvenie Golden Cask whisky, which is also a 14 year old and finished in rum. I did a side by side comparison between the Golden Cask, and I did a side by side comparison between these two beautiful drams.

Furthermore, I have done a side by side comparison between the Caribbean rum and the Balvenie Doublewood single malt releases. You can read all about how they differ.

Also read: The Balvenie Peated Cask whisky

Glenglassaugh Revival Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/09/2020

In Single Malt whisky

Today I look at the Glenglassaugh Revival single malt Scotchwhisky. What a great name for a whisky release: Revival. I realised that this whisky comes with a unique story. The Glenglassaugh distillery is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery located in the Highland Region.

It sits on a hillside, not too far from the sea. A local entrepreneur James Moir and his two nephews established the distillery in 1875. Another distillery connected to a grocery store, like so many others.

Moir had an expanding grocery business and wanted to establish a distillery that would produce a whisky for his customers. The site was chosen due to its proximity to a clean water supply, the Glassaugh Springs and easy access to the nearby barley fields.

Highland Distillers bought the company in 1892. In 1960 it was rebuilt and upgraded to double the production capacity and to yield lighter spirit. However, during the economic downturn of 1986, this small remote distillery stopped production. But there was a light at the end of the still.

Also Read: Mackmyra Svensk Rok Whisky

In 2008 an independent investment group bought the distillery from the Edrington Group (where it landed up) and started production again. They released some of the pre-1986 stock as exclusive releases and won various prices with their releases.

The first spirit distilled under the new ownership was bottled and released as Glenglassaugh during 2011. In 2013 the Benriach Distillery Company purchased the distillery.

That is why the name Revival is such a fitting name for this release. This distillery kept on coming back time and time again. The Glenglassaugh Revival single malt is the first single malt Scotch released from this distillery available for retail.

Glenglassaugh Revival Whisky Review

Revival has been matured in a mix of ex-red wine and fresh ex-bourbon casks and then finished for 6 months in ex-Oloroso sherry butts. It is a NAS release. It is not chill-filtered with no added colour.

REGION: Highland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Amber gold with green hints

NOSE: Green grass, pine needles, caramel sweetness and fresh earth. Dry apricot with bits of butterscotch and vanilla. Quite sweet.

PALATE: Drying oak, citrus and pepper. The sweetness promised by the nose does not carry through to the taste. Bits of sawdust, cocoa powder and bitter lemon. Medium-bodied. Not very complex. Water brings more lemon pepper forward.

FINISH: Medium with bitter lemon and pepper.

RATING: GOOD

This Glenglassaught is a very dry whisky. John described it as licking an oak plank. I found it quite astringent. After a finish in sherry casks, I was expecting more sweetness and red fruits, but neither of us picked up any of these notes.

I am glad that I only have a small bottle because if it were a big bottle, it would still be standing in my whisky room in 10 years. It did not put me off tasting more from this distillery, and I will continue to explore the Glenglassaugh Evolution, and Glenglassaugh Torfa releases over the next couple of months.

Also Read: Maraska ABC Whisky

Paul John Nirvana Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/02/2020

In Single Malt whisky

If you have been following me on social media for a while, you would know that I love whisky from the Paul John Distillery in India. I have tasted all the releases in their core range and loved it.

Additional to the core range, the Paul John Christmas Edition and Kanya release is heavenly, and I get very excited then something new appears from this Goan distillery.

During 2019 the distillery released the Paul John Nirvana Indian single malt whisky as the entry-level single malt to the core range and eventually it has reached South African shores.

Nirvana is a place of perfect peace and happiness. Nirvana is defined as the highest state that someone can attain, a state of enlightenment.

Also Read: Black & White Whisky

According to Paul P John, Chairman, ‘Nirvana is an expression for those willing and keen to experience single malts, especially for the first time. Its exotic richness is sure to captivate whisky connoisseurs and amateurs equally. It is an expression for those who discover happiness in their purpose of being.

Paul John whisky is created from the Indian 6 row barley (unpeated) and matured in charred American oak casks. The casks are stored in non-climate controlled warehouses. It is not chill-filtered with no added colour.

Paul John Nirvana Whisky Review

COUNTRY: India

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Deep Copper

NOSE: Malty and sweet with dry prunes, fruitcake and dark chocolate. Vanilla, tropical fruit and hints of cinnamon. A molasses sweetness in the background.

