Category: Whisky of the Week Page 4 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.

Bains 15 yo Sonically Matured Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/11/2023

In Grain Whisky

Here I am, once again, closing out the year with a bottle of Bain’s whisky. I ended 2022 on the Bain’s 15 yo whisky, my all time favourite, and this year, the last bottle I am opening is the Bains 15 yo Sonically Matured single grain whisky.

If you’ve been following my whisky adventures, you might recall that I tasted the Bain’s Symphony whisky in 2021. This was a 7 year old gem that spent three months in a unique ” sonic cellar” at the distillery. The Bain’s brand team played South African artist Tellaman’s music into the barrels, which caused the maturing whisky inside to move and constantly interact with the wood.

I was so smitten with that release that I stocked up on several backup bottles. When the Bain’s 15 year old sonically mature whisky was unveiled, it was a no-brainer to add it to my collection.

This year, the occasion was particularly special. We had just moved into our new house in a different country, marking the start of a thrilling new adventure. What better way to commemorate this milestone than by uncorking a bottle of our favourite South African whisky brand?

The Bain’s 15 yo Sonically Matured edition is a limited release that embodies the pinnacle of artisanal expertise.

Four casks of standard Bain’s whisky were aged for 15 years, after which they spent five months in a bespoke sonic cellar. Only 1,200 bottles of this triple-matured whisky were released, making it a true collector’s item.

Over the years, the distillery has unveiled a captivating array of releases, each with the unique Bain’s character and flavour profile. Notable mentions include Bain’s 10 yo Shiraz Cask, an expression that marries the rich, fruity notes of Shiraz wine casks with the elegance of Bain’s whisky.

There is also the Bain’s Founders Collection 18 year old PX Finish whisky as well as the Bain’s 21 year old Double Cask whisky.

Also Read: Toor Whisky

Bains 15 yo Sonically Matured Whisky Review

I have bottle 0282 /1200

ABV: 45.9%

COLOUR:Golden amber

NOSE: Tropical banana and grain sweetness with a nutty creaminess. Wet wood and hints of leather with black pepper and vanilla.

PALATE: The first sip brings wood spices before the tropical sweetness. It needs to breathe a bit before the sweetness can come through. Hints of vanilla and grain with a taste that reminds me of grilled pineapple dusted with chilli salt. Water allowed the fruity sweetness to come forward but also increased the wood note.

FINISH: Drying oak with pepper and vanilla.

RATING: EXCELLENT

John loved it. He prefers a spicier dram. My palate prefers the sweeter notes in the standard Bains 15 year old. I found the first sip overwhelmingly spicy, and only after adding a generous dash of water did the spices cool down enough to enjoy.

I looked back at my Bains 15 yo tasting notes; the most significant difference is in the spices. The tropical fruity notes are all still there, together with the creamy vanilla. The Sonically Matured bottle just has the extra spice layer.

Don’t get me wrong, the spices did not stop us from finishing the bottle. It is still a smooth, delicious grain whisky and another of Andy’s masterpieces. Fortunately, I have another bottle squirrelled away for the future.

Also Read: Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated Whisky

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/27/2023

In Single Malt whisky

There is a new Beastie in town! Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 year old Islay single malt Scotchwhisky is the latest expression to join the Ardbeg distillery’s permanent range. Barely three years after the launch of the Ardbeg An Oa whisky, the Wee beastie is the youngest Ardbeg in the permanent range.

In Scotland, a ‘wee beastie’ is any small and irritating insect. It references the Robert Burns poem about a timid little field mouse.

Also Read: Bell’s Blended Scotch Whisky

The Ardbeg Wee Beastie whisky has been matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. Comparatively, the Ardbeg 10 yo was mainly aged in ex-Bourbon casks.

