Whisky of the Week

The Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask Whisky

On 05/20/2024

Famous Grouse, a name that resonates with whisky aficionados worldwide, needs little introduction. Today, let’s delve into the Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask blended Scotch whisky.

With an impressive annual sale of 43 million bottles across more than 90 countries, Famous Grouse is one of the most accessible whisky brands. I can find it even here in Mauritius. Since 1980, it has held the title of Scotland’s highest-selling whisky brand, a testament to its enduring popularity.

Like many of its peers, Famous Grouse traces its origins back to a humble beginning in a local grocery store. Matthew Groag, the visionary behind the brand, embarked on a quest to craft his own premium blended whisky in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland.

Today, the Edrington Group is the torchbearer of his legacy; other whisky in their portfolio include Macallan and Highland Park whisky.

In 2018, the brand broadened its horizons by introducing two new cask-finished expressions. First was the Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask, the inaugural offering within the Cask Series. The Ruby Cask release, which undergoes a finishing process in port casks, joined its ranks soon afterwards.

The Bourbon Cask edition celebrates diverse oak influences, predominantly featuring whiskies aged in American Oak and first-fill bourbon casks. It is a NAS release.

The label is adorned by the iconic red Grouse, Scotland’s revered national game bird, which serves as a poignant symbol of heritage and tradition.

Priced at approximately R 290 in South Africa (€33.50 in Europe, £29 in the UK, and $25 in the USA), the Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask falls comfortably within the budget blend category. This is similar to the standard Famous Grouse retail price.

Also Read: The Top 5 Blends under R500

The Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Pale gold

NOSE: This is such a typical Famous Grouse nose. It’s fruity and sweet with notes of toasted oak, caramel, pepper, and vanilla. It’s lovely but not the most complex nose.

PALATE: The Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask starts quite spicy with lots of pepper, but after sipping two, it becomes sweeter. There are notes of oak, pepper, and caramel sweetness. Hints of vanilla and a tropical note are in the background. Water smooths the peppery spice, and it becomes very drinkable. It is easy to drink and smooth with a medium body.

FINISH: A medium length with caramel, oak and pepper.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It’s not the most complex dram, but we nevertheless made a dent in the bottle. It’s an uncomplicated dram for when you just want to relax.

Compared to the standard Famous Grouse whisky, the Bourbon Cask is spicier, with more toasted oak and caramel. The standard release has more cherries and candied fruit, while the fruit in the Bourbon Cask is more in the background.

The sweet note on the Bourbon Cask is more reminiscent of caramel, whereas on the standard Grouse, it is more of a honey sweetness. Both of these releases are easy drinking, and I can understand why this is the top-selling dram in Scotland.

Also Read: Pink Valentine’s Day Whisky Cocktails

Teeling Single Malt vs Single Grain Irish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/13/2024

In Whisky Comparison

While tidying up my whisky room, I realised I had the perfect duo for a side-by-side comparison: Teeling single malt vs single grain Irish whiskey. My journey with Teeling began with their Small Batch whiskey, an experience that left me thoroughly impressed.

Over time, I’ve enjoyed sampling various releases from this innovative Irish whiskey brand. The Teeling family’s legacy in distilling dates back to 1782 when Walter Teeling established a craft distillery on Marrowbone Lane in Dublin’s Liberties area.

The economic downturn, which led to tough times for Irish whiskey, forced the distillery to close in 1976. But distilling was in their blood, and the Teelings persisted.

In 2015, Jack and Stephen Teeling proudly opened the Teeling Distillery in Dublin, near where Walter had started his venture many years before.

Sustainability is a core value at Teeling Distillery, evident in its practices and philosophy. They’ve been recognised for their efforts, earning the ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ title at Whisky Magazine’s 2022 Icons of Irish Whiskey Awards.

From sourcing sustainable raw materials to employing eco-friendly production processes, such as rainwater harvesting and energy reuse, Teeling is committed to minimising their environmental footprint.

Let’s delve into the spirits themselves:

Teeling Single Malt Irish Whisky

bottle of Teeling Single Malt Whiskey
The Teeling single malt expression boasts maturation in five different wine casks—sherry, port, Madeira, white burgundy, and cabernet sauvignon. Crafted from 100% malted barley, with a blend of various ages, including whiskey distilled in 1991.

