Whisky of the Week

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

On 03/10/2023

I have not had a rye whisky to review for such a long time. It is high time for something a bit more spicy and different, so today I look at the Sazerac Straight Rye whiskey. This whiskey is named after the Sazerac coffee house in New Orleans, which is deemed the birthplace of the famous Sazerac cocktail.

Rye whisky is slowly becoming more accessible in South Africa, and it is an excellent addition to the tasting range. During last months’ The Only Whisky Show, there were quite a few exciting rye releases available to taste including the Sagamore Spirit rye cask strength and the Double Oak.

Sazerac Rye is produced at the Buffalo Trace distillery. Other brands in the Buffalo Trace portfolio include WL Weller Bourbon, Eagle Rare Bourbon, Blanton’s Bourbon and Fireball Cinnamon.

The Sazerac Straight Rye is aged for around 6 years and the whiskey has a mash bill of over 51% rye. I love the old school bottle shape that stands out compared to the other standard bottles on my whiskey shelf.

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey Review

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: Dark gold with hints of red.

NOSE: Sweetness blended with a variety of spices. Bits of pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. Woody notes with red berries, vanilla and caramel. Big and bold but not overwhelming. It promises a rich warming experience.

PALATE: Woody notes with spices mixed with fruit flavours and rich toffee notes. Cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper heat from the rye with a vanilla and caramel creaminess. The fruit from the nose translates to the palate with notes of red berries. Medium body and not the most complex dram. Water tones down the spicy heat and makes it very drinkable.

FINISH: Medium length ending in pepper spice and caramel.

RATING: EXCELLENT

John loves rye whiskey, and this is no exception. He loves the spicier palate. I prefer something a bit sweeter, but when you tone down the spicy notes with a bit of water, the Sazerac Rye becomes very drinkable. Even for my sweet palate. It is warming and inviting, and I did not mind a second glass.

The Sazerace Straight Rye whiskey is not that expensive. I see you can pick it up from Amazon for around £35. An affordable and versatile bottle to add to your drinks cabinet.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Rittenhouse Rye whiskey and the Sazerac Straight Rye, and if you follow the link you can see how they differ. I have also tasted a Scottish Rye whisky, the Arbiki Highland Rye release. A different spice profile, but still enjoyable.

What is a Sazerac cocktail?

Of course, I also had to try a Sazerac Cocktail. There are many variations of the Sazerac cocktail, but this one on the Liquor.com is probably the most widely quoted recipe that I have seen. It includes rinsing your glass with a bit of absinthe before muddling the sugar water and the bitters together. This version uses both cognac and rye whiskey.

This is a cocktail that I can drink regularly and will be making a more regular appearance on my cocktail trolley.

How to make an Aperol Spritz Cocktail

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/06/2023

In Cocktails

Aperol Spritz cocktail header
Today I look at how to make an Aperol Spritz cocktail; the coral-hued pre-dinner cocktail that reminds you of sunsets over Amalif. Or in my case, the beautiful Mauritian sunsets.

Aperol was created in Padua by Luigi and Silvio Barbieri in 1919. It has a bittersweet flavour with aromatic botanicals and a light alcohol content (around 11- 15% depending on where you live in the world). It is an amaro type of beverage similar to Campari.

Also Read: Mint Julep Cocktail

The concept of Spritz comes from Austria and started when the Austrians found the northern Italian white wines too acidic and strong for their taste and would ask for a spritzen of water to make it more drinkable.

The Aperol Spritz has been enjoyed in Italy for many years, but it is only in the last decade or so that its popularity became global. According to bartenders, the Aperol Spritz was one of the most requested cocktails during 2022.

aperol spritz with orange

What is the difference between Aperol and Campari?

Campari and Aperol both are a bitter red(ish) type of spirit and they are interchangeable. However, Aperol is softer, slightly sweeter, with a slightly lower alcohol content when compared to Campari. Aperol is also an ingredient in a Paper plane cocktail.

Campari is darker in colour and more intense and bitter with a higher alcohol content. It contains hints of rhubarb, berries, and a floral bouquet of unspecified herbs. Campari is a key ingredient in a well made negroni cocktail.

