Whisky of the Week

GlenDronach Peated Whisky

On 11/07/2022

I have tried at least one GlenDronach each year for the last three years, and in 2022 I want to continue this streak. So this year, I chose a peated release from this typical sherry forward distillery; the GlenDronach Peated single malt Scotch whisky.

I love the GlenDronach 18 year old and rated it, Divine. It is a perfect example of all that is delicious in sherry forward whisky from Speyside. The GlenDronach 21 year old is good, but not as nice as the 18 year old. Other releases in the core range include the 12 year old and the GlenDronach 15 year old.

James Allardice founded the GlenDronach Distillery Company in Forgue, near Huntly. The distillery was damaged in a fire in 1837, and five years later, Allardice went bankrupt. It was bought and rebuilt, and various well-known companies owned the distillery during the following 120 years.

Also Read: Black Bottle Whisky

During the 60s, it passed on to William Teacher & Sons, and they expanded the production. In 1996 it was mothballed, and through a series of mergers and acquisitions, the distillery ended up with French Pernod Ricard in 2005. They sold it to the BenRiach Distilling Co. in 2008. In 2016, the distillery changed hands again, this time going to the US distiller Brown-Forman.

GlenDronach introduced the Peated edition in 2015. It is made using lightly peated barley. First matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The GlenDronach Peated is not chill-filtered and is a NAS release. The spirit is peated to around 25ppm. Similar to Paul John Bold and Talisker Skye.

GlenDronach Peated Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Dark amber

NOSE: Soft peat, toasted wood, oak spices and fruity sweetness. I was hoping for some of the sherry and fruity red notes to come through, but the fruit notes are more baked apple and orange flavours. Bits of raisins, vanilla and cinnamon.

PALATE: Soft, elegant peat with woody notes. Bits of honey sweetness, roasted pear, nuts and cinnamon. Chewy and bold but still drinkable. Oak spices and pepper.

Water softens the peat a bit and brings more malt to the front. Medium body but not as complex and smooth as the 18 yo. Again I was looking for the sherry notes, but it is negligible.

FINISH: Medium length with notes of smoky wood, oak spices and honey.

RATING: VERY GOOD

I was hoping that more of the delicious red Oloroso sherry notes would come through, but the fruit profile was more ripe green than red fruit. The peat is not the fishy, medicinal Islay peat, but a more heather and dried earth kind of peat.

I love the GlenDronach 12 year old and was hoping it would be a bit more of a sherry bomb integrated with peaty notes, similar to the Laphroaig PX cask, but the Peated is not that.

Not quite sherried enough and not quite the right peat. A Jack of all trades but a master of none comes to mind. It is a lovely release but doesn’t quite tick the sherry or peat boxes. I will stick to the unpeated releases from this distillery and pour me a glass of the Glendronach 12 year old.

The GlenDronach Peated single malt Scotch retail for around R 1 000 in South Africa and I have seen some recently at Bottega Whiskey.

Also Read: Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Whiskey

Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 yo Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/31/2022

In Whisky Comparison

Glenfiddich 12 vs glenlivet 12 yo single malt whisky comparison
Welcome back to another exciting instalment in my whisky comparison series. Last time, we delved into the world of Double Oaked bourbons, and this week, we’re diving into the heart of Speyside with two iconic 12 yo single malt whiskies.

It’s a showdown between two heavyweights of the whisky world – Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. So, let’s explore the Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 yo single malt Scotch whiskies and see how they stack up.

Nestled within the enchanting Speyside region, mere kilometres apart, these two releases are classics. I’ve enjoyed both of these gems over the years, and I can attest to their enduring appeal.

But have you ever wondered how they fare when pitted against each other? Well, today, we’re about to find out.

Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

The Glenfiddich 12 yo single malt whiskywith glass

First in the ring is Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt whisky an integral part of the renowned Glenfiddich core range. Known for its distinctive triangular-shaped bottles, Glenfiddich has earned its stripes as one of the world’s best-selling single malt brands.

The 12 year old expression is the youngest member of their permanent lineup. The Glenfiddich journey began in 1886 when William Grant founded the distillery, and remarkably, it remains in the Grant family’s hands.

Glenfiddich 12 undergoes maturation in a blend of Oloroso sherry and bourbon whisky casks. It’s the ideal companion for those embarking on their whisky exploration journey.

