Category: Single Malt whisky Page 15 of 43

Single Malt whisky

Whisky of the Week review and tasting notes for Single Malt Whisky. A collection of all the interesting releases I have tried. Not only Scotch but from around the world.

Loch Lomond 12 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/14/2020

In Single Malt whisky

Just before SA’s second alcohol ban, I managed to pick up my sample pack of Loch Lomond whiskies for an online whisky tasting with Michael Henry. A few weeks before, I tasted the Inchmurrin 11 year old that was bottled exclusively for the Bottega Whiskey Club.

Savi and Musi, the Loch Lomond Brand Ambassador, set up this interesting online tasting. The online tasting included the Bottega Whisky Club Inchmurrin, the Loch Lomond 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky and the Inchmurrin 18 yo whisky.

Loch Lomond Distillery, situated in Alexandria, a small town south of the beautiful Loch Lomond, produces a broad range of different whiskies. They create single malt as well as single grain and blends.

Micheal took us through the different distilling options that he has available at Loch Lomond, and it was so refreshing to listen to how he works with the various elements that he has available to come up with all the different variations.

Also Read: Inchmurrin 11 yo Whisky

The Loch Lomond stills include special distillation trays in the necks, allowing for more significant contact with the cooling alcohol vapour. These stills can produce alcohol up to 90% ABV where traditional stills deliver the alcohol at around 70% ABV. From there it goes into maturation.

I captured tasting notes for the Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain whisky as well as for various other brands within the Loch Lomond portfolio in the past, and you can read all about it there.

The Loch Lomond 12 year old is drawn from a selection of three cask types – bourbon casks, refill casks and recharged casks. In South Africa, it retails for R625.

Loch Lomond 12 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Higland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: Apricot, peach and freshly cut green grass. Sweet spices, honeycomb and vanilla. Fruity sweetness with hints of lemon and malt.

PALATE: Fruity sweetness with vanilla and faint hints of smoke. Malted puffs with bits of dry oak, lemon and apricots and bits of pepper. Something green in the background. Adding water releases more spicy notes. Medium body.

FINISH: Medium length with drying oak, vanilla and pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT 

It was interesting how the water changed the spices in this Loch Lomond 12 year old whisky. For me, adding a few drops of water tones down the spice notes in a whisky and brings more sweetness forward. However, with this release, the water made it spicier. I enjoyed it more without water.

Even at 46% ABV, it is smooth and easy drinking with no alcohol heat. An excellent whisky for autumn as it gently warms you from the inside. Just lovely. It is worth picking up a bottle when you see it.

I have also tasted the Loch Lomond Steam and Fire single malt whisky during my trip to Scotland and loved it.

Also Read: Compass Box No Name No 2 Whisky

Glenkinchie Distillers Edition 1986 Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/10/2020

In Single Malt whisky

This past week was just full of drama, and after all of this, I needed a dram to cheer me up. I grabbed a glass of the Glenkinchie Distillers Edition 1986 single malt Scotch whisky and went to sit in the sun on my own for a while to relax.

A stone’s throw from Edinburgh lies the Scottish Lowland whisky region. This region traditionally known for its softer drams with notes of grass, cream, fresh toast and ginger. There were at last count around 18 active distillers and another 8 in development.

The distillery lies in a glen of the Kinchie Burn near the village of Pencaitland. The name ‘Kinchie’ is a corruption of ‘De Quincy’, the original owners of the land. It was founded around 1825 by brothers John and George Rate. A convergence of events bankrupted the brothers in 1853, and the site converted to a sawmill. However, in 1881, the distillery was rebuilt and resumed whisky making.

Also Read: Aerstone Sea Cask 10 yo Whisky

In 1914, Glenkinchie joined forces with fellow Lowland distillers Rosebank, St Magdalene, Grange and Clydesdale to form Scottish Malt Distillers. This company has since evolved into the Diageo group.

The Glenkinchie core expression include the 12 year old single malt whisky and a Distillers Edition. This limited release Glenkinchie 1986 Distillers Edition single malt was distilled in 1986 and bottled in 1999. They finished the whisky in Amontillado sherry casks.

Glenkinchie Distillers Edition 1986 Whisky Review

REGION: Lowland

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: Sherry sweetness, bits of apricot, malty goodness with hints of oak and honey. Rich and inviting.

PALATE: Luxurious with notes of oak, dried apricot, bits of cherries and sherry sweetness. Toasted nuts and freshly baked shortbread. Creamy honey sweetness with soft pepper, candied ginger and cinnamon. Just amazing. Drinkable, complicated and full of body.

