Whisky of the Week

Scottish Leader 12 year old Whisky

On 02/28/2022

Towards the end of 2016, I was fortunate to attend the launch of a new whisky release in South Africa. The Scottish Leader 12 year old blended Scotch whisky has been a long-standing favourite in the East and lucky for us, have now reached the South African shores.

Scottish Leader is a well-known brand around the world. The Original and Signature releases are popular in South Africa, and now they have extended their South African presence with the 12 yo.

I love their other releases. The Scottish Leader Signature is a regular in my house and the Original pairs wonderfully with Royal Ashton cheese. It was launched in 1976 and is available in around 30 countries across the world. The lead blender for Scottish Leader is Dr Kirstie McCallum.

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She has travelled all the world on her whisky journey. She went from being a chemist in Glasgow to the Burn Stewart Global Brand Ambassador, and today she leads the team in blending Scottish Leader.

Kirstie is one the pioneering woman in whisky. She was one of the first women to become a whisky maker and was one of the youngest female blenders in Scotland. On one of her visits to South Africa, I was fortunate to meet her.

During October 2016, she was nominated and inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich. A phenomenal whisky woman. Her signature is all every bottle of Scottish Leader.

Scottish Leader 12 year old Whisky Review

The Scottish Leader 12 year old is a blend of unpeated Highland and Speyside malt and grain whiskies, matured in American Oak casks.

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Dark golden red

NOSE: Sweet sherry, rich with notes of vanilla marshmallow and fruits. A very faint hint of wood, nutmeg and cream. The addition of water seems to bring out more of the sweet toffee and butterscotch notes.

PALATE: Fruit, sticky toffee pudding, brandy-soaked apricots. A big mouth full and wonderfully complex. The addition of water makes the Scottish Leader smoother and rounder and a little bit easier drinking.

FINISH: Long and lingering with spicy and sweet notes perfectly balanced.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Not too many bottles made it to South Africa. So if you have not yet grabbed a bottle, do so quickly. It is affordable and delicious. A great blended 12 year old Scotch whisky. I see that Vinoteque still has a few available.

Other releases include the Scottish Leader Supreme and there is even a Sherry Cask finish.

Also Read: Ballantines 12 yo whisky

Dimple Pinch 15 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/21/2022

In Blended whisky

It is no secret that my dad loved whisky, especially blended whiskey. My mom always bought him a Chivas 12 year old whisky for his birthday. But for special celebrations and anniversaries, she purchased his favourite favourite, the Dimple Pinch 15 year old blended Scotch whisky.

The distinctive triangular bottle with pinched (dimpled) sides and the gold thread netting has been around since 1893. During the late 19th-century, demand for blended Scotch whisky expanded in all directions. John Haig founded the Haig distillery in 1824.

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Today it is known as Cameronbridge. In 1830, it became the first distillery to produce grain whisky using the column still method. He experimented and mixed different kinds of whisky, creating the Dimple Scotch whisky recipe we know today.

According to some research, Dimple contains a higher than normal malt proportion, including liquid from Glenkinchie and Linkwood distillery. Precisely what this means remains undisclosed.

In the US, it is known as Dimple Pinch, and in the rest of the world, it is simply Dimple whisky.

Today it is owned by Diageo. Other releases under the Haig brand include the Haig Gold Label whisky and Haig Club, associated with David Beckham. Haig Club is a grain whisky sourced from the Cameronbridge distillery.

Dimple Pinch 15 year old Scotch Whisky Review

Dimple Pinch blended Scotch whisky consists of over thirty malt and grain whiskies.

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Light amber

NOSE: Elegant and soft with notes of fruit, malt and honey. Not the most complex nose. Bits of green and pear mixed with lemon. No defined spicy notes on the nose. Light woody notes in the background.

PALATE: Notes of malt and fruit. It has a medium body with oak, banana, pear and honey. The Dimple has a few rough edges that need a few drops of water to mellow. The green notes from the nose come through, and it has a mild pepper bite. Easy drinking summer whisky. Not too complex.

FINISH: Short ending on notes of oak, honey and pepper.

RATING: VERY GOOD

My dad loved his Dimple whisky and only poured a glass on special occasions. Remember, that was the 80’s in South Africa, so the whisky variety was minimal. It is not a bad whisky, but I found it a bit forgettable. It starts delicate but gets better on sip 2 or 3. More flavour comes to the front after a few drops of water.

