Hankey Bannister 12 year old Whisky

I have seen the brand Hankey Bannister around for a few years, but nothing enticed me to try it. That was until John was invited to a Hankey Bannister tasting at Bottega in Parkhurst. The beautiful little restaurant is owned by Savi and has an impressive collection of whiskies.

Margaret Clarke, the Senior Brand Manager, came to SA to introduce this blended Scottish whisky, to whisky lovers. She not only had the Hankey Bannister 12 year old whisky and the 25 year old whisky available to taste but also shared the rare Hankey Bannister 40 year old release with them. He loved all the whisky he tried, and so I bought him a bottle of the Hankey Bannister 12 year old whisky.

Hankey Bannister & Co. was established by Beaumont Hankey and Hugh Bannister in 1757. Beaumont Hankey was the flamboyant socialite, and Hugh Bannister was the astute businessman. Together they made a convincing team.

Their wine and spirit business was set up to provide the best wines and spirits for the rapidly developing tastes of London’s glitterati as well as the Royal Household.

They chose a combination of Lowland grains and Highland and Speyside malt whiskies to create their first blend, and this is what they became famous for. Rumour has it that this was one of the favourite blends of Sir Winston Churchill.

After various ownership changes, the brand is now owned by Inver House. It is a subsidiary of Thai Beverages. They also own the Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn and Balmenach Distilleries. Hankey Bannister is looked after by the Master Blended Stuart Harvey and exported to over 40 countries.

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Hankey Bannister 12 year old Whisky Review

Hankey Bannister blended whisky is loosely based on the original recipe. It contains about 30% of single malt whisky (mainly from the Balblair distillery but also Balmenach and Knockdhu). The remaining 70% is grain whisky. The Hankey Bannister 12 year old whisky is matured in American ex-Bourbon casks for 12 years. Available in SA for around R 350 a bottle.

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Rich Gold.

NOSE: French Vanilla, Oak, Honey, fresh ripe figs.

PALATE: Medium body, but creamy and delicious. More oak and vanilla promised by the nose balanced with malt, fruity sweetness and raisins. This is a very drinkable dram. Adding water brings out creamy smoothness. It is not the most complex of blends, but it is easy drinking and affordable.

FINISH: Long and sweet ending in honey and sweet spice.

RATING: EXCELLENT

I will certainly extend my collection of this refreshing blend. Starting with the Hankey Bannister Original. This is the perfect whisky for a rainy afternoon. Warming and comforting, I just sat back, relaxed and watched the summer rain in Africa fall.

This is also a great whisky to pair with a vegetarian pizza. It has just the right level of spice to work marvellously with veggies and cheese.

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