Glenlivet 12 year old Whisky

Glenlivet 12 yo single malt whisky with glass

Let’s shift our attention to Glenlivet 12 year old single malt Scotch, a whisky with a special place in my heart. It was the first single malt I had ever tasted, and its smooth, complex flavours left an indelible impression. Although it was briefly discontinued and replaced by the Founder’s Reserve, whisky enthusiasts can sigh relief as it has returned triumphantly to the scene.

The Glenlivet distillery in Moray, Scotland, draws its pure waters from Josie’s Well and nearby springs. Owned by Chivas Brothers, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, this distillery has a rich history that adds to the allure of Glenlivet 12 year old.

Glenlivet 12 year old, much like its competitor, matures gracefully in a blend of American and traditional oak casks.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR whisky

Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 year old Whisky

Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 yo Whisky Comparison

	Glenfiddich 12 yo	Glenlivet 12 yo
Price	$55	$54
Region	Speyside Whisky	Speyside Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Bright amber	Golden wheat
Nose	Fresh fruit, oak & honey. The addition of water releases more florals and faint spice in the nose	Sweet with tropical fruits, vanilla and cereals. There are hints of spice and grassy notes floating in the background
Palate	It is wonderfully rounded with woody notes, toffee and dried fruit coming through. A subtle hint of pear with a nutty creaminess.	Fruits, cinnamon and nutmeg that mix with the oak and barley notes. Apple, honey and summer fruit appear. Rich and delicious
Finish	Medium length. Notes of oak and spice. There is a lovely oily mouth feel at the end	Medium length and end in lots of fresh fruit, nuts and hints of lemon
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Not too complex, but balanced and smooth. Easy drinking	Certainly a perfectly fruity dram
You will like it if you are looking for…	A light fruity dram. Perfect for a first time single malt drinker	A bit more complexity but still light and fruity. Makes for a great gift
Pairs well with	Pear and ginger crumble or Japanese food	Goats cheese flavoured with Italian herbs, salmon sashimi and delicate seafood such as seared scallops or prawns

True to its Glenfiddich heritage, the 12 year old release boasts succulent pears intertwined with tantalizing vanilla spices and a nutty creaminess, creating a delightful palate. The Glenfiddich 12 year old whisky is versatile, perfect for crafting cocktails, sipping leisurely, or simply relishing life’s moments. It’s a crowd-pleaser through and through.

I have a soft spot for Glenlivet 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Holding that bottle in my hands floods me with nostalgic memories. Tropical fruit with cinnamon and honey balances perfectly with hints of lemon and grassy notes. Light and fruity with hints of black pepper.

Both of these whiskies are excellent. They offer consistent quality, making them easily approachable for whisky enthusiasts of all levels. And the best part? You can enjoy either of these drams for under R500.

Both of these whiskies are great choices. You can’t go wrong with either Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet 12 in your glass. They are two beacons of Speyside excellence, and whichever you choose, you’re in for a memorable whisky experience.

Also Read: Teeling Single Malt vs Single Grain Irish Whiskey

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Helden Hickory Wood Spirit

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/24/2022

In Single Malt whisky

On the 24th of September, South Africa celebrates Heritage Day. I was invited to the Whisky Shop’s Heritage Day celebrations and got the opportunity to try some proudly South African whisky. Except for Bain’s whisky, there was also Boplaas with their whisky and brandy, as well as the Helden Distillery with the Helden Hickory Wood single malt spirit.

I know that WhiskyBrother& Co have bottled a Young Single Malt from Helden distillery. And if the WhiskyBrother &Co team liked it enough to bottle something from here, I had to explore more of this Free States distillery.

The Helden Distillery is a South African whisky distillery situated in Parys in the Vredefort Dome. The Vredefort Dome is a UNESCO World Heritage area, the world’s largest meteor impact site. Helden is the Dutch word for “hero”.

Also Read: Benriach The Smoky Twelve Whisky

The Lead Distiller, Pieter van Helden was first exposed to the concept of distillation while at school. He went on to obtain a PhD in Chemistry. Pieter gradually matured from producing hobby-level fruit brandies (locally known as mampoer) to focusing on the art of whisky.