The Wee Beastie whisky, at 5 years old, is half the age of the standard Ardbeg 10 year old release. Beasite retails for around £34 on Amazon . The Ardbeg 10 yo retails for £46 on Amazon. I wonder if the small price difference with the 10 yo whisky does not make the Wee Beastie a bit expensive. For an extra £12, you can get a delicious dram that is 10 years old. Is the Wee Beastie worth the price?

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 47.3%

COLOUR: Bright Gold

NOSE: Big and bold recognizable Ardbeg with seaweed, green herbal notes, bits of peat and medicinal notes mixed with coffee, smoky bacon and a soft fruity sweetness. Ripe baked apples, vanilla sugar with bits of burnt toast. Not the most complex nose, but intriguing enough to want to explore more.

PALATE: Peat and smoke with dark chocolate. Bits of fruity antiseptic lozenges with ash and salt. Green grass, bits of citrus and fruit sweetness with damp earth and oaky bits. Big and bold but with the sharp edges of a young whisky. There are none of the marine notes you find in the Corryvreckan or Uigeadail; the Beastie also has a softer iodine profile.

Water softens the sharp edges a bit. I finished my first glass without water. So I had to have a second glass to check. Carefully add water, despite the young profile and higher ABV, water dampens down the peat smoke if you add too much.

FINISH: Short compared to the Ardbeg 10 year old and not as complex. Hints of smoke and salt, bits of lemon pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

It might be a Wee Beastie; however, it is a small version of a big animal. The whisky shows all the big, bold promise of Ardbeg, but in a rawer format. It would be an excellent introduction to Islay peat for a whisky lover.

I do think it is a bit expensive when compared to the 10 year old release. However, it is a fun expression to have that shows the impact of time and wood on the Ardbeg spirit.

It makes for a fun side by side with the older brother and even with the Ardbeg An Oa. Go and give it a try and let me know what you think.

Also Read: Kilchoman Machir Bay Whisky

Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/20/2023

In Bourbon whiskey

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

Kilchoman Machir Bay Single Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/23/2023

In Single Malt whisky

My 4th peated dram for this year; the Kilchoman Machir Bay Islay single malt Scotch whisky. The pretty blue of the label matches the blue Indian ocean here on the island of Mauritius.

Kilchoman is Scotland’s most westerly distillery and gets its water from a spring on Cnoc Dubh, just above the farm. Kilchoman was the first new distillery built on Islay in over 124 years. Anthony Wills, a former wine industry professional, founded the Kilchoman Distillery in 2005 at the Rochside farm.

Anthony’s idea was to establish a small-scale, traditional distillery with a farm-to-bottle focus. The barley is grown and malted at the distillery, and maturations and bottling occur onsite.

Most of the spirit is matured in ex-bourbon casks from Buffalo Trace in Kentucky, and the remaining spirit is matured in Oloroso sherry butts.

Kilchoman launched the Machir Bay single malt release in 2012 as the Kilchoman signature plated single malt, and it is named after the spectacular 2 km long beach on the west coast of Islay. Other releases in the core range include the Sanaig, Loch Gorm and the 100% Islay Edition.

Machir Bay is peated to 50 ppm which is similar to Ardbeg or even Ballechin whisky. It is not chill-filtrated and has no added colour. It has no age statement.

Also Read: Michel Couvreur Peaty Whisky

Kilchoman Machir Bay Whisky Review

ABV: 46%

REGION: Islay

COLOUR: Golden hay

NOSE: Soft peat with hints of ash, citrus notes and freshly baked vanilla sugar cookies. Something fruity and floral in the background with a lovely sugar sweetness. The sweetness reminds me of a madeleine dusted with icing sugar, warm from the oven.

PALATE: Ash and Islay peat with a burst of fruit and creamy vanilla. Bits of peach and pear with malt and cloves. Salted caramel and chocolate biscuits with a floral note. A few drops of water are perfect for toning down the slight alcohol burn and bring a chocolatey sweetness to the front. Hints of heather and honey. Elegant and well-balanced.

