Whisky of the Week

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Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Review

By

On 12/17/2020

In Single Malt whisky

Glenfiddich 12 yo Single Malt Whisky header
Today, I look at the Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky. With its iconic triangular bottle, the Glenfiddich distillery has carved its name into the annals of whisky history as a stalwart producer of exceptional single malts.

This distinctive form, which graced Glenfiddich bottles from 1957 to today, has become synonymous with quality and character. As I delve into the realm of whisky wonders, I am particularly captivated by the Glenfiddich 12 year old expression. It has a matching green cover tin that befits its reputation.

Trailblazers in packaging innovation, Glenfiddich was among the first to encase their bottles in stylish tubes and gift tins. They were also among the first to embrace the significance of the duty-free market, cementing their status as pioneers in the industry.

These visionary strides have enabled Glenfiddich to remain a cherished gem of family ownership amid a landscape dominated by conglomerates.




The Glenfiddich distillery was founded in Dufftown, Scotland, in 1886, close to the Glen of the River Fiddich. This storied birthplace imparts the distinct Speyside character to its whisky, weaving tradition and terroir into every sip.

The Glenfiddich 12 year old Scotch whisky is crafted through maturation in a harmonious marriage of Oloroso sherry and bourbon whisky casks.

In my ever-growing whisky collection, I’ve reserved a special place for the Glenfiddich range, a testament to my admiration for their artistry.

A medley of Glenfiddich tasting notes line my archive, with a few standouts etching themselves into my memory:

As the gateway to the distillery’s offerings, the Glenfiddich 12 year old whisky beckons with an alluring promise of discovery.

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Review

Review and tasting notes The Glenfiddich 12 yo single malt whisky with glass
REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Bright amber. It’s quite a light colour. The whisky itself is quite oily and leave distinctive fingers on the inside of the glass.

NOSE:  First brings fresh fruit, pear, oak & honey. Hints of  yellow apple, honey sweetness and vanilla.  The addition of water releases more florals and faint spice in the nose.

PALATE: On the palate, the first impression is smoothness. It is wonderfully rounded with creamy wood notes, toffee and dried fruit. A subtle hint of pear mixed with spicy cinnamon and nutmeg. It is a very smooth, medium-bodied whisky that is not very complex. In my opinion, this is one of those examples of a whisky that most people will enjoy.

FINISH: Medium length. It ends with notes of oak and spice. There is a lovely oily mouth feel at the end.

RATING: EXCELLENT.

It is the perfect starter whisky for a novice in single malt whiskies. The Glenfiddich 12 year old is unpretentious, harmonious, and smooth.

Within the cultural tapestry of Afrikaans, there is a word: “staatmaker.” It evokes the essence of dependability, a quality that resonates beautifully with the Glenfiddich 12 yo whisky.

Another great feature is the affordable price. The retail price is around R 500 in South Africa and in India the price is ₹ 5,860.

As my journey of whisky comparison evolves, I’ve compared the Glenfiddich 12 year old with its counterparts – the Glenlivet 12 year old single malt whisky and the Singleton 12 year old single malt whisky – to gauge their distinct personalities when savoured side by side.

I have also experimented with the Chivas 12 year old and the Glenfiddich 12 year old to see how the blend match up to the single malt.  Follow the link to see my views on this comparison.

Pairing Glenfiddich and Food

Looking around at food pairings that elevate the Glenfiddich’s charm:

  • A pear and ginger crumble marries splendidly with the whisky’s pear undertones, crafting a dessert of heartwarming proportions.
  • The savoury allure of a charcuterie platter, laden with salty meats and creamy cheeses, works in harmony with the Glenfiddich’s notes.

In single malt terms, the Glenfiddich 12 year old Scotch is a must have in your cupboard – a testament to a legacy that encapsulates innovation, tradition, and accessibility.

Related Article: Tomatin 12 yo Whisky



Suncamino Floral Rum Cocktails

By

On 12/03/2020

In Cocktails

Suncamino floral infused rum header
When I was growing up, rum was something only sailors drank. It was rough and ready, and the quality was poor at best. But this last year or 2, I have noticed more and more local and craft rum brands appearing.

The popularity of gin (and gin-based cocktails) over the last couple of years has allowed the space for a broader spirit exploration and rum is reaping the benefits. There are innovative and rum releases coming through, and quite a few of them are made in South Africa. However, the home base of rum is still the Caribbean Islands.