PALATE: Spicy notes make way for honey, butterscotch and fruity sweetness. Drying oak, vanilla and chewy barley mix with apples, cinnamon, ginger and bits of bourbon. Hints of fruitcake in the background with something coastal.

Like standing on the beach on a humid, windy evening with salty notes in the air. Very drinkable and utterly delicious! Water brings more sweetness forward.

FINISH: Medium length with sweetness and soft spices.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Nirvana whisky is delicious. It reminded me of summer evenings in Kerala with the warm, humid wind blowing through the palm trees. The Paul John Nirvana whisky retails for around R 500 in South Africa and is worth every cent.

I have seen it at Whiskybrother and Wild About Whisky. If you have not tried whisky from India, this is a great place to start. I have also tried the Paul John PX whisky as well as the Oloroso Select Cask release and both are lovely.

Also Read: Signature whisky

Arbiki Highland Rye Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/17/2020

In Rye Whiskey

Last year November, Iain Stirling was in the country to showcase the Arbiki Highland Rye single grain Scotch whisky. Iain Stirling is a founder and director of Arbiki Distillery. I had some other responsibilities, so I did not get to meet him.

However, this year, I have the opportunity to taste the new Arbiki Highland Rye whisky second release.

Arbikie Distillery is a ‘field to bottle’ distillery, situated on the east coast of Scotland in the Angus region. This Highland distillery overlooks Lunan Bay. The Stirling family has been farming at Arbikie since the 1920s.

John, Iain and David Stirling grew up exploring the hills of the Estate. It was over a few drinks in New York that the 3 envisioned the idea of building a distillery on the family property.

In 2013 the Stirling brothers began the 18-month long build of their small distillery in an existing cattle shed. They utilised the skills of the local farm’s mechanics and blacksmiths to assemble the stills. They grow, harvest and distil from scratch, maturing and bottling on the Arbikie farm.

Also Read: Tullibardine 1993 Whisky

The first spirit to run off the still was potato vodka, using Maris Pipers and King Edward potatoes grown on the farm. The Arbikie gin followed in August 2015. What makes this distillery unique is that they distil all their spirits in the same copper pot stills.

The focus is on operating sustainably, combining human intellect, science and art. The master distiller for Arbiki Distillery is Kirsty Black. Rye whisky is traditionally associated with America; however, records show that rye whisky was produced in Scotland during the 19th century. Arbiki Distillery hopes to awaken a Scottish rye whisky revival.

Arbiki Highland Rye Whisky Review

This Highland Rye is the second rye whisky released in Scotland in over 100 years, and the first 4 yo. The spirit was distilled put down in 2015 and aged in charred American oak barrels before being finished in Armagnac barrels. (From Cask 3, 5, 13 and 14)

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Rich gold

NOSE: Freshly squeezed orange juice, hints of orange peel, wet woody notes. Very distinctive and unique. Something reminds me of the smell of cherry Coke.

PALATE: Dry oak spices and pepper mixed with oranges, apricot sweetness. Full of flavour with only faint hints of the cherries I picked up earlier. Some alcohol heat and a few sharp notes. Water smooths out the alcohol heat and makes it very drinkable.

FINISH: Spicy with fruity sweet hints. Medium length and warming.

RATING: VERY GOOD

What a different and unique taste. This whisky is not like anything I have tried before. Slightly less spicy when compared to American rye whiskey, and it has a different spicy component. More orange and clove spices with hints of caraway. The Arbiki Highland Rye is warming and easy drinking. An interesting and different drinking experience.

I would love to see what happens to this whisky after another few years in barrels. It is a great beginning to a rye revolution that will add a new layer of flavour to the Scottish whisky landscape.

Since launching the first release of Arbikie Highland Rye, Arbikie won the ‘Best Newcomer Distillery’ at the inaugural Scottish Whisky Awards.

The first release of Highland Rye was completely sold out and only a limited number of second release bottles are available globally.

Sample disclosure: I received this sample from Arbiki Distillery. Though received as part of a promotional event, the review and tasting notes are my own honest, fair and independent thoughts about the whisky.

Also Read: Bulleit Rye whiskey