Category: Whisky of the Week Page 6 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.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/25/2023

In Bourbon whiskey

This Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey bottle holds a special place in my whiskey journey. It was one of my first forays into the world of bourbon, a spirit that my love for single malt and blended whisky had previously overshadowed.

Back in 2013, Maker’s Mark made headlines when they decided to lower the ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of their bourbon.

This decision piqued my curiosity, and I couldn’t resist grabbing a bottle of their “full strength” bourbon from WhiskyBrother in Hydepark. Little did I know that this decision, which they later reversed, would mark the beginning of my love affair with bourbon.

Maker’s Mark, distilled in Loretto, Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to 1954. T. William “Bill” Samuels Sr. acquired the distillery, known initially as Burks’ Distillery, and embarked on a journey to create a distinctive bourbon.

During the development phase, Samuels experimented with seven different mash bills. Rather than distilling them all, he opted for a unique approach.

He baked loaves of bread with these various grain recipes and selected the most delectable one. The winning loaf contained a high proportion of barley and red winter wheat, omitting rye altogether.

Samuels, with the guidance of St. Pappy Van Winkle and the creative touch of his wife, Marjorie “Margie” Samuels, gave birth to Maker’s Mark, complete with its iconic label and signature red wax seal.

Fast forward to 1968, and the first Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey graced the world. What sets Maker’s Mark apart from many other bourbons is its mash bill, which excludes rye in favour of red winter wheat (16%), corn (70%), and malted barley (14%).

Maker’s Mark carries no age statement; it is bottled when their expert tasters deem it ready, typically around six years old. The brand is owned by Beam Suntory.

Other releases include the Maker’s 46, a cask strength edition as well as a wood finish series.

Also Read: Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: A light golden copper. It seems lighter in colour than the other bourbons in my collection.

NOSE: Maker’s Mark reveals a less pronounced sweetness than other bourbons I have tasted. Scents of condensed milk, cherries, brandied fruit, toasted wood, and sweet vanilla spice intermingle. A few drops of water amplify the spicy and woody notes on the nose.

PALATE: When sipped neat, the palate bursts with vanilla spice, followed by cherries and fresh fruit sweetness. A layer of cinnamon spice and toasted oak follows the initial fruity notes. Maker’s Mark impresses with its velvety smoothness, and the flavour profile evolves with each subsequent sip.

It perfectly balances vanilla sweetness, cinnamon-infused oak spiciness, and subtle fruity hints. Adding water further refines the bourbon, making it exceptionally easy to savour.

FINISH: Long with hints of sweetness, vanilla and caramel.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What an excellent introduction for those new to bourbon. In contrast, seasoned bourbon enthusiasts will also enjoy and appreciate its versatility in crafting cocktails. Its approachable nature ensures you can enjoy it all evening without growing weary of its company.

Another great aspect of this bourbon is the price. It retails for around £32 on Amazon and I regularly see it on special.

The Maker’s Mark is a great companion to a creamy Gouda cheese. It balances the buttery Gouda with the oak and vanilla.

Additionally, I’ve had the pleasure of tasting Maker’s 46, a unique release from this distillery. In my quest to discover perfect pairings, I once paired this bourbon with some KFC to assess the synergy between flavours.

Other Side by Side comparisons

I also compared Maker’s Mark and Buffalo Trace bourbon side-by-side to discern their distinct characteristics. For those interested in exploring the nuances within the Maker’s Mark portfolio, I’ve delved into the differences between Maker’s 46 and the classic Maker’s Mark.

This bourbon, with its rich history and exceptional flavour profile, continues to be a beloved and intriguing presence in the world of bourbon.

Also Read: Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey

Johnnie Walker Island Green Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/21/2023

In Blended Malt Whisky

This travel retail exclusive whisky is perfect for my current setting. I am trying the Johnnie Walker Island Green blended malt Scotch whisky here on the beautiful green island of Mauritius.

There is, however, nothing tropical about the Island Green whisky. It is Islay rather than island. But the colour of the box and the coconut trees around me matches, so it is as good an excuse as any.

The Johnnie Walker Island Green is a blended malt whisky and retail travel release. It blends malts from Caol Ila, Clynelish, Glenkinchie and Cardhu. So a malt from each Scottish region. Islay, Highlands, Lowlands, and Speyside. Caol Ila malts make up most of the blend, hence the reference to Island.

When you look at the make-up of Island Green vs Green Label, the Green Label has an age statement. It also blends many more malts, including Talisker, Cragganmore and Linkwood.

The Johnnie Walker Island Green blended malt Scotch whisky was released in July 2016. Because it is a travel retail release, it is available in a 1L bottle. It has no age statement. I shared my bottle with friends on the island, and the tasting notes also included their comments.

Johnnie Walker Island Green Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Rich gold

NOSE: Smooth, soft peaty goodness mixed with cereals and a green earthy note. Hints of vanilla, wood and light pepper. You can’t miss the Islay base on the Island Green. My friend D said the nose reminded her of her granny’s fashioned emergency kit with rolled-up bandages and disinfectant. The peaty notes are all Caol Ila, but the Cardhu toasted wood, malt and vanilla also have a spot. Rich and delicious.