Perhaps I am spoilt, having enjoyed some big and bold drams lately. This light body dram is probably perfect for summer and will work well for introducing a newbie to whisky. The packaging is impressive and stands out. In South Africa, Dimple whisky costs around R600. In the US it retails for around $40. Not a bad price for a 15 year old blended whisky.

Also Read: Ballantine’s 17 yo Scapa Whisky

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/14/2022

In Bourbon whiskey

In the ever-evolving world of whiskey, a gem deserves the spotlight – Uncle Nearest 1856 whiskey. As I reminisce about the good old days before Covid, when whisky shows were still a part of our lives, I recall the moment I had the privilege of trying this relatively new whiskey release in South Africa.

The Uncle Nearest 1856 whiskey was a revelation with a unique and exciting taste that I rushed to buy a bottle. Fast forward to today, and whisky shows are still a distant dream, but it’s time we shed some light on this exceptional bottling.

The Uncle Nearest whiskey brand introduced its 1856 expression to the world in 2017, and it comes with a remarkable history that’s as rich as its flavour. This story begins with Nathan “Nearest” Green, an individual who was formerly enslaved but played a pivotal role in developing Jack Daniel’s whiskey and the iconic Lincoln County process, which involves charcoal filtration.

Nathan Green, also known as Uncle Nearest, served as the first master distiller at Jack Daniel’s distillery. His influence was so profound that his sons also found their place at the Jack Daniel’s distillery. Remarkably, today, Nearest Green’s great-great-granddaughter, Victoria Eady Butler, is the master blender for the whiskey that pays homage to his enduring legacy.

Currently, this Tennessee whiskey is sourced from two (unnamed) Tennessee distilleries. It is distilled based on a recipe credited to Uncle Nearest that dates back to the late 1800s.

The mash bill is not stated but contains at least 51% corn and a high rye percentage. It was aged in new, charred American oak barrels. Uncle Nearest 1856 is a blend of whiskey aged between 8 and 14 years.

The new Nearest Green distillery is currently in Phase 1. It is on a sprawling 270-acre horse farm in Shelbyville, on the route to Lynchburg. Founded by Fawn Weaver and owned by Grant Sidney Inc., this distillery ensures that Uncle Nearest’s legacy lives on.

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Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

COLOUR: Dark amber

ABV: 50%

NOSE: On the nose, there are scents of dried grass, vanilla, and peaches, all drizzled with a touch of maple syrup. There’s a subtle green note in the background, with hints of distant charcoal smoke and a medley of spices.

PALATE: The palate is bold and robust. Oats mingle with vanilla sugar and maple syrup, followed by the warmth of toasted wood, nutty undertones, and the freshness of green grass. As the journey continues, whispers of caramel appear before the spices steal the show.

Expect a gentle pepper heat infused with nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and faint traces of dark chocolate. While there’s a hint of alcohol heat, a drop of water opens up the spices, making the nutmeg and cinnamon more pronounced, all while soothing the alcohol heat.

This whiskey is an exquisite balance of smoothness and sweetness, making it an absolute pleasure to savour.

FINISH: The finish is medium-length, leaving you with lingering notes of vanilla, oak spices, and a delightful caramel sweetness.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a lovely dram. Big and bold, but still smooth and unique. I loved the toasted oak notes in this whiskey. Together with the maple sweetness and the vanilla, this created bits of magic on my palate. It reminded me of a little of my grandfather’s woodwork bench and the smell of him creating furniture. This is a great whiskey to use for a whiskey sour cocktail.

The Uncle Nearest works well with a Monterey Jack cheese. The fruitier whiskey pairs well with the gentle character of this cheese.

Even more compelling is that Uncle Nearest is a black-owned whiskey brand that pays tribute to the recipe created by the USA’s first black master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green. This delightful whiskey is, in every sense, a win-win, offering a piece of history in every sip.

Uncle Nearest doesn’t stop at the 1856 expression; it boasts a lineup of other brand variants. This includes Uncle Nearest 1820 Premium whiskey, Nathan Green 1870 Single Barrel, and Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch whiskey. Each one promises its own unique journey through flavour and history.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Rye vs Jack Daniel’s Rye

Scottish Leader Signature Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/07/2022

In Blended whisky

Time for a blended whisky again. This week I try the new Scottish Leader Signature blended Scotch whisky. Interestingly, South Africa, second only to Taiwan, is the most popular market for Scottish Leader whisky.

The brand is owned by Burn Stewart Distillers, which is part of the Distell Group Limited. The story of the Scottish Leader blend begins near the village of Doune in Perthshire, Scotland. On the banks of the River Teith is the Deanston Distillery, home to the Scottish Leader.