It’s a non-age statement (NAS) release. True to Teeling’s ethos, this whiskey is free from added colour and not chill-filtered.

Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey

Teeling Single Grain Whiskey header
The Teeling singel grain Irish whiskey release was introduced in 2013 and features a mash bill comprising 95% corn and 5% malted barley. Triple-distilled and aged exclusively in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon red wine casks from California for just over five years.

It’s another NAS release. Like its single malt counterpart, it’s devoid of added colour and chill-filtration.

Teeling Single Malt vs Single Grain Irish Whiskey

Teeling Single Malt vs Single Grain Irish Whiskey comparison

	Teeling Single Malt	Teeling Single Grain
Type	Single malt whiskey	Single grain whiskey
ABV	46%	46%
Colour	Gold	Amber
Age statement	NAS	NAS
Nose	Wood and pear sweetness. Filled with sweet, ripe melon and lemon. Bits of dark chocolate and warming spices. A lovely inviting nose.	Notes of cherry sweetness and creamy condensed milk. Sweet ripe grapes with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. The nose is elegant, sweet, and clean.
Palate	A balanced mix of milk chocolate, toasty oak, white pepper and malt. Warming cloves, cinnamon, ginger and malt with hints of cherry lozenge, vanilla and butterscotch. Medium body and very smooth. Elegant and delicious!	Tropical fruit salad drizzled with honey, freshly baked cinnamon rolls with bits of oak and warming black pepper. So smooth and drinkable, you don't even need to add water.
Finish	Dry oak and fruity sweetness.	Warming pepper balanced with soft honey sweetness and oak.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Price	£44 / $55	£35 / $45
Pairs well with	A cheese board	Roasted veggies or seafood

The Teeling single malt whiskey offers a harmonious blend of wood, chocolate, and spices, providing a comforting warmth. Despite maturing in five different casks, each contributes distinctively without overshadowing the others. It’s a dram best enjoyed neat, particularly on a chilly winter evening.

Conversely, the Teeling single grain whiskey delivers a sweet yet balanced profile, complemented by hints of pepper heat and malty richness. While it may not boast the complexity of its counterpart, its approachable nature makes it an enjoyable sip anytime.

For me, the single malt whiskey stole the show with its luscious, chewy texture that hits all the right notes. It is more expensive than the single grain, but I don’t mind paying the extra. For me, it is worth it.

I enjoy the whiskey that come from this innovative Irish distillery and will be looking out for more releases when I travel again.

But the question remains: which Teeling is your favourite?

Pike Creek 10 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/22/2024

In Rye Whiskey

Welcome to World Whisky time again, where we’re diving into the world of Pike Creek 10 year old whisky. Crafted by Corby Spirit and Wine Limited, this Canadian dram boasts an exciting twist—it’s finished in rum barrels, adding a distinctive flair to its character.

Corby Spirit and Wine Limited traces its roots back to 1859 in Corbyville, Ontario. The company has undergone numerous transformations over the years. Now listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange, the company is partly owned by Pernod Ricard, holding a 46% stake.

Its spirit portfolio includes renowned labels like J.P. Wiser’s whisky, Lot 40 Canadian Whisky, and Hiram Walker’s Special Old Whisky.

Initially introduced in 1998 with a finish in Port casks, Pike Creek whisky transformed in 2016 when the distillery changed to rum barrel finishing. The mash bill, a blend of rye and corn, remains undisclosed.

Ageing occurs in the non-climate-controlled warehouses just outside Windsor, Ontario. This subjects the barrels to extreme temperature shifts, ranging from bone-chilling -35°C in the winter to a sweltering 35°C in the summer.

Also Read: Scottish Cousin Whisky

Pike Creek 10 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Canada

ABV: 42%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: On the nose, there are sweet honey notes intertwined with the subtle allure of rum sweetness, complemented by a touch of rye spice and a note reminiscent of Dutch speculaas spice. Hints of raisins, prunes, and oak in the background.

PALATE: On the palate, the sweetness prevails, reminiscent of caramel toffee apples, accompanied by a gentle heat of pepper, cardamom, and rye spices. Vanilla and cinnamon intertwine with delicate hints of dried fruit, citrus, and oak. It has a medium body. A drop of water brings a bitter citrus note forward.