Stewy van der Berg– a self-proclaimed rum connoisseur – and two friends from Cape Town wanted to create a unique spirit brand and after much exploration decided that rum was the obvious choice. After an extensive search, they found what they were looking for. An 8 yo Barbados rum that was aged in ex-bourbon casks. So the Suncamino floral rum was born.




But the friends wanted it to have a uniquely South African flavour and created a floral infusion inspired by the Western Cape. By infusing the 8 yo rum with hibiscus, honeybush and orange blossom natural extracts, they paid homage to the Caribbean Islands and Cape Town in their Suncamino flora infused rum.

The name Suncamino means ‘Journey to the Sun’. It is a sense of pilgrimage that resonated with Stewy van der Berg and two of his friends with a love for adventure, the outdoors and the ocean. It is inspired by a summer lifestyle filled with beach, surf, adventures and café culture.

Also Read: Ciroc Mango Mimosa Cocktail

Suncamino floral infused rum light sunny cocktail

Why I enjoy this Suncamino floral rum

It is not often that you get aged rums in South Africa and having the opportunity to taste and experiment with this 8 yo floral-infused rum was great. This rum won a silver at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards 2020.

It is an ideal sipping rum. Just pour a tot or 2 over a block of ice and sip like you would whisky. It is easy drinking with notes of wood, freshly cut flowers, vanilla, honey and orange. Perfect for a before-dinner drink or summer cocktails.

Also Read:  Rum vs Whiskey

Suncamino Cocktails

It does make delicious cocktails as well, and I asked Stewy for some cocktail suggestions:

“The Sunshine Coast”

2  shots Suncamino Rum
200 ml squeezed grapefruit
½  shot Triple Sec

Pop it all in a shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Pour over ice into a short glass.
Garnish with a slice of lime, and add a flower from the garden.

Suncamino floral infused rum on the rocks

Light & Sunny

2 shot Suncamino Rum
1  squeeze of fresh lime

Top up with ginger ale and serve in a highball glass with ice.

Sunca-Pellegrino

2 shots Suncamino Rum
1 can of San Pellegrino – Aranciata Rossa

Pour it into a tall glass with lots of ice. Refreshing and delicious!

Suncamino Rum Old Fashioned

Suncamino floral infused rum old fashioned cocktail
2 shots Suncamino Rum
1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 splashes of bitters

Add the sugar and bitters to a glass together with lots of ice, Stir well and then add the Suncamino Rum. Garnish with orange zest or a squeeze of orange.

Suncamino rum retails at around R299 for 500ml. It’s available from all good liquor stores, can be found on Yuppiechef.com,  and Takealot.com.

For more information on Suncamino floral infused rum, head to their website or follow the journey on Instagram and Facebook.

Disclaimer: I received a Suncamino floral infused rum cocktail kit as part of the promotion.  All images courtesy of Suncamino Rum taken by K Groenewald.

Also Read: Rhumarie de Saint Aubin



Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish 11 yo Whisky

By

On 11/30/2020

In Single Malt whisky

Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish 11 yo single malt Whisky
During October 2019, the James Sedgwick Distillery invited a few loyal and enthusiastic Cape supporters to celebrate the Three Ships birthday at the distillery. What they did not know was that this not only was a celebration but a small consumer testing opportunity as well.

Andy Watts, the Master Distiller, wanted some end-user feedback in choosing his next Three Ships Master’s Collection release.

During the event, he gave the fans a few of his ‘work-in-progress’ drams to sample. Unbeknown to them, their feedback during the evening determined the 2020 Master’s Collection release.

A year later, they launched the new Three Ships Master’s Collection Edition. It is a limited edition Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish 11 year old single malt whisky.

During the launch, 400 bottles were available for purchase and similar to previous years, the bottles flew off the shelves. The 400 bottles sold out within 8 minutes.




The Shiraz Cask finish whisky was first matured for eight years in American oak barrels, before being finished in seasoned Shiraz oak casks for three years. The Shiraz casks were selected from across Distell’s wineries, and no specific winery was given preference.

This is the second red wine finish release from the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington. During 2016 they released the Pinotage Cask Finish 15 yo whisky, which was amazing,

Shiraz wine is typically a bold and full-bodied wine with notes of smoke, bacon, blackberry, blueberry and pepper spice.

James Sedgwick Distillery released only 2 994 bottles of the Shiraz Cask. The first 400 are sold, and the remaining bottles are available at leading retailers. The Three Ships Shiraz Cask retails for R 950.  The Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish whisky is non-chill-filtered.