PALATE: Again, the Caol Ila stands upfront with soft peat, oak and smoke. Hints of oily fish and malt in the background. With a few drops of water, a fruity sweetness comes forward with caramel, marmalade and pepper, probably from the Glenkinchie.

Malty goodness and vanilla with bits of cinnamon. Medium body with an oily mouth feel. A few people around the table got woody notes.

FINISH: Medium length with notes of lemon pepper, oak and drying ash.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a delicious blended malt. Between the 5 of us, we finished the bottle. The peat is drinkable even for a novice, with enough sweetness to suit many tastes. It is complex enough to entice the serious whisky drinkers in our group but approachable enough for the newbie to enjoy.

An outstanding balance between the peppery notes and fruity sweetness. A great bottle. I will restock this Johnnie Walker as soon as I travel again.

Also Read: Big Peat 26 yo Whisky

Caol Ila 12 year old Single Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/14/2023

In Single Malt whisky

Johannesburg has been graced for over a decade by an annual Oyster, Wine, and Food Festival. This June tradition draws in crowds of hungry, enthusiastic foodies. This weekend extravaganza sees over 60,000 Knysna oysters vanish into eager palates alongside an array of delectable dishes and wines. It’s no wonder that this festival remains a perennial favourite.

And when you find yourself basking in the winter sun, surrounded by friends, good music, and mouthwatering food, you might wonder what could make this perfect weekend even better. Well, here’s a secret we’ve been cherishing: a small flask of Caol Ila 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky.

It’s the key to elevating the flavour of fresh oysters, infusing them with the rich, peaty, and smoky essence of Islay. It’s nothing short of perfection.

While Caol Ila may not be as renowned as Ardbeg or Laphroaig, it holds a special place in my heart. The distillery’s name, Caol Ila, is derived from the Gaelic term for the Sound of Islay, which separates the island from Jura.

Situated near Port Askaig on the Sound’s shores, it was first chosen as a location by Hector Henderson in 1846. Over the years, it has changed hands multiple times and is currently under the ownership of Diageo.

Pronounced ‘cull-eela’, most of Caol Ila’s output is used in popular blends like Johnnie Walker. In recent years, the distillery has expanded its repertoire to include peated and unpeated expressions.

The Caol Ila 12 year old single malt is the gateway into the world of this distillery. Introduced in 2002, it offers a more subtle peat and smoke profile than its Islay counterparts.

Also Read: Laphroaig 10 yo whisky

Caol Ila 12 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Light golden wheat

NOSE: When you raise a glass to your nose, you’ll encounter classic Islay notes of peat, sea salt, smoke, and the scent of dry seaweed along the shore, all interwoven with hints of spicy toasted oak. It’s not a big, bold presence; instead, it’s soft and gentle.

PALATE: The palate unfolds with soft peat, oaky smoke, citrus fruit, malt, and a reminiscent aroma of sun-dried oily fish hanging on racks by the shore. As you savour it, notes of vanilla and cinnamon gracefully dance on your taste buds, creating a well-balanced, complex, and rich flavour profile. Adding a few drops of water to your glass reveals even more sweetness.

FINISH: The finish is where this whisky truly shines, as it lingers on your palate with notes of peat, cinnamon, and salt.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Caol Ila 12 year old single malt whisky stands apart from the boisterous dramatics of Ardbeg or Lagavulin. It’s akin to a perfect winter’s afternoon by the coast, with a refreshing salty breeze carrying whispers of fish, fried seaweed, and untold adventures.

Picture golden sunshine gently drying the sand and only the sea’s rhythmic roar to break the soothing silence. This Scotch whisky is a sophisticated yet easy-drinking dram.

Pairing this Caol Ila with some White Rock cheese, I discovered that while it wasn’t an ideal match, it offered a delightful experience. This whisky truly shines when accompanied by a cheese with a bit more body, complementing its unique character perfectly.

So, whether you’re savouring it with oysters or exploring its pairings, Caol Ila 12 year old whisky promises a taste journey bound to leave an indelible mark on your palate.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 yo whisky

Pikesville 110 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/24/2023

In Rye Whiskey

This bottle of Pikesville 110 Proof Straight Rye whiskey has been in my cupboard for a couple of years after the hubby brought it back from a trip to the UK. I have been in the mood for something more spicy after the sweetness of the last couple of weeks, so a rye whiskey is perfect.

Pikesville Rye whiskey was initially produced in Maryland by L. Winand & Brothers Distillery, established in 1895. The brand went through several changes of ownership and survived Prohibition. The last batch of rye whiskey was produced in Maryland in 1972 by the Majestic Distilling Corporation.

In 1972 Majestic Distilling closed down. However, they left enough filled barrels, and the brand continued until 1982. In 1982, Heaven Hill bought the brand. Heaven Hill released the Pikesville Rye in 2015, and it is currently produced at the Bernheim Distillery.