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Here the Scottish Leader’s secret recipe was created by Master Blenders, the Ross Brothers, in the late 19th century. Once a cotton mill, the Ross Brothers quickly realised that the site had ideal features to distil whisky; fresh Scottish air, a supply of crystal clear water and ample storage facilities to mature the whisky.

Distell relaunched the brand in 2014. The update gives it a new look and packaging. The brand team replaced the old logo of a deer with a soaring eagle. They also released the new Scottish Leader Signature expression to complement the existing Scottish Leader Original whisky.

Scottish Leader Signature Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: A dark copper colour. There are beautiful hits of red specs in the whisky. It is not a very oily whisky.

NOSE: Immediately brings sherry sweetness with fruit cake and raisins. There are notes of toffee, honey and bits of smoke. The Signature has quite a sweet nose. In the background, malts and green grass flirting around.

PALATE: Rich, smooth and spicier than expected. I was expecting quite a sweet palate after the sweet nose, but there were notes of oak, smoke, and cloves. Bits of citrus peel floating in the background. Adding some water allowed more oak to come out and made this Scottish Leader Signature whisky very smooth.

FINISH: Medium length and end in notes of spicy oak and citrus. It is a medium-bodied blended whisky. A great combination of sweetness, smoke and spice.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Signature release is an easy-drinking, smooth, affordable whisky to have in your cupboard. Not very complicated; however, at the price point, it is well worth it. It retails for around R 230 in South Africa.

I paired this Scottish Leader Signature whisky with a Brebirousse d’Argental cheese. WOW, what a great whisky cheese pairing.

Other releases from this brand include the Scottish Leader 12 yo and Scottish Leader Supreme whisky. There is even a Sherry Cask finish whisky.

Paul John Oloroso Cask Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/31/2022

In Single Malt whisky

At the start of December 2021, I tasted the Paul John PX Cask Indian single malt whisky. A rich and dram from India that is ideally suited for winter sipping. December in South Africa is during summer, and as lovely as the PX Cask was, I am keeping my bottle for winter.

The Paul John Master Distiller, Michael D’souza, also released an Oloroso Select Cask finish Indian single malt whisky. Oloroso sherry is traditionally not as heavy and sweet as the PX sherry. Oloroso sherry has notes of toasted nuts with more earthy undertones when compared to the PX sherry, which has more dried fruit and honey notes.

So today, let me try the Paul John Oloroso Select Cask whisky. Like the PX, the Oloroso started life in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and, after at least 5 years moved into first-fill ex-Oloroso casks for about two years.

The Select Cask series does not have an age statement, but it is probably around 7 years old.

Paul John Oloroso Select Cask Whisky Review

COUNTRY: India

ABV: 48%

COLOUR: Dark polished copper

NOSE: Christmas cake, treacle sweetness, nuts, bits of leather, hints of sherry and light woody notes. Bits of summer fruit and cinnamon. Rich and inviting.

PALATE: Red fruits, dark chocolate intermingled with pepper spice and oaky notes. A bit of alcohol heat. Bold without being overwhelming. Bits of leather, sherry and roasted malt.

The Oloroso evolve between intricate sweetness and spicy notes. A complex, full-body whisky. Not for a newbie. Water brings down the alcohol heat and makes it smoother.

FINISH: Lingering with notes of drying oak, fruit and pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a lovely drinkable dram. Lighter in mouthfeel when compared to the PX Cask, the Oloroso Select Cask is made for summer sipping. It will be perfect for after dinner, sitting on the patio listening to the sounds of the night. The Paul John Oloroso Select Cask single malt retails in South Africa for around R 1 500.

Putting these two drams next to each other is a great way to experience the impact of the different sherry casks on the whisky. I wondered if the PX compared to the Oloroso cask finishing would significantly differ in taste. And it did. The PX Select is sweeter, heavier, more complex and more of a winter dram; the Oloroso is nutty, lighter and more suited for summer.

There is a marked difference in the sweet notes, with the PX having more grape jam and dried fruit notes. The Paul John Oloroso Cask has more chocolate and Christmas cake notes. The most significant difference is in the finish. The Oloroso has a lighter and softer finish, and it is easy to drink a second glass.

Both are lovely, but I prefer the Oloroso Cask above the PX Cask. It might just be because it was 30C on Friday. During the cooler months, I will retry these two releases again.

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

Also Read: A Whisky and Indian food pairing