Category: Whisky of the Week Page 57 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.

Loch Lomond Single Grain Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/27/2016

In Grain Whisky

A month or two ago, I found an affordable new distillery release at our local Checkers and grabbed it immediately. It was a Loch Lomond single grain whisky. Not too long afterwards, I got invited to the Checkers launch of this same release and accepted with great anticipation.

It is exciting to see Checkers go to great lengths to bring a broader range of reasonably priced whiskies to SA. Loch Lomond is just the latest in a long line of prominent brands that Checkers is building relationships with.

The Littlemill Distillery Company Ltd built the distillery in 1965. In 1984 the distillery fell silent, but shareholders bought the company and created the Loch Lomond Distillery Company. Malt production restarted in 1987, and grain whisky production began in 1993.

Loch Lomond has an unusual set up of stills. It allows them to release a variety of bottlings. There were three sets of stills; two were fitted with rectification columns as well as five continuous stills.

Bottlings under the names: Inchmurrin, Inchmoan, Inchfad, Crotengea, Glen Douglass, Craiglodge and, Loch Lomond comes out of the one distillery.

Loch Lomond marks the boundary between the Lowlands and the Highlands of Scotland and is classified as a Highland whisky. It is also the brand name of the whisky consumed by Captain Haddock in Hergé’s famous comic book series “The Adventures of Tintin”.

This Loch Lomond release (and a few others from this distillery) is available at Checkers Liquor stores and definitely in the affordable price range.

Also Read: Teeling Single Grain Whiskey

Loch Lomond Single Grain Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: It is one of the lightest colour spirits I have in my collection. It has a pale yellow colour with green hints.

NOSE: The first thing that strikes me about the nose of this single grain is that it’s very clean. I get malt and freshly baked cookies, flowers and grass mixed with juniper berries and fruit. Hints of butterscotch and vanilla come through. The nose is not very complicated.

PALATE: Initially surprisingly spicy with hints of fruit and almond floating around. Citrus zest from the nose is present, and the whisky has a medium mouthfeel. The dram needs a few drops of water to release the fruity notes. The addition of the water improves the drinking experience and makes it smoother.

FINISH: Medium length and ends in notes of citrus peel and vanilla sweetness.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It seems like this dram is just a tad too young. For me, it feels like there are a few rough ends to this whisky. A little bit longer in barrels might smooth this whisky out and create a more of a rounded integrated feeling.

Not a bad whisky at all! It is a versatile addition to my collection. And it is affordable as well. In South Africa, it retails for around R350. With all the spicy notes, it might make an excellent dram to pair with food. Let me go and experiment.

Have you tried this Loch Lomond release? I have also tried the Loch Lomond Original whisky, and you can read all about it to. There is a new batch of Single Grain available with a new label, and I captured my tasting notes about it as well

Also Read: Glen Scotia Victoriana whisky

Bowmore 12 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/20/2016

In Single Malt whisky

This is a dram I have tried a few times with food, but never written about. The definition of Enigma is a thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. Will this Bowmore 12 year old Enigma single malt Scotch whisky show its secrets?

Situated on the Inner Hebrides, the Bowmore distillery lies on the South-Eastern shore of Loch Indaal. Loch Indaal is a sea lock that opens out into the Atlantic Ocean. On the other side, sits Bruichladdich.

Islay is the Queen of the Hebrides. Early hunter-gatherers have inhabited Islay from around 7500 BC, and the area is seen as an archaeological treasure trove.

John P Simons established the distillery in 1779, before passing ownership to the Mutter family in 1837. It has changed ownership a few times since and is now owned by Suntory.

Similar to the Islay whiskies, Bowmore is known for their peaty smokiness due to their peat-fired kiln. Looking at Islay on a map, I want to get on a plane to go and explore! The island is home to only around 3 000 people and eight distilleries.

The Bowmore Enigma is a 12 year old Islay single malt whisky with a higher proportion of sherry matured spirit than the standard bottling. The Bowmore 12 yo Enigma Scotch is bottled for the travel retail market.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 yo whisky

Bowmore 12 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Darkish gold

NOSE: Initially the nose is sweet quite sweet with a sticky, overripe fruit sweetness to it. Oak, peat and bits of grassiness follow. Hints of sherried fruit, grape jam, candied Christmas pudding float about.

PALATE: The Bowmore Enigma has an interesting palate. In the beginning, there are lots of peat, oak and spice and then slowly transforms, and burnt caramel comes through. There are notes of peat and ashy smoke with a few sharp alcohol edges mixed with bitter citrus in the background.