FINISH: The finish is short and soft, leaving lingering caramel, nutmeg, and cinnamon notes. The initial sweetness gives way to a delightful spiciness.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The Pike Creek 10 year old emerges as a commendable entry-level Canadian rye whisky similar to the Crown Royal whisky. It offers affordability without compromising quality. Priced around GBP 28 in the U.K. and $40 in Canada, it’s a steal for enthusiasts seeking a flavourful yet approachable dram.

While the rum barrel influence is more pronounced on the nose than on the palate, the warming embrace of rye spices ensures a memorable sipping experience.

Other Pike Creek whiskey releases includes a 15 year old Cabernet Sauvignon Finish as well as a 21 year old whisky aged in Speyside single malt casks. Both are limited edition offerings.

Also Read: Bennachie 10 yo Whisky

Laphroaig 10 vs Quarter Cask Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/15/2024

In Whisky Comparison

Laphroaig 10 year old vs Quarter Cask Whisky
Embarking on an Islay adventure, I delve into the exquisite realm of Laphroaig with a head-to-head comparison of the renowned Laphroaig 10 vs Quarter Cask single malt Scotch whiskies.

Islay – a name that conjures visions of a windswept, solitary island amidst the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Its history, rich with tales of exploration and conquest, is woven into the fabric of its rugged landscape, adorned with a few remaining Neolithic standing stones atop granite hills.

And what better way to immerse oneself in the essence of Islay than with two bottles of Laphroaig Islay single malt Scotch whisky?

Laphroaig, the epitome of Islay’s essence, draws its name from the waters of Loch Laphroaig on the island’s southern coast. Established by the Johnson brothers in 1815, this distillery has changed hands over the years, now residing in the Beam Suntory stable. Other Scottish distilleries in the portfolio include Auchentoshan and Bowmore distillery.

The distinctive characteristic of Laphroaig emanates from its proximity to the ocean and the abundant moss-laden peat of its surroundings. Now, let’s uncover how these two exceptional expressions fare when placed side by side.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Green vs Blue Label Whisky

Laphroaig 10 year old Whisky

Laphroaig 10 yo vs Quater Cask with glass
The 10 year old Islay single malt Scotch whisky is part of the Laphroaig core (Iconic) range. It was aged for ten years in ex-bourbon barrel casks. There are various cask-strength versions, as well as the standard 40% ABV release.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask Whisky

Laphroaig Quarter Cask Islay whisky with glass b

Introduced in 2004, the Laphroaig Quarter Cask Islay single malt Scotch whisky undergoes a unique ageing process. Initially matured in standard ex-bourbon oak barrels, it is transferred to smaller quarter casks, intensifying the interaction between whisky and oak. It is a NAS release.

Laphroaig 10 vs Quarter Cask Whisky

Laphroaig 10 vs quarter cask whisky comparison

	Laphroaig 10 yo	Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Type	Single malt whisky	Single malt whisky
ABV	40%	48%
Colour	Dark gold	Sparking gold
Age statement	10 year old	NAS
Nose	Big and bold with notes of moist ocean air, seedweed, smoke, peat, iodine and ash but with hints of fruity sweetness, bits of salted caramel.	Burnt peat, seaweed and medicinal iodine. Mild smoke and a surprising hint of spicy sweetness. A bold, rich, and complex aroma.
Palate	The peatiness and the sweetness is nicely balanced. Notes of iodene, charred wood, smoke, earth and malt softened by sweeter ripe fruit drizzled with honey. A burnt coffee bean note in the background. Big and bold bold, but with class and finesse.	There are notes of peat, smoke and seaweed. Hints of iodine, citrus and honey. In the background oak, smoked bacon, cinnamon and tobacco. The addition of water makes the Quarter Cask smoother and softens the medicinal notes.
Finish	Long and lingering with reminders of burning driftwood and caramel.	It's long, and it's lingering, and it's complex. It changes from peat to sweet to spicy.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Price	$47 / £40	$70 / £47
Pairs well with	Smoked ribs or brisket, blue cheese, or dark chocolate	BBQed meats, cured salmon, and strong cheeses

While both whiskies embody the quintessential Laphroaig essence of peat, ash, and smoke, they are very different when compared.