Aperol Spritz Cocktail Ingredients

This is a cocktail you can make easily at home. It only has 5 ingredients with no complex mixing or shaking.

1. Aperol

Only the real thing makes an Aperol spritz. Aperol is an Italian bitter apéritif with flavours of rhubarb, gentian and cinchona flowers. It has a vibrant coral colour. Aperol retail for around £13.00 on Amazon and is readily available.

2. Prosecco

Prosecco is a sparking white wine made in Italy. It must contain at least 85% of Glera grapes for it to be classified as Prosecco. Other grapes such as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio can be blended with the Glera grapes, but these non-Glera grapes can’t make up more than 15% of the blend.

Look for an Extra Dry Prosecco as it has a nice level of sweetness to balance out the Aperol. If you don’t have real Prosecco, any good quality sparking wine will do.

3. Club soda or sparkling water

Any unflavored sparkling water will work well.

4. Slice of fresh orange

A slice of orange slice is the classic garnish for an Aperol spritz.

5. Ice

Diluting the spritz with a few ice cubes makes it perfect for hot summer afternoons.

The general ratio is equal parts Aperol and Prosecco plus a splash of sparkling water. However, I prefer a slightly sweeter spritz, so I add a bit more Prosecco than Aperol. This balances the Aperol bitterness and makes it less bitter.

Also Read: Martini Cocktail

aperol spritz cocktail with straw

Aperol Spritz Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Per cocktail

2 parts Aperol
3 parts Prosecco
1 part club soda or unflavored sparkling water
Orange slice, for garnish
Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

Add some ice to a wine glass. Pour in the Aperol and Prosecco.
Top your cocktail off with a splash of sparking water and add a slice of orange.

Perfect for late afternoon’s on the patio watching the sun go down over the Indian ocean. Aperol Spritz pairs well with olives, saucisson, freshly made hummus and crackers.

aperol spritz glass

Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Maker’s 46 Bourbon

Dewar’s White Label Blended Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/27/2023

In Blended whisky

During my latest shopping expedition, I looked for something wallet-friendly and novel. This led me to seize a bottle of Dewar’s White Label blended Scotch whisky. Given my adoration for Dewar’s 12 year old and 15 year old expressions, adding the White Label to my collection was as instinctive as it was irresistible.

Dewar’s, a respected Scottish whisky brand, takes pride in its membership within the Bacardi lineage. It is also one of the top Scottish whiskies sold in the USA.

Bacardi owns five whisky distilleries nestled in the heart of Scotland’s landscape:

Aberfeldy
Aultmore
Macduff
Royal Brackla
Craigellachie

But let’s zero in on the star of this blog post – Dewar’s White Label whisky. The brand was created back in 1899 by the visionary hands of A.J. Cameron, the first Master Blender of John Dewar & Son’s legacy.

Dewar’s White Label whisky is a harmonious blend, uniting around 40 distinct malt and grain whiskies, Aberfeldy at its core. After blending, the whisky returns to oak casks for a further period. This additional maturation serves to create a smooth and seamlessly integrated flavour profile.

White Label Scotch is a NAS release and is available worldwide. I picked this bottle up in Mauritius for around Rs1300.

Dewar’s White Label Blended Scotch Whisky Review

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Light gold

NOSE: Honey with orchard fruit and cereal. Bits of sun-ripened lemon and peach.

PALATE: Honey and mild chili. Cereal with oak, vanilla, and floral notes. In the background, there are fresh orchard fruits with grass and floral notes. Medium body and not the most complex. Water increases the chili heat a bit and brings forward more lemon rind. Sooth and uncomplicated.

FINISH: Short with honey sweetness and lemon drops.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The Dewar’s White Label is an entryway into Dewar’s world of blended Scotch whisky. A canvas adorned with the fruity and honeyed brushstrokes that hallmark Dewar’s creations.

As one traverses the Dewar’s spectrum, the voyage from the White Label to the 12 year old or the 15 year old expressions sees these familiar flavours transform into a more intricate tapestry.

John found the White Label a tad one-dimensional. However, I liked it and found it unpretentious and perfect for a leisurely afternoon Highball cocktail.