Also Read: Bain’s 15 yo Sonically Matured whisky

Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish 11 yo Whisky Review

Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish 11 yo single malt Whisky with glass
I invited some friends to share this release with me on Twitter and have included their comments.

ABV: 51.4%

REGION: South Africa

COLOUR: Rose Gold

NOSE: Dry toasted oak, fruity sweetness with a hint of peat.  Red fruits, toasted nuts, honey and caramel in the background.  Bits of chocolate orange.

PALATE: Peat and spices. The fruity sweetness from the nose continues on the palate together with the caramel bits. Adding a few drops of water allows the complexity to come through. It enables the spices to become more defined, and now you can taste pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Dark chocolate and  liquorice. Despite the higher ABV, there is no alcohol heat, and I managed to finish my first glass without water. The peaty notes are a green Highland kind of peat.

FINISH: Complex with notes of drying oak, sweetness and peat.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Take time over this dram; it has so many layers to uncover. It is beautifully balanced between the spicy and fruity sweet notes.  For me, the shiraz shines through in the drying oak and red fruit notes. The shiraz finish softened the spicy notes.

You can pair this bold, spicy whisky with bold food choices, and I think the Three Ships Shiraz Cask Finish whisky will work well with a big, juicy BBQ burger or grilled beef. Even a spicy sausage stew will match nicely. The James Sedgwick Distillery has also released a Bain’s Shiraz Cask Finish whisky which is rather delicious.

Also Read: Three Ships 6 yo vs James Sedgwick Distillery 6 yo Whisky



Johnnie Walker Red vs Black Label Whisky

By

On 11/23/2020

In Whisky Comparison

Johnny Walker Red Label vs Black Label whisky comaprison
One of the search queries that bring quite a few people to my blog is a comparison between the Johnnie Walker Red vs Black Label whisky. Google brings them to my site because I have written about both, but let me do a proper comparison for people who want to have it all on one page.

Johnnie Walker is considered the most widely distributed brand of Scotch whisky globally. John “Johnnie” Walker started to sell whisky in his grocer’s shop. His blends were trendy at the time.

It wasn’t until he died in 1857, when Alexander Walker with his son Alexander Walker II inherited the company, that the brand took off.  Johnnie Walker whisky was sold in the distinctive rectangular bottles for the first time during 1870.

In 1909, as part of a rebranding exercise, the company started to name their blends to match the colours on the bottles. The Special Old Highland became Johnnie Walker Red Label, and Extra Special Old Highland became the Johnnie Walker Black Label.  Today the brand is owned by Diageo.




Johnnie Walker Red Label Whisky

review and tasting notes Johnnie Walker red label whisky with glass
Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch whisky is a blend of 30 single malt and grain whiskies. It’s a combination of light whiskies from Scotland’s East Coast and more peaty whiskies from the West.

It has no age statement. Affordable, consistent taste and quality that is an excellent base for cocktails. The price for the Red Label whisky is around R230.

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 yo with glass
The Johnnie Walker Black Label blended Scotch whisky has a consistent taste profile and an affordable price point. It is a blend of about 40 whiskies from all around Scotland. All the whiskies are at least 12 years old.

You find this bottle of whisky in nearly every bottle store and bar around the world. The price for the Black Label is R 330.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black Label

Johnnie Walker Red vs Black Label whisky

Johnny Walker Red Label vs Black Label whisky Comparison

Johnnie Walker Red Label
Johnnie Walker Black Label
TypeBlended WhiskyBlended Whisky
ABV
43%43%
Colour
Honey gold

Polished amber
NoseFruit, malt and wildflowers. Green notes with bits of vanilla and hints of smoke. Not the most complex nose.Faint smoke, red berries, Christmas pudding with heaps of toffee and hints of winter spice.
PalateToasted oak, toffee sweetness with hints of smoke and peat. Medium body with vanilla, pepper and cardamom heat. A few unrefined alcohol notes that are softened with water.Smooth and creamy with smoke and peat perfectly balanced with fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt.  A toffee sweetness with hints of spice.  You don't even need to add water, but water releases a bit more sweetness.
FinishMedium length with pepper, pectin and honey


Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice.
My RatingVery GoodDivine
CommentsNot the most complex and refined whisky, but certainly drinkable.

Smooth, easy drinking, perfectly balanced peat and sweetness.
Price


$26$37
Pairs well withGood in cocktails.A cheese platter or roasted pork.