FINISH: Dry oak with sherry sweetness and bits of spice. Long and lingering.

RATING: DIVINE

Drinking this Glenkinchie whisky is an experience to be savoured. A wonderful, complex, luxurious moment in time to sip and appreciate. I finished my first glass without water; it did not need any water. For the second glass, I added a few drops of water, and it just brought more sweetness to the front.

Perfectly balanced and elegant. Perfection. The Distillers Editions from the various Diageo brands is, in general, delicious.

I loved the Oban Distillers Edition, and the Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition is one of the best drams I have ever tasted. I was 15 years old when Glenkinchie distilled this liquid. It makes for a special bit of history. Sadly, not many of these 1986 releases remain, and I have only seen them on auction.

My bottle will be appreciated and enjoyed with every glass that I pour. A stunning release.

Also Read: Top 5 Single Malt under R750

anCnoc Peatheart Batch 1 Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/03/2020

In Single Malt whisky

A smoky release from the Scottish Highlands. Today I look at the anCnoc Peatheart Batch 1 single malt Scotch whisky. It was released in 2017 as the first permanent, peated expression in the core anCnoc range. It is peated to 40 ppm.

In comparison, Highland Park whiskies sit at around 20 ppm, while Ardbeg whiskies are peated to about 50-55ppm.

This NAS whisky is produced at the Knockdhu distillery in the village of Knock in Aberdeenshire. It was founded in 1893 when John Morrison, who owned the Knock Estate, discovered the high quality of the water that ran through the estate. It sits on the border between the Speyside and Highland whisky regions.

Also Read: Rhino Whisky

The current owner is Inver House Distillers Limited, and they changed the brand name to anCnoc. They also own the Balblair and Speyburn distilleries. The anCnoc core range includes a 12 year old, 18 year old, 24 year old and a 35 year old whisky. My bottle is from Batch 001.

It was matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks. Non-chill-filtered and naturally coloured. The Peatheart retails for around R800 in South Africa (pre Covid).

anCnoc Peatheart Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Light golden wheat

NOSE: Freshly cooked oats drizzled with honey, some earthy notes and hints of smoke. Delicate and airy. Fruity sweetness with citrus blossom. Inviting and refreshing.

PALATE: Smoked barley, citrus fruits, vanilla sweetness and chocolate. Notes of earthy peat, pepper spice, oak and cardamom. It is not an Islay medicinal type of peatiness, but more a smoky, burnt wood and wet earth type of peat.

Water brings more fruity sweetness forward. The nose was delicate, and I was expecting a softer dram, but it was wonderfully warming and delicious. Medium body.

FINISH: Sweetness that moves to peat and smoke and orange blossom. Medium length.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The anCnoc Peatheart single malt Scotch is delicious and easy-drinking. A perfect whisky to introduce someone to Highland peat. Highland peat, for me, is more green heather, fresh pine and smoky when compared to the more medicinal Islay peat.

It is a big peat mouthful, but elegant and with enough sweetness and complexity. Peathheart has a great balance between the peaty and sweet notes.

A refreshing addition to my whisky collection. Perfect for our cold winter months to drink next to the fire. It also nicely shows the range from this underrated distillery. Worth getting if you spot it in stores.

Also Read: The Wild Geese Whiskey

Glen Grant 12 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/17/2020

In Single Malt whisky

The whisky fabric is a fantastic place. It is full of vibrant people and amazing conversations. Friendships start over a glass of whisky and last for many years. It creates friendships that transcend whisky. The opportunity to all meetup happens only a few times a year

One of the most significant events of the year is the annual Whisky and Spirits Live Festival in Sandton at the beginning of November, and it is an event everyone looks forward to. It is a chance for friends from all over South Africa to catch up over a glass (or 2) of whisky.

It is a chance for my friend Bernard to fly up and come and present Sandton with some great whisky. A few years ago, Bernard introduced me to the Glen Grant Major’s Reserve whisky. And at the 2016 Whisky Live, he introduced me to the Glen Grant 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky. I spent most of my evening wandering past his stand and used up most of my tokens, tasting the 12 year old again and again.

Glen Grant 12 yo Bernard Gutman

Unfortunately getting my hands on a bottle was a bit of a battle, but eventually stock arrived at my local Norman Goodfellows, and I could expand my collection with this Speyside dram. From the town of Rothes in Speyside, Glen Grant Distillery has a long history stretching back to 1840.

