Category: Single Malt whisky Page 4 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.

Belgian Owl Passion Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/24/2023

In Single Malt whisky

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the Belgian Owl Evolution whisky I tasted as part of a tasting pack. Evolution was John’s favourite of all five samples. My favourite was the Belgian Owl Passion single malt whisky.

You can read more about Belgian Owl in my previous blog post. I also captured my notes on Identity a couple of years ago. Today I want to look at Etienne Bouillon’s sustainable farming philosophy behind Belgian Owl. Etienne is passionate about Belgium and the soil and spent time with Jim McEwan at Bruichladdich distillery.

The focus is very much on the terroir; 2-eared spring barley is grown in the region around Hesbaye. Nature is left to take its course around the fields where the barley is grown. Water for the distillery comes straight from a 38 m deep well right next to the distillery.

There are two stills from the Caperdonich distillery installed at the distillery. Care is shown not only in the growing and distilling process but also in the choice of casks. Belgian Owl whisky is non-chill-filtered and without artificial colouring. Over the years, the care and attention to quality have been recognised with many awards.

The Belgian Owl Passion is an unseated single cask edition, and each bottling series is unique. Passion was aged for between 36 – 60 months in American white oak.

Belgian Owl Passion Whisky Review

COUNTRY: Belgium

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Bright gold

NOSE: Creamy condensed milk, baked pear drizzled with honey, oak with faint citrus hints. Warming and inviting.

PALATE: Banana and tropical fruit, bits of grilled pineapple, hints of wood and vanilla with shortbread creaminess. Big and bold with soft pepper and citrus. I finished my first glass without water. Just delicious and drinkable.

FINISH: Medium length with a creamy sweetness and black pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Just like the Identity, Passion has that distinctive Belgian Owl fruity sweetness balanced with soft spices that are the defining characteristic of this Belgian distillery. This sweeter dram suited my sweet palate very well.

Now I need to capture my tasting notes for the Belgian Owl Intense release. I also saw the new bottling from this distillery. They are gorgeous! I want to buy and finish a bottle just to have the beautiful bottle!

Sample disclosure: I received this whisky from the SA Belgian Owl team. The review and tasting notes are my own honest, fair and independent thoughts about the whisky.

Also Read: Bain’s 15 yo Whisky

Milk & Honey Elements Peated Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/13/2023

In Single Malt whisky

The last of my Milk & Honey samples, and today I am looking at the Milk & Honey Elements Peated single malt whisky. The sample is leftover from my 2020 Milk & Honey tasting hosted by WhiskyBrother, where we got to taste the Milk & Honey Classic and samples from the Elements range including the Elements Sherry Cask.

There was even a Pomegranate wine cask finish sample. Not strictly a whisky, though, as it was only aged for about 18 months. Milk & Honey distillery whisky is available in SA.

Also Read: Firstwatch Whisky

The Milk & Honey distillery was Israel’s first urban single malt whisky distillery and began operating in 2014 in the south of Tel Aviv. The middle eastern climate is hot and humid, and this speeds up maturation.

The distillery hired the late Dr. Jim Swan, one of the world’s most accomplished master distillers, to assist with the recipe and ensure optimal production for warm weather.

Milk & Honey whisky is certified kosher. Tomer Goren is now the current head distiller. The Milk & Honey Elements Peated whisky was matured in ex-peated whisky casks from Islay, as well as ex-bourbon casks.

Milk & Honey Elements Peated Whisky Review

COUNTRY: Israel

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Honey

NOSE: Soft peat and light smoke drifts from the glass. A honey sweetness with green notes and pine trees underneath. Bits of vanilla spice and lemons. I let the glass stand for a few minutes for some sharp alcohol notes to evaporate.

PALATE: Citrus and pepper mingling with drying peat. Earthy notes and spice. Mild oak and fruity sweetness. Faint hints of ginger. It is quite spicy and the peat is very light. When you add water, it washes out the peaty notes. The Milk & Honey Elements Peated whisky is better without water. Not a lot of sweet notes.

FINISH: Medium length with spicy pepper and drying oak.

RATING: VERY GOOD

Of all the Milk & Honey whisky samples that I tried, this Peated expression was my least favourite. The peat is very light and after adding some water, it disappears. It is also spicier when compared to the Sherry and the Classic Edition.

I have a sweet tooth, so prefer a whisky where sweeter notes dominate over the spice. Elements Peated Expression retails for around R980 in South Africa.

Looking at the variety that WhiskyBrother&Co stocks, I see that they stock the Milk & Honey Apex Pomegranate Finish whisky (aged for about 3 years) and the Apex Dead Sea whisky. This innovative release was aged in the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea where temperatures climb as high as 50ºC.

The casks were placed on a hotel rooftop in the Dead Sea zone (±423 meters below sea level) where they matured for a year before being returned to Milk & Honey’s warehouse in Tel Aviv.

Sample disclosure:I received this whisky from the WhiskyBrother team. The review and tasting notes are my own honest, fair and independent thoughts about the whisky.