One of the things I appreciate about the Johnnie Walker Red and Black Label blended whisky is the consistent taste.  Bottle after bottle you get excellent drinking whisky. However, it is a massive jump from Red Label to Black Label; in both price and on the palate.

The Red Label whisky has sweet fruit, malt, toasted oak and peat notes. There is vanilla mixed with cardamom and pepper. The Red Label has a few raw alcohol notes and intends a few drops of water to soften the alcohol.

On the other hand, the Black Label has notes of peat, smoke, red berries, Christmas pudding, flowers, malt, and oak. Hints of spices mingle with the fruity sweetness. It is bold and complex, and you don’t need to add water.

The Black Label is more complex, bolder, and more drinkable than the Red Label. The difference is noticeable on both the nose and the palate. The finish on the Black Label also stands out far more than the finish on the Red Label.

If you look at the Johnnie Walker Red Label vs Black Label price change, it is more than worth paying extra for the Johnnie Walker Black Label. The increased smoothness and delicious taste makes the roughly R100 / $11 price difference worth it.

The Johnnie Walker Red Labelis the good, affordable whisky to make cocktails with. It is spicy and unique enough to use in a variety of cocktails but still price-sensitive. If you want to enjoy a delicious peaty experience and spoil your self, the Black Label is ideal.

My favourite cocktail with the Red Label is a ginger highball made with ginger ale and with the Black Label is a Rusty Nail.

Which is your favourite? Red Label vs Black Label?

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Also Read: Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky



Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated Whisky

By

On 11/16/2020

In Grain Whisky

Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated Whisky
A few weeks ago, we visited Dullstroom. After being housebound for the last eight months, we needed a change of scenery. We rented a small house in the town and spent the weekend relaxing. However, we did make time to visit our favourite whisky bar, Wild About Whisky, to try a few new releases. One of the drams they had available was the Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated single grain Scotch whisky.

It was just after I read the article on Malt Musings about the Loch Lomond Single Grain compared to the Tweeddale Peated and a few other releases. So I was glad for the opportunity to taste it as well. Let me say up front; I  liked the Tweeddale whisky so much that I bought a bottle. Now I can capture proper tasting notes for the blog.

Peated grain whisky is not readily available in SA, so it is a unique experience to try something different. Tweeddale claim to be the first peated grain whisky available. The Tweeddale brand started, like so many other blends, in a grocery store.

Also Read: Teeling Single Grain Whiskey

The Tweeddale blend was created by Alasdair Day in 2010 from a recipe discovered in his great grandfather Richard Day’s cellar book for Coldstream grocer J&A Davidson.

Tweeddale has been part of the R&B Distillers portfolio since 2015, also co-owned by Day. A new limited batch of Tweeddale is released every year. Currently available in South Africa is the Peated release and the Grain of Truth Sherry releases.

The Grain of Truth is non-chill-filtered with natural colour. Half of the malted barley is peated to 50 ppm, and the other half is from unpeated single grain (wheat). The whisky is aged in ex-bourbon casks.




Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated Whisky Review

Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated Whisky with glass
REGION: Highlands

ABV: 50%

COLOUR: Pale gold / light wheat

NOSE: Sweetness and peat balanced with fruit. There are hints of green apple mixed in with light smoke. Bits of creamy lime and oak. Delicious and inviting you to taste.

PALATE: Sweetness and peat. Spicier than the nose suggests there are notes of nutmeg and cinnamon with caramel and fresh orchard fruit. Some light chocolate notes with stewed pear. Delicious and well balanced. I finished my first glass without water. Bits of oaky spice and nuts with wisps of smoke. Unique and delicious, I had to have a second glass of this whisky.

FINISH: Slightly drying with oak, lime and cinnamon. Faint bits of fruity sweetness. Long and lingering.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a delicious dram. Easy drinking. Nothing like Islay peat and smoke with fish and medicinal notes. More of a Highland style peat and smoke with fruit, heather and burning grass. A dram I will be exploring a bit more over the summer. Comparing last week’s Loch Lomond Single Grain to the Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated would be quite tricky.

They are both delicious releases and will feature quite a lot over my summer. The Loch Lomond is perfect for hot sunny days; it is light and fragrant. The Tweeddale is bigger and bolder and more for after dinner drinking.

The Tweeddale retails for around R690 in South Africa, and I found it at Wild About Whisky, and I see that McBeth on Whisky also has some available.

This peated grain pairs well with a cheeseboard. The smoke and sweetness will work with creamy or harder cheese.

Also Read: Toor Whisky



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