FINISH: Medium length with drying ash, peat, lemon pepper and fruit.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Machir Bay is a lovely dram, subtle and well-balanced. The perfect peated whisky for here on the island. I prefer peated whisky in winter, but this release with the malt and vanilla notes worked wonderfully for our afternoon on the patio.

Peated enough to ensure the peat heads were happy but light enough to enjoy in our warm and humid climate. I need to pick up more from this distillery when we travel. In South Africa, Kilchoman Machir Bay whisky retails for around R940, and WhiskyShop has a few left.

Also Read: Scottish Cousin Whisky

Aultmore 18 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/02/2023

In Single Malt whisky

Today, I’m diving into the Aultmore 18 year old Foggie Moss single malt Scotch whisky. What immediately captures my attention is the enchanting name of their single malt collection: Foggy Moss. Just mentioning it conjures a vivid image – a hauntingly beautiful scene of fog weaving through the corridors of a moss-draped, long-forgotten castle nestled on the misty moors.

As it turns out, my imagination is pretty close to the mark. Aultmore Distillery is nestled in the heart of the Scottish Speyside region, specifically in Banffshire. This location often finds itself veiled in a dense, mysterious fog, which only adds to the allure of this remarkable distillery.

Aultmore’s story dates back to 1895, when Alexander Edward founded it. At just 25 years old, he joined forces with Peter Mackie to acquire his father’s land. There he establish the renowned Craigellachie distillery.

A few years later, upon his return from an extensive international sojourn, Alexander Edward commissioned the construction of Aultmore Distillery.

The word “Aultmore” originates in the Gaelic term “A t-Allt Mor,” roughly translating to ‘big burn.’ Here, the ‘burn’ refers to the Burn of Auchinderran, the pristine water source for the distillery.

Over the years, Aultmore changed hands, transitioning from John Dewars to Distiller Company and eventually to Scottish Malt Distillers. In 1998, the distillery found its way back to Dewars, a subsidiary of Bacardi.

Interestingly, the bulk of Aultmore’s spirit has traditionally been utilized in blends. The Aultmore 12 year old whisky was released in 2014, followed by the Aultmore 18 year old single malt whisky in 2015.

Notably, a range of independent bottlings of Aultmore exists for enthusiasts seeking distinct expressions of this fine Speyside whisky. The Aultmore 18 year old single malt Scotch whisky undergoes maturation in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and refill sherry casks.

Also Read: Craigellachie 13 yo Whisky

Aultmore 18 year old Whisky Review

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Old gold

NOSE: Delightful scents of fresh orchard fruit kissed by the morning sun, interwoven with nuances reminiscent of freshly baked Pasteis de Nata and the subtle embrace of sherry. Hints of lemon blossom, meadows swaying with tall grasses, and a gentle oak note greet the senses. In the background, there’s a whisper of light spice and a touch of cherries, all elegantly balanced.

PALATE: The first sip is akin to biting into a succulent, fresh peach dusted with vanilla sugar. This is accompanied by playful notes of lemon drops and a touch of greenery. As the journey continues, subtle sherry undertones merge seamlessly with the warm embrace of freshly baked biscuits and a gentle hint of oak.

A subtle nutty maltiness and a dash of pepper on the palate. Adding a few drops of water softens the slight alcohol heat. It brings forth the green notes, creating a complex and utterly delightful experience.

FINISH: The finish lingers for a medium duration, leaving notes of malt, oak, and a gentle kiss of lemon pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a delectable Speyside dram! Its oily mouthfeel gracefully carries a symphony of flavours. While it boasts complexity, it remains wonderfully approachable. Personally, I prefer it without water, savouring its natural essence.

After this enchanting encounter with the Aultmore 18 year old Scotch, I’m eager to embark on a quest to explore more from this Speyside distillery. It promises to be a journey filled with rich, flavours and stories from this historic distillery shrouded in the mystique of Foggy Moss.

Also Read: Inchmurrin 18 yo Whisky