Also Read: Dunville’s PX Cask 12 yo Whiskey

Auchentoshan American Oak Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/30/2023

In Single Malt whisky

I have not tried an Auchentoshan whisky in years. I loved the Heartwood release, and our bottle did not last very long. A couple of years ago, I bought the Auchentoshan American Oak single malt Scotch whisky but left it standing in the cupboard until last week when I was looking for something new to try.

Auchentoshan distillery is a single malt whisky distillery located at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills on the outskirts of Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire, just northwest of the city of Glasgow.

The name is from Gaelic, ‘Achadh an Oisein’ and translates as “corner of the field”. It is one of six malt whisky distilleries in the Scottish Lowlands, along with Glenkinchie, Bladnoch and Ailsa Bay.

Also Read: Dunville’s PX Cask 12 yo Whiskey

The distillery has changed hands many times since it opened in 1823. It is now part of the Beam Suntory portfolio. Unusually, all of its production is used for single malt, and they still triple distil all the whisky.

The standard range of Auchentoshan whisky is quite extensive and includes an Auchentoshan 12 yo, Three Wood and even a Blood Oak release (aged in bourbon and red wine casks). The Auchentoshan distillery character is described as smooth and calm.

The Auchentoshan American Oak whisky is their entry-level bottling and aged entirely in first fill ex-bourbon casks. It was first released in 2014 as a replacement for the Classic expression.

Auchentoshan American Oak Whisky Review

REGION: Lowland

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Pale gold

NOSE: Gentle creamy sweetness with wood and vanilla. Bits of orange flowers and tropical fruit mixed with malt. Sweet and gentle.

PALATE: Creamy cereal, warming oak and honey with bits of vanilla and soft oak spices. Quite sweet with faint lemon notes. Medium body, nice and smooth. Water softens the palate, making it less complex and dampening the oak and spicy notes. It is better without water.

FINISH: Shortish with notes of oak, lemon peel and honey.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The Auchentoshan American Oak whisky is a very affordable single malt at a retail price of R410 in South Africa. It is sweet with lovely warming oak notes and makes a beautiful pre-dinner dram.

You don’t need to add water; the triple distilling ensures a smooth, light experience. Not the most complex dram.

It is a NAS release and the whisky retails for around R410 in South Africa and around £30 in the UK.But at the price point, it is good value for money.

Also Read: Dewars White Label Whisky

Ardbeg Uigeadail Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/24/2023

In Single Malt whisky

In December 2013, I got some time to catch up on some of my blog posts. I initially tasted this Ardbeg Uigeadail Islay single malt Scotch whisky during July 2013.

My first introduction to Ardbeg was on Ardbeg Day 2013 when I wandered past Marc’s Whiskybrother Shop in Hydepark and tasted the Ardbeg 10 yo whisky.

Both me and John fell in love with it and walked out with our first bottle. Ardbeg has become one of my favourite distilleries, and my collection has since grown to a few more bottles, including expressions like Uigeadail and Corryvreckan.

I acquired the Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky on an online auction. The name Uigeadail derives from the Scotch Gaelic for ‘Dark and Mysterious Place’ and is named for the Loch from where Ardbeg draws its peat-laden waters.

Most of the standard Ardbeg releases is peated to about 50 ppm and the Ardbeg Uigeadai is a NAS release.

Also Read: Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa whisky

This expression marries the traditional smoky notes of Ardbeg with the sweet raisiny notes of old ex-Sherry casks. This release was launched 10 years ago and has won awards ever since. The Ardbeg distillery is part of the Louis Vuitton stable together with Glenmorangie distillery.

In 2009, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named Ardbeg Uigeadail ‘World Whisky of the Year’ – in praise of its “utter silky brilliance” and “complexity on a level only a handful of distilleries in the world can even dream of reaching.”

The 80,000 strong Ardbeg Committee also voted Ardbeg Uigeadail as their favourite Ardbeg. I was thrilled to get it and excitedly looked forward to tasting it.

Ardbeg Uigeadail Islay Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 54.2%.

COLOUR: Light amber. It’s a beautifully oily whisky, leaving delightful fingers on the inside of the glass. On the addition of water, it goes slightly milky – just beautiful.

NOSE: Nosing is unforgettable. Peat hits you like a wet cloth in the face. Smoke, iodine and medicinal notes follow soon after. You know you are dealing with an Ardbeg! Raisins, hints of honey and spice follow in the background. It’s complex and sophisticated.

PALATE: On tasting the Uigeadail, you are struck by how big a mouthful this whisky is. Peat and smoke fill your mouth. Notes of sherry and Christmas cake come through.

FINISH: Something else! The finish is long and lingering. Starting with raisins and honey, it ends with notes of pepper and espresso. Along the way, it evolves in complexity and richness and continues long after you have swallowed.

Its warmth seems to expand throughout your body. It is unforgettable. The Ardbeg Uigeadail is one of Johns favourites and a whisky he goes back to time and time again.