An accessible starting point for a deeper exploration of Dewar’s artistry. To further understand the nuances of this dram, I have done a side by side comparison between the Dewar’s White Label and the Famous Grouse whisky to see how they compare.

Also Read: Dunville’s PX Cask 12 yo Whiskey

My Best Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/20/2023

In Cocktails

Mint Julep cocktail cold
January and February are the hottest months on the island. The average temperature in Mauritius is around 32C with 75% humidity. In between the occasional tropical storm, this time of the year is hot and sticky.

To stay hydrated and cool down, I turn to ice-cold cocktails. The easiest and probably one of the best-known cocktails is the mint julep cocktail and it is perfect for this hot weather.

The recipe for a julep cocktail is essentially a drink with a sweet portion (a simple syrup) and a herb element mixed with an alcohol base and ice. Many herbs can be used including lavender and basil, but the best-known version of the julep is the mint julep.

Also Read: Aperol Spritz Cocktail

Mint and its many species (think spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint) grow on nearly all continents. Greek mythology refers to mint and it has been part of middle eastern cooking and tea culture for hundreds of years.

The mist julep became famous in its current form in 1939 as it became the cocktail recipe associated with the Kentucky Derby. It has been part of Southern-style food culture for far longer. Variations similar to a mint julep recipe were mentioned in plays and medical literature from the 1770s. The variations included brandy, gin, and rum-based versions.

Best Whiskey or Whisky to use

Today, thanks to the Kentucky Derby, the spirit of choice is bourbon. But the mint julep recipe work just as well with Scottish single malt whisky, Irish pot still whiskey, or your blended whisky of choice.

Because the whisky or the whiskey is the star of the show, you don’t want to use your cheaper whisky. Those are great when mixed with a stronger mixer where the whisky is not the main attraction.

You want to use a delicious dram that will stand up to the mint oils and the simple syrup. A bourbon would work very well with the most obvious choice being a Woodford Reserve. But a Maker’s Mark or a Blanton’s bourbon will also work.

When looking at Scottish whisky, I would steer clear of the peaty Islay drams. Instead, I will probably choose a sweeter whisky from Speyside. However, nothing too heavily influenced by aging in sherry casks.

Good options include the Glen Grant 10 yo, the Glen Moray whisky, Cardu 12 yo whisky or perhaps a Rhino whisky which is from an undisclosed Speyside distillery.

Even a good blend such as a Dewars 12 yo, Ballantine’s 12 yo, or a Black bottle whisky or a blended malt such as a Monkey Shoulder whisky.

Mint Julep cocktail at bar

Things to Remember

Traditionally, mint juleps were served in silver or pewter cups (julep cups). The cups were filled to the brim with chipped ice, which in this humid island weather makes a welcome relief from the heat of Mauritius.

It is important to take care of the mint and not to bruise it too much. Too much muddling will release too much mint oil which can create a bitter taste. You also need to balance the simple syrup portion carefully not to make it too sweet.

I have seen recipe suggestions where you rub your glass with some mint leaves. That can help to create the mint balance without getting too bitter.

Remember a straw. You drink a mint julep from the bottom as the lovely bourbon sits under all the ice. Don’t try to sip it like a standard drink, all you will get is ice.

Also Read: Mojito Cocktail

Mint Julep cocktail outside

My Best Mint Julep Cocktail Recipe

2 oz bourbon or whisky
8 mint leaves plus extra sprigs for garnish
1/2 oz simple syrup
Crushed ice
Straw

In a chilled glass, lightly muddle the mint leaves and the simple syrup. Add the bourbon. Fill the glass with crushed ice. Using a tall spoon, stir gently and top up with ice if needed. Garnish with the extra sprig of mint and add the straw.

I have seen mint julep recipes where Angostura bitters is used as a garnish on top of the crushed ice. (optional)

Mint Julep cocktail with bitters

Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/17/2023

In Whisky Comparison

Johnnie Walker blue Label vs XR blended whisky side by side comparison

Welcome to the next instalment of my whisky comparison series. I look closer at two exceptional releases from Johnnie Walker: the renowned Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR blended Scotch whisky.

These premium blends are part of the illustrious Diageo stable, but what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of these exceptional whiskies to help you make an informed choice.