It starts boldly but dissolved into a thin drinking experience at the end. Adding a few drops of water smooths out the rough edges, but take away the bit of complexity and almost neutralises some of the interesting bits to this dram.

FINISH: Medium length and end in notes of oak, smoke and pectin.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It seems that the notes just don’t gel together. It is as if the flavours are disjointed. This 12 year old Bowmore Enigma is appropriately named. It is a bit of an enigma. The Bowmore Enigma single malt leaves you hanging in terms of what it’s trying to be. Is it sweet, peat or smoky? Nothing fits quite right. It does, however, work very nicely with Blue Tower Cheese.

What did you think of this Enigma?

Also read: Longmorn 15 yo whisky

Ballantine’s 17 yo Scapa Signature Distillery Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/13/2016

In Blended whisky

Today I look at the Ballantine’s 17 yo Scapa Signature Distillery blended Scotch whisky. I have often written about my love for Ballantine’s whisky.

Ballantine’s Finest was the first blended dram to earn a Divine rating. The highest rating on my rating scale. I try to extend my Ballantine’s whisky collection whenever I can. I also love the standard 17 year old whisky from Ballantine’s.

Then I saw that Chivas Brothers launched four Ballantine’s expressions under the new line, Signature Distillery Editions. Scapa (targeted at the Korean market), Glenburgie (release for travel retail), Miltonduff and Glentauchers.

According to Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s master blender:
“Ballantine’s 17 Year Old is a blend of more than 40 different malt and grain whiskies from all over Scotland, but Scapa, Glenburgie, Miltonduff and Glentauchers stand out as having played a monumental role in the blending process of our master blenders over the years.”

The Signature Distillery Editions are intended to highlight each of the blend’s major contributing distilleries’ character and influence.

The Ballantine’s 17 yo Scapa Signature Distillery Edition whisky has been created to enhance the influence of Scapa and to highlight this Orcadian part. Situated on the island of Orkney in the Northern Highlands, Scapa is not far from Highland Park.

John managed to find a bottle on his travels and brought it home. However, this blend has stood on my shelf for nearly a year, and I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to taste it. Today turned out to be that opportunity.

Also Read: Glengoyne 17 year old whisky

Ballantine’s 17 yo Scapa Edition Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Light golden.

NOSE: There is so much going on in the nose. It is a riot of ripe fruit, marshmallows, toffee, cherries and raisin pudding. In the background, there are faint hints of salt, seaweed and smoke. There is a wonderfully rich, complex, layered nose to this whisky.

PALATE: On the palate, there is sweetness, followed by loads of spice and oak. There is fruit sweetness balanced with toffee, smoke and warming spices. Even without water, this whisky is delicious and smooth. A huge mouthful. The addition of water further transforms this dram. It becomes rich and creamy and absolutely brilliant.

FINISH: Long and lingering, and build slowly. It ends in the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

RATING: DIVINE

I fell in love with the flavour profile of the Ballantine’s brand. It has the perfect balance of rich, robust spicy sweetness; the flavour profile is for me, what whisky should taste like. There has been only one Ballantine’s that I have not rated Divine and that was the Ballantine’s 12 year old whisky.

The biggest problem with this Ballantine’s Scapa Edition? It is not available in South Africa, and it is sadly a limited release. All I want to do is sit back and pour another one. But I will be strong and save it for a special occasion.

I have also tried the Ballantine’s 30 year old whisky as well as Balantine’s Limited Edition, and you can see what I thought about it.

Also read: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky

Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/06/2016

In Bourbon whiskey

In today’s whiskey exploration, I’m delving into the fascinating realm of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey. Over the past few years, I’ve embarked on a journey through various whisky and bourbons.

My pilgrimage began with traditional Scottish single malts and blends. From there I started exploring world whiskies from India such as the Amrut Two Continents, Kavalan from Taiwan, Three Ships from South Africa, Europe, and Australia. Eventually, my journey led me to the sweet embrace of bourbon and Tennessee whiskies, as my palate tends to lean toward the sweeter notes.

Living in South Africa, I’ve encountered some limitations regarding the availability and affordability of bourbon, especially with the challenges brought on by currency fluctuations. However, my quest for new experiences led me to discover this budget-friendly gem, Evan Williams bourbon whiskey.

Also read: Jack Daniel’s whiskey

Upon first glance, the labelling of Evan Williams Kentuckybourbon bore a striking resemblance to that of Jim Beam Black bourbon, another budget-friendly option. It’s worth noting that Evan Williams is part of the Heaven Hill portfolio, a company with a rich history in whiskey.