Also Read: Michter’s Single Barrel Rye

Heaven Hill has an extensive whiskey and bourbon brand collection, and the Evan Williams, Rittenhouse and Henry McKenna brands fall under their banner. They are the biggest privately owned whiskey company in the USA.

The mash bill for the Pikesville Straight Rye whiskey is 51% rye, 39% corn and 10% malted barley. Compared to the other rye whiskies I have tried, this is the bare minimum rye to quality as a rye whiskey. The Jack Daniel’s Rye and the Bulleit Rye are considerably higher with 70% and 95%, respectively.

Another different aspect is the higher ABV when looking at the other rye releases. Sazerac and Bulleit Rye has a 45% ABV while the Pikesville rye is at 55% (110 proof).

Pikesville 110 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey Review

The Pikeville Rye is a 6 year old release.

REGION: USA

ABV: 55%

COLOUR: Pale copper

NOSE: The nose is subtle with hints of grassy rye, brown sugar, oak, pepper and baking spices. Hints of cherry and liquorice in the background. A whiff of alcohol on the first sniff, so let it stand a few minutes.

PALATE: The Pikesville Straight Rye whiskey starts quite spicy with notes of cloves, pepper and rye spices, but then comes red fruits and cherries with toasted oak. Maple syrup sweetness balances out the spicy notes. Not as spicy or complex as some of the other rye releases I have tried, but it is relatable and easy to drink. A few drops of water cool down the alcohol heat.

FINISH: Medium length with notes of vanilla, cinnamon spice and bits of drying oak. A faint dark chocolate-covered cherry note makes me want to go back to try this rye again.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a drinkable bottle of rye whiskey. Not quite as spicy as I expected, which is a good thing. I have a sweeter palate, and some rye releases can quickly become too spicy. It does need a few minutes to breathe and a few drops of water to cool down the alcohol heat, but this is an impressive rye.

The Pikesville Straight Rye whiskey retail for around $58. I will pick up another bottle when I travel again.

Also Read: Pike Creek 10 year old Whisky

Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/17/2023

In Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey is exploding in South Africa. Even regular bottle shops have started to carry some rye whiskey. It is wonderful to see ow the category is growing. This spicy style whiskey adds an exciting new taste dimension compared to Scottish whisky or bourbon.

I try to taste as many rye releases as I can to expand my taste buds. I found this bottle of Bulleit Straight 95% American Rye whiskey locally and just had to try it. The first Bulleit bourbon was produced by Augustus Bulleit.

He wanted to create a bourbon with a unique flavour profile and experimented with varying recipes until he found a whiskey that he was happy with. He created his bourbon, and it was available until he died in 1860.

Years later, his great-great-grandson, Tom Bulleit dreamt of continuing his ancestor’s distilling tradition, and in 1987, he created a small batch bourbon, bearing the family name. The bottles are modelled on old fashioned medicine bottles, with distinctive raised lettering.

Also Read: Sazerac Rye

Seagram acquired Bulleit Bourbon in 1997, and the facilities were relocated to Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Today, Diageo owns the Bulleit brand. In March 2017, Diageo opened a new Bulleit distillery just east of Shelbyville in Shelby County, Kentucky.

Bulleit Rye American Frontier whiskey was introduced during March 2011. It is made with a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley and produced in small batches.

Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: Light golden caramel

NOSE: Sweet and fresh. Cherries and vanilla with hints of grain and toasted oak. Subtle spices with hints of cinnamon and cloves.

PALATE: Not as spicy as the Sazerac whiskey. More caramel sweetness followed by fresh fruit before the spicy notes hits. Overripe cherries, dry roasted peanuts and crunchy grain. Then follows the rye spice mixed with vanilla, cinnamon and hints of pepper and cloves.

Delicious. I finished my first glass without water and had to pour a second glass to see the impact of water. Water brings more orange notes forward.

FINISH: A spicy rye finish with cinnamon, allspice and vanilla. Medium length. Warming.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a delicious rye whiskey! Probably my favourite rye so far. Spiciness to let you know you are drinking rye, but enough sweetness and balance to make it easy drinking and inviting. I love it. Another great thing about this rye whiskey is the price. It is very affordable which makes it a great whiskey for cocktails. I see it retails on Amazon for around £35.

Now to go and play with this rye whiskey and make some cocktails. I think this Bulleit Rye will work really well in an Old Fashioned.

I found an article on the history of rye whiskey in America and more on the Bulleit Bourbon. Other rye releases that I have tasted include a Scottish Rye whisky, the Arbiki Highland Rye release. A different spice profile, but interesting nevertheless.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Bulleit Rye and the Woodford Reserve Rye to see what the differences are. I have also done a side by side comparison between the Bulleit Rye and Bulleit bourbon to see how the mash bill profile changes the taste.

Also Read: Michter’s Single Barrel Rye Whiskey