The journey of Johnnie Walker, from its humble beginnings in a grocery store to its status as a global brand, is a tale well-documented. While Red and Black Label are widely available in bars around the world, the pinnacle of the Johnnie Walker range is the Blue Label.

Surprisingly, it’s not the most expensive in their lineup. For instance, the Johnnie Walker King George V is nearly three times the price of the Blue Label, and the John Walker Private Edition collection can retail for over R7,000.

However, in South Africa and many other places, the Blue Label is the whisky that epitomizes success and accomplishment.

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label is often considered the whisky of choice when one has “made it” in life. The 21 year old XR release is only R600 more expensive. The Johnnie Walker XR Scotch whisky features a more exquisite bottle and boasts an age statement.

Now, the question arises: Which whisky is the better tasting?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky

Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR
The premium Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky is crafted from a blend of old grain and malt whiskies, meticulously curated by Master Distiller Jim Beveridge to echo the style of 19th-century whiskies.

While the Blue Label lacks an age statement, each bottle boasts a unique serial number.

Johnnie Walker XR 21 year old Whisky

Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR
Honoring Sir Alexander Walker’s Knighthood, the Johnnie Walker XR whisky is a special edition release. This 21 year old blended Scotch whisky draws inspiration from the handwritten blending notes of Sir Alexander Walker himself.

Featuring whisky from the extensive Johnnie Walker stocks, the XR 21 year old is rumoured to include whisky from the now-silent Brora distillery. One remarkable feature of this whisky is its impressive bottle design, complete with a substantial stopper, making it a keepsake even when the last drop is poured.

Also Read: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve

Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR 21 year old Whisky

Johnny walker Blue Label vs XR comparison

	Johnnie Walker Blue Label	Johnnie Walker XR
Type	Blended whisky	Blended Whisky
ABV	43%	40%
Colour	Light golden amber	Dark gold with red tinges
Nose	Complex with many layers. Peat, smoke with oak and malt. Christmas cake, spice and dried fruit. Adding some water unlocked fresh flowers and florals.	Rich and smooth with sweetness, sherry, ripening summer fruit and flowers Adding water softens the nose and releases more smoky wood and spice.
Palate	Bold with peat and old wood. Water smooths it toward a more floral, sweeter bouquet with notes of oak and toffee.	Notes of ripe cherries, sherry, cinnamon, maple syrup, fruits and oak. Subtle and elegant Water tones down the boldness and takes away the complexity and richness.
Finish	Medium length with notes of pepper and nutmeg, caramels and oak.	Medium length. Notes of raisins and cinnamon spice.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Non age statement. Easy drinking without loosing complexity.	Age statement: 21 yo. More elegant and subtle with red fruits balanced with cinnamon.
You will like it if you are looking for…	Something smooth with Islay / Island notes. A bold winter whisky.	Summer whisky with a more Speyside / Highland caracter. Something sweeter and elegant with a richer finish.
Price	$250	Discontinued
Pairs well with	Roast Beef or tiramisu or a light blue cheese.	Oysters, scallops or duck

Comparing these two exceptional whiskies side by side highlights their differences. The smoky and peaty notes are subtle when sipping the Blue Label on its own. However, the peat and smoke emerge more boldly when enjoyed alongside a sweeter whisky.

The Blue LabelScotch is bold with oak, toffee and floral notes, bits of dried fruit and Christmas spices. The XR brings red fruits, sherry and maple syrup with light oak and cinnamon. It is less bold than the Blue Label but more elegant and complex.

Both are excellent whiskies in their own right, but whether they justify their price tags or stand out in a blind taste test against other premium blends is a separate discussion, perhaps one for our whisky club friends to explore in the future.

For me and John, the Johnnie Walker XR whisky stands out as more elegant and refined when compared to the Blue Label. Its unique bottle design and substantial stopper add to its allure, making it a bottle worth preserving long after its contents have been enjoyed.

In the battle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR whisky, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you opt for the iconic Blue Label or the elegant XR 21 year old Scotch, you will surely experience the craftsmanship and legacy of one of the world’s most renowned whisky brands.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Green vs Blue Label Whisky

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