The Laphoriag 10 year old whisky’s nose has notes of salty ocean air and fresh fruit sweetness. Tasting continues the peat and smoke, mixed with toasted oak, honey, and a light note of burnt coffee beans. The finish is long and lingering.

On the other hand, the Laphroaig Quarter Cask whisky has bolder medicinal notes mixed with spices on the nose. On the palate, the Quarter Cask has more citrus, smoked bacon, cinnamon, and hints of tobacco. Again, there is a long and lingering finish, but it is spicier than the 10 year old.

In terms of affordability, the Laphroaig Quater Cask single malt whisky retails for around £47 and the standard 10 year old single malt Scotch for £40 on Amazon.

Choosing a favourite proves challenging. The Laphroaig 10 year old has a more seaweed and fruit vibe, while the Quarter Cask is medicinal and spicy with more wooden notes.

I enjoyed the 10 year old release because of the sweet notes, but hubby prefers the Quarter Cask due to the spice. Both are excellent drams; it just comes down to your own preference.

Also Read: Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky

Ardbeg An Oa Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/01/2024

In Single Malt whisky

It was with great fanfare that Ardbeg launched an extension to their core range – Ardbeg An Oa Islay single malt Scotch whisky. The first permanent expression to join the Ardbeg core range since Corryvreckan in 2009.

The rest of the core range include Ardbeg 10 yo and Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky. Ardbeg and Glenmorangie is part of the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) company, and they are a great marketing company.

I was somewhat sceptical about this new release. I have been less impressed lately by the Ardbeg Day releases. Was this another premium-priced release that does not live up to the hype? In the run-up to the release of the An Oa, a rather corny video was released called ” Whisky Whispers”, about a new release coming.

Also Read: Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1994 whisky

The distillery named this release after the Mull of Oa in the south-west of Islay. The Mull offers the Kildaton some protection from the worst the Atlantic storms, and it forms the most southerly point of Islay. Maturation of Ardbeg An Oa whisky takes place in a combination of casks including PX, spicy charred virgin oak and ex-bourbon.

Then this is all married together in Dr. Bill Lumsden’s new French oak ‘gathering vat’. Ardbeg An Oa is non-chill filtered. However, the important question is, what does it taste like?

Ardbeg An Oa Islay Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 46.6%

COLOUR: Light Gold

NOSE: Peat, creamy honey, salted liquorice with hints of cough syrup. In the middle sweet vanilla floats about mingling with bits of toasted nuts and pine needles. It’s a fascinating and glorious mix of aromas. It’s complicated, subtle and different all at once. Faint smoke lurks around.

PALATE: Ash, peat, soft honey, sweet vanilla and cinnamon sugar, hints of chocolate and toasted oak. Faint traces of lemon pepper. The An Oa has a big mouthfeel, and it’s smooth and velvety on the palate. Water softens the few rough edges and adds more sweetness. But I finished my first glass without water; it was so good. I had to pour a second glass just to test.

FINISH: Smoothly with a long and lingering finish that hug and comfort you like a favourite jersey. Filled with sweetness and bits of nut.

RATING: DIVINE

The Ardbeg An Oa whisky is not the salty, TCP and strong tar pole notes of an Ardbeg Uigeadail, but a softer, more classic version of it. To me, the Uigeadail is the sea hardened old fisherman with salt in his bones. The An Oa is his daughter that just turned 21.

Sea weathered from living next to the sea, but more feminine and softer and filled with hopes and dreams of things that do not include the ocean and fish. But she will always come back to the fisherman’s cottage, as deep down the sea is still calling.

It is seldom that we finish a bottle. Even bottles that are easily replaceable like the Ardbeg 10 yo take a while for us to finish. This bottle of Ardbeg An Oa whisky is DONE – within four months of buying the bottle. If that does not translate into DIVINE, I don’t know what does!

I asked the question on Instagram Stories – Is this worth the hype, and it seems like most people agree. The Ardbeg An Oa single malt whisky is undoubtedly worth it!

This whisky made it into my Whisky of the Year . See what happened when we blind tested all the Divine rated drams for 2018. I have also done a side by side comparison between the An Oa and the Ardbeg Uigeadail. See which one was my favourite.

During 2020 Ardbeg released a new addition to the core range, the Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 year old whisky.

Also Read : Highland Park 1997 Vintage whisky