With a passion for Africa and innovation, the Helden Distillery was founded in 2018. They share premises with their brewing partner, the well-known The Dog & Fig Brewery. The focus is on combining sustainable African malted grains with innovative African wood maturation for their single malt and single grain spirits.

The Helden Hickory Wood spirit is a small batch single malt spirit is made from specially roasted South African malts and then distilled in a pot and column still. It is matured in toasted Hickory wood using AccelerAge technology.

Helden Hickory Wood Single Malt Spirit Review

The Helden Hickory Wood is about 5 months old. It is not chill-filtered and is a natural colour. Only 174 bottles were produced. I have bottle 20/174.

COUNTRY: South Africa

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Light Gold

NOSE: Caramel with ripe red grapes. A fruity sweetness with pepper and a floral note.

PALATE: Dry leather and wood with malt and fruity sweetness. Hints of nutmeg and cardamom mixed with cream and traces of toasted nuts. After standing for a few minutes, I get notes of fragrant tea roses. A medium body. A few drops of water makes it smooth and drinkable.

FINISH: Short finish with lemon pepper and wood. Floral notes with bits of rose and nutmeg.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Helden Hickory Wood single malt spirit is too young to be called a whisky, but it drinks smoother than a 3 yo dram. Interesting and different. This young malt explores and expands the boundaries of what whisky can be. It moves away from the older way of thinking about whisky and looks at embracing new taste experiences. A distillery worth celebrating.

When you combine passion, technology and innovation, you get something individual. And if you like unique wood finishes, the Helden range should get a place in your collection.

The Helden Hickory Wood spirit retail for around R 450 is available online from the distillery, WhiskyShop and WhiskyBrother &Co. If you visit Parys, it is worth booking a private Helden whisky tasting experience. That way, you can experience the whole range of whiskies and learn about the production process and brand.

More from the Helden Range

The Helden whisky range consists of the Innovate Range, Limited and Premium, and the Summer collection. The Innovate range includes Cherrywood, Hickory wood finish, and New Make spirits.

An African Bonfire whisky will be part of the Premium collection. This will be a sorghum malt-based whisky that is matured using indigenous African Camel Thorn wood. I have tasted a bit of this, and it is delicious. It is going to be perfect for a bushveld braai.

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

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/21/2022

In Blended whisky

As I rummaged through my whisky collection, pondering the perfect dram to cap off another incredible year, my gaze fell upon the shopping bag on the counter. It struck me that, once again, I had unwittingly bought the whisky that has graced my glass more frequently than any other (with perhaps the exception of the Bain’s whisky). This is the iconic Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch whisky.

Steeped in history, this whisky brand has maintained its position as one of the best-selling whiskies since 1909, making next year its remarkable 110th anniversary. That’s over a century of excellence in every bottle.

Widely acclaimed as the most globally distributed brand of Scotch whisky. Johnnie Walker Black Label blended whisky boasts a consistent taste profile coupled with an affordable price point.

I instinctively reach for Johnnie Walker Black Label whenever I am whipping up a Rusty Nail Cocktail. It’s a timeless classic that always stays in style. But let’s rewind and delve into this whisky’s origins.

Born in a humble grocery shop, the Walker family rechristened their creation from ‘Extra Special Old Highland Whisky’ to the illustrious Johnnie Walker Black Label in 1909.

Over the years, it has become the benchmark against which I measure all other 12 year old blends. Whenever I sip something new, I can’t help but wonder: is it as smooth, as easy-drinking, and as affordable as a glass of Johnnie Black?

Black Label whisky is a meticulously crafted blend of approximately 40 whiskies from various regions across Scotland. It reigns supreme in terms of smoothness and drinkability, setting it apart from its sibling, Johnnie Walker Red Label.

The Johnnie Walker whisky range is part of the Diageo stable. Other releases include the Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky and the Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky.

Now, let’s dive into what makes this whisky so incredibly easy to savour.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Gold Label whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Deep polished amber

NOSE: When you bring the glass to your nose, you’re greeted with a delicate wisp of smoke, red berries, and the warm embrace of Christmas pudding, generously adorned with toffee and hints of winter spice.