Evan Williams bourbon debuted in 1957, courtesy of Heaven Hill, and it takes its name from the man credited as Kentucky’s first distiller. It’s reassuring to know that the Heaven Hill company remains independently owned, staying true to its heritage.

This particular bourbon release boasts an ageing period of around 4 to 5 years. The burning question on my mind: Can Evan Williams stand up to the likes of Jim Beam Black bourbon, or is it destined to be relegated to the bargain bin? Let’s dive into the tasting notes.

Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43%.

COLOUR: Dark reddish gold

NOSE: While Evan Williams bourbon whiskey exhibits the traditional bourbon aromas of toasty oak and vanilla, there’s a subtle undercurrent of corn syrup. However, I must admit that the nose lacks the layering and complexity I often seek in a bourbon.

PALATE: On the palate, Evan Williams offers little complexity beyond the expected toasty oak, vanilla, and hints of spice. The rough edges of this bourbon are hard to ignore, and it has a light body and mouthfeel. Even with the addition of water, complexity remains somewhat elusive, revealing chilli and bitter orange peel notes, but not enough to fully elevate the experience.

FINISH: A bit rough and fortunately does not linger too long.

RATING: GOOD

This bottle will be part of my collection for quite a long time. Definitely not close to my favourite. It offers little depth and complexity. It has a raw alcohol note that makes it hard to drink and I will probably only use this in cocktails.

Curious to see how Evan Williams stacks up against other options from the Heaven Hill stable, I poured a glass of Heaven Hill Old Style bourbon for a side-by-side comparison.

While both hail from the same family, Evan Williams manages to outshine Heaven Hill Old Style, albeit marginally. These bourbons could easily be found in a classic spaghetti western movie scene.

If you seek a bourbon that invites you to unwind and savour its nuances, I’d suggest exploring other options. Personally, I found more satisfaction in the Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon.

Over the weekend, I compared Evan Williams and Jim Beam bourbon head-to-head to see how they measure up against each other. You can find my thoughts by following the link for the full rundown.

To round out my bourbon journey, I also pitted Evan Williams against the timeless Jack Daniel’s, providing a comprehensive perspective. You can read all about that adventure. Cheers to the continued exploration of the world of bourbon!

Also Read: Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon

The Macallan 15 Year Old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/16/2016

In Single Malt whisky

A lot has been written about the Macallan distillery and brand. Some people love it; some people hate it. Many stories about it exist; some true, some not quite. It often makes the ‘Most Expensive whisky’ lists.

If anything, it is a polarizing whisky and distillery. John loves it. I find it pretentious and old-fashioned. Regardless of my personal view, let’s try the Macallan 15 year old Fine Oak single malt Scotch whisky.

Macallan started life as Elchies Distillery. The name changed, and it expanded as the demand for the product soared. Over time, the Macallan had become very sought after. The Macallan is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Edrington Group.

Related Article: The Glenlivet 18 yo whisky

Regardless of all the controversy surrounding the brand, Macallan is situated in a beautiful part of Scotland. Next to the River Spey on the Macallan Estate, it is not too far from Glenrothes.

The Macallan 15 year old whisky has been discontinued. Initially, the Macallan was matured only in oak sherry casks. The ‘Fine Oak’ series was launched in 2004. Whisky from this series was aged in bourbon oak casks as well as sherry ones. I have had it for quite a while; I just never to around to writing about it.

Macallan 15 year old Fine Oak Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV: 43%.

COLOUR: It is a beautiful golden colour. A rich straw.

NOSE: Oak and orange blossom sweetness. It is rich and rewarding and invites you to dive in. There are faint hints of orange peel and honey.

PALATE: Without water, the palate has notes of florals, barley, vanilla sweetness mixed with some pepper spice and nutmeg. Adding water smooths out the spiciness, but takes away some of the sweetness. Faint hints of orange blossom and fruit float about. I was expecting a lot more bourbon notes on the palate, but the bourbon notes are a very faint part of the vanilla sweetness.

FINISH: Medium length and end in notes of oak, orange and spice.

RATING: EXCELLENT

This 15 year old Highland whisky is not the most complex of drams. I was expecting a bit more of the bourbon complexity to come through on the palate. But it is a great all-round, well-balanced, smooth whisky. One of the few Macallan whiskies that I actually like. Yes, this one is worth the hype!

I paired this Macallan release with some Wensleydale cheese with cranberries. I have also captured tasting notes for the Macallan 10 year old whisky as well as The Macallan 12 year old whisky. See what I think about these releases.

This is a fun whisky to play around with and I have done a side by side comparison between the Macallan and the Glenfiddich 15 year old whisky. Go and take a look at how they differ.