RATING: EXCELLENT

There is a perfect balance between the smoke and peat and the sweetness that the sherry casks bring. Complex, big and bold that stays in your memory long after the glass is empty, I know people how don’t like peat can find an Uigeadail overwhelming.

It is not a whisky for firs time whisky drinkers. In South Africa, it retails for around R1 100. The Ardbeg Uigeadail is one of the finest whiskies that you can lay your hands on if you love the Islay style.

This is a great whisky to experiment with in terms of side by side comparisons. I have tried the Uigeadail compared to the Corryvreckan single malt, the Ardbeg An Oa as well as the Lagavulin 16 year old whisky. All fun experiments that highlight the strong point of this Islay dram.

Uigeadail and Food Pairings

Pairing this whisky with food will be interesting. I can imagine fresh oysters and a glass of Uigeadail. When I get my hands on some fresh oysters topped up with a drop of lemon juice and a dash of Tabasco, I am trying it.

The Ardbeg Uigeadail also pair well with salmon sashimi. The saltiness of the fish and the soya should complement the smoky, peaty finish of the whisky. On the cheese front, a strongly flavoured cheese will do well with this peaty whisky.

I paired this peaty release with some Lindt Lindor dark 60% chocolate, and it makes for a delicious combination.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 yo Whisky

Lagavulin 16 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/26/2022

In Single Malt whisky

If you know about peaty whisky, the name “Lagavulin 16 year old” is bound to cross your path. This single malt whisky has become a cult classic, often serving as the measuring stick for Islay peatiness.

It’s a perennial favourite among many of my whisky-loving friends, and today, I am delving into the intriguing world of Lagavulin 16 year old Islay single malt Scotch whisky.

Lagavulin 16 yo whisky, a cornerstone of the Islay scene, has long been celebrated for its distinctive character. My journey into the Lagavulin universe began with the Distillers Edition. Now, it’s time to acquaint myself with its iconic 16 yo counterpart.

Lagavulin is a historic distillery with centuries-old roots, situated in a picturesque bay along Islay’s south coast. The name “Lagavulin” translates from Gaelic to “Lag a’ Mhuilinn,” signifying the hollow of the mill.

Founded by local farmer John Johnston in 1816, it stands proudly within sight of Dunyvaig Castle. However, illicit distillation has been a covert art in these parts for much longer. For a deeper dive into Lagavulin’s rich history, check out the details in my Distillers Edition blog post.

Among Diageo’s “Classic Malts of Scotland,” a prestigious lineup with Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Glenkinchie, Oban, and Talisker, Lagavulin holds its own distinctive place. This distinction can be attributed to its meticulous distillation process involving slow distillation speeds and pear-shaped pot stills.

Lagavulin offers various expressions, including the Lagavulin 8 year old, the different Distillers Editions, luxurious 25 year old and 30 year old bottlings, and regular 12 year old releases. The Lagavulin 16 year old single malt whisky was aged in oak barrels and boasts a peat level of approximately 35 ppm.

Also Read: Tamnavulin Double Cask Whisky

Lagavulin 16 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: The nose has notes of liquorice, smoke, subtle hints of peat, and tantalizing fruity sweetness. Oak, iodine, and vanilla notes dance delicately in the background, creating a beautifully balanced olfactory experience.

PALATE: Dry oak and peat form the backbone, complemented by a gentle cherry sweetness and wisps of smoke. The medium body carries traces of iodine and tar. It is not very complex and somewhat one-dimensional.

FINISH: Lagavulin 16 year old whisky leaves you with a medium-length finish with lingering peatiness, hints of oak, and a touch of vanilla.

RATING: VERY GOOD

We exchanged slightly disappointed glances as I shared this Lagavulin moment with John. Our anticipation was high, yet the experience didn’t match the hype. While undoubtedly peaty with its signature smokiness and fruity undertones, Lagavulin 16 year old single malt lacked the depth and wow factor we had hoped for.

It displayed a few rough edges and didn’t quite live up to the impeccable balance promised by its nose. This particular bottle might be in my collection for an extended period.

The Lagavulin 16 year old Scotch is one of those whiskies that begs to be paired with a robust cheese. Imagine the intense flavours of Blue Stilton or Roquefort cheese intermingling with the peaty nuances of this Islay classic. It is a match made in heaven for any connoisseur.

In my ongoing series of side-by-side comparisons, I’ve ventured into a Lagavulin versus Ardbeg 10 yo whisky comparison as well as an Uigeadail versus Lagaulin comparison. Are you curious to see how these titans of Islay measure up against each other? Dive into the world of peat and flavour with my detailed analysis.

As you venture forth on your whisky journey, remember that Lagavulin 16 year old whisky is an essential stop on discovering the rich, smoky wonders of Islay single malt.

Whether it completely sweeps you off your feet or not, its legendary status is undeniable, making it an experience every whisky enthusiast should undertake.

Also Read: Loch Lomond Steam and Fire Whisky