PALATE: As it dances across your palate, you’ll find it both smooth and rich, with the perfect marriage of smoke and peat harmonizing with notes of fruit, citrus blossoms, oak, and malt. There’s a toffee sweetness here, embellished with subtle hints of spice. Remarkably, you don’t need to add water, but if you do, it coaxes even more sweetness.

FINISH: The finish is nothing short of awesome. It lingers, rewarding your senses with a harmonious blend of fruity sweetness, citrus peel, velvety vanilla, and a gentle, warming pepper spice.

RATING: DIVINE

What a fantastic release . Johnnie Walker Black Label delivers an astonishingly consistent taste that remains unwavering no matter where you travel. It’s a fixture in my home, always ready to be enjoyed. In fact, among all the sometimes costly Johnnie Walker releases I’ve had the pleasure of tasting, this one remains my favourite.

It is a compelling testament to the notion that price doesn’t always equate to taste and quality. You can easily pick this up for around £25 on Amazon.

Black Label comparisons

I’ve conducted intriguing side-by-side comparisons involving Johnnie Walker Black Label blended whisky. How does it stack up against Chivas Regal 12 yo? Is the Double Black whisky a significant improvement? The beauty of this release lies in its versatility for such comparisons. I’ve even placed it beside a Jameson whiskey; the contrast is enlightening.

For those curious souls, I’ve engaged in a Black Label vs Red Label comparison as well as a showdown with the illustrious Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky.

I also stumbled upon a Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish whisky in Mauritius. Rest assured, I’ve meticulously documented tasting notes for this release.

So, whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or just beginning your journey into the world of fine spirits, Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky is a timeless companion that never disappoints. Pour yourself a glass and savour the history, craftsmanship, and sheer delight this whisky offers.

Cheers to a drink that transcends time and trends.Here’s to many more years of raising our glasses to Johnnie Walker Black Label.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker XR 21 yo whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/17/2022

In Blended whisky

On my recent trip to Mauritius, I found an interesting bottle of Johnnie Walker whisky in the supermarket. I had not seen the Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish blended Scotch whisky before and bought a bottle to try.

On the island, we had some time to explore this bottle properly. We love the Black Label whisky and always have a bottle around. So it made sense to spend a bit of time with this bottle.

The Sherry Finish is a limited edition Johnnie Walker Black Label initially released as a Taiwan exclusive. It is now available in more countries. According to the brand, this release combines the familiar notes of the Black Label whisky with dried plum and fig with aromatic vanilla.

Also Read: The Singleton Tailfire Whisky

Like the standard Black Label, the Sherry Finish is a blend that includes whisky from Cardhu in Speyside, Cameronbridge and Glenkinchie in the Lowlands and Clynelish from the Scottish Highlands. It was aged for 12 years and then finished in barrels seasoned with sherry from Jerez.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish Whisky Review

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Reddish gold

NOSE: It has the distinctive Black Label peat and smoky nose with an extra layer of sweetness. Red fruits, dried cherries and hints of sherry. Bits of spice and vanilla, with hints of dry wood.

PALATE: Peat and faint sherry sweetness with black pepper, red berries and caramel. Drying tannins and oak underlay the red fruits with hints of chocolate. On the palate, it is delicate and soft with none of the standard Black Label bolder notes. As the ABV was only 40%, we did not add water.

FINISH: A drying, peaty finish with bitter citrus and black pepper. Medium length.

RATING: VERY GOOD

I was expecting a bit more of the sherry richness to shine through. The sherry notes are subdued and somewhat out of balance with the peat and spices. The sherry finish adds a unique red fruit note but also tannins and drying oak.

Not bad, but if I have to choose between the Sherry Finish or the standard Black Label, I will take the standard Black Label whisky. I have to add that we quickly finished our bottle during our holiday. It will be a great dram for Johnnie Walker aficionados.

The serving suggestion for the Sherry Finish whisky is either on the rocks or in a tall glass filled with ice, topped up with a blackcurrant mixer and garnished with a sprig of mint or a slice of citrus. According to Johnnie Walker, it also pairs well with dark fruits, nuts and chocolate after a meal.

I have not seen it in South Africa, and I can’t remember what we paid for it in Mauritius. It was not too expensive, though; I see it retails for around R 650 worldwide. On Amazon you can pick it up for £33.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Select Casks Rye Finish Whisky