The Glen Grant 12 year old whisky was launched in 2016 together with an 18 year old. This release joins the Major’s Reserve and the Glen Grant 10 yo already part of the stable. Gruppo Campari owns Glen Grant together with Wild Turkey bourbon and Forty Creek whiskey.

Glen Grant 12 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Bright sunny gold

NOSE: Summer fruits and freshly baked sugar cookies. Green apples, malt with hints of cinnamon, vanilla. In the background, there is something nutty; almond or hazelnut.

PALATE: Fruit salad with apples, pears and honey dusted with cinnamon and vanilla. Malt cookies with hints of caramel, ginger and apricots. Smooth and easy drinking. Water opens up more of the spices and makes the finish even longer.

FINISH: Perfectly balanced fruits and spice.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Just a glass full of deliciousness. It is the perfect dram for someone who has tried whisky a few times and wants to explore more single malts. It is soft and luxurious. The 12 year old is a fantastic dram that displays the best characteristics of Glen Grant and Speyside.

The fruity notes with a delicate hint of spice are so traditional to the well known Scottish region. Best of all, it is now widely available in South Africa and retail for around R500. Real value for money.

There is also a Glen Grant 12 yo non-chill-filtered whisky version available in Travel retail and it is incredible. The difference between these two releases is remarkable.

Also Read: Glenfiddich IPA Cask whisky

The Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/13/2020

In Single Malt whisky

When it comes to distilleries, Balvenie holds a special place in my heart, landing a spot in my top five favourite distilleries. It’s a sentiment shared by John, and our recent adventure into the world of whiskies led us to the Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. A name that resonates with connoisseurs, Balvenie also boasts a 17 year old counterpart.

Nestled in the picturesque region of Speyside, Scotland, the Balvenie distillery has been crafting exceptional spirits since 1892. Founded by the skilled William Grant, who honed his craft at the renowned Mortlach distillery, Balvenie has an illustrious heritage. The man behind the magic today is none other than the esteemed Malt Master, David Stewart.

I’ve delved deep into the rich history and various releases from Balvenie, and one of my all-time favourites has to be the Balvenie Caribbean Cask. It’s the kind of dram that pairs perfectly with cheese or chocolate, offering a symphony of flavours.

Back to the Doublewood 12 year old Scotch, this whisky is initially matured in refill American oak casks before moving into first-fill European oak Oloroso sherry butts for an additional nine months.

After this, the whisky is transferred to large oak vessels for 3-4 months, allowing the flavours from different casks to beautifully “marry.” This expression was unveiled by Balvenie in 1993.

You can easily recognise Balvenie whisky on the shelf. They are bottled in the classic Balvenie bottle that exudes timeless charm. The bottle’s shape harks back to a bygone era, and the traditional dark cream colours and fonts evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Now, let’s talk about what really matters – the tasting experience.

Related Article: Glenfiddich 12 yo Whisky

The Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: The Balvenie 12 year old Doublewood is a dark, almost polished amber and burnt copper colour.

NOSE: On the nose, the Balvenie 12 year old greets you with a blend of oak and sherry notes. Hints of fresh grapes, red berries, and an array of spices dance around, with vanilla gently lingering in the background. It’s a rich and inviting start that promises a memorable journey.

PALATE: The palate takes a slightly unexpected turn. The dominant note is unmistakably oak, with the sherry influence remaining more subtle than anticipated. Those delightful hints of fresh grapes, red berries, and spices promised by the nose remain present but are somewhat subdued.

There are bits of vanilla trailing along. However, it’s not as complex as one might expect from a whisky aged in two distinct types of wood. The Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old whisky feels a tad flat, leaving me underwhelmed.

FINISH: The finish drops off rather swiftly, which is a tad disappointing.

RATING: GOOD

Now, as someone with a collection boasting at least six bottles of Balvenie, I was possibly expecting more from this one. I distinctly remember a previous encounter with the 12 year old single malt that I enjoyed. Perhaps I encountered a dud bottle this time.

The nose is lovely, warming and inviting, promising a unique experience, but on the palate, it falls flat. The finish is also short and unmemorable.

Balvenie Distillery has a well-earned reputation for crafting excellent whiskies. I’m eager to revisit this release, possibly from a different bottle. It’s worth noting that the success of the 12 year old Doublewood led to the creation of a 17 year old Doublewood edition.

For those seeking a more in-depth exploration, I’ve compared this release with the Balvenie Caribbean Cask whisky side-by-side, highlighting the nuances in a dedicated blog post. Explore the intricate world of Balvenie with me.

Also Read: Dunville’s Three Crowns Sherry Finish Whiskey