Whisky of the Week

anCnoc Peatheart Batch 1 Whisky

On 08/03/2020

A smoky release from the Scottish Highlands. Today I look at the anCnoc Peatheart Batch 1 single malt Scotch whisky. It was released in 2017 as the first permanent, peated expression in the core anCnoc range. It is peated to 40 ppm.

In comparison, Highland Park whiskies sit at around 20 ppm, while Ardbeg whiskies are peated to about 50-55ppm.

This NAS whisky is produced at the Knockdhu distillery in the village of Knock in Aberdeenshire. It was founded in 1893 when John Morrison, who owned the Knock Estate, discovered the high quality of the water that ran through the estate. It sits on the border between the Speyside and Highland whisky regions.

Also Read: Rhino Whisky

The current owner is Inver House Distillers Limited, and they changed the brand name to anCnoc. They also own the Balblair and Speyburn distilleries. The anCnoc core range includes a 12 year old, 18 year old, 24 year old and a 35 year old whisky. My bottle is from Batch 001.

It was matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks. Non-chill-filtered and naturally coloured. The Peatheart retails for around R800 in South Africa (pre Covid).

anCnoc Peatheart Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Light golden wheat

NOSE: Freshly cooked oats drizzled with honey, some earthy notes and hints of smoke. Delicate and airy. Fruity sweetness with citrus blossom. Inviting and refreshing.

PALATE: Smoked barley, citrus fruits, vanilla sweetness and chocolate. Notes of earthy peat, pepper spice, oak and cardamom. It is not an Islay medicinal type of peatiness, but more a smoky, burnt wood and wet earth type of peat.

Water brings more fruity sweetness forward. The nose was delicate, and I was expecting a softer dram, but it was wonderfully warming and delicious. Medium body.

FINISH: Sweetness that moves to peat and smoke and orange blossom. Medium length.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The anCnoc Peatheart single malt Scotch is delicious and easy-drinking. A perfect whisky to introduce someone to Highland peat. Highland peat, for me, is more green heather, fresh pine and smoky when compared to the more medicinal Islay peat.

It is a big peat mouthful, but elegant and with enough sweetness and complexity. Peathheart has a great balance between the peaty and sweet notes.

A refreshing addition to my whisky collection. Perfect for our cold winter months to drink next to the fire. It also nicely shows the range from this underrated distillery. Worth getting if you spot it in stores.

Also Read: The Wild Geese Whiskey

Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/27/2020

In Whisky Comparison

Makers Mark vs buffalo trace bourbon comparison
Let’s talk about bourbons. I discovered bourbons later on my whiskey journey. One of the first bourbons I tried was the Makers Mark, and this inspired me to explore more from this category. My palate loved the sweeter oak and vanilla notes.

Even though the category is relatively small in South Africa, I have still managed to taste quite a few releases over the years. Today I look at two of the best-known bourbon brands against each other; Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey.

Comparing the distinctive red wax seal versus the bourbon that pay tribute to the pioneering spirit and the great herds of buffalo that used to roam the planes. I am always amazed at how whiskey or bourbon taste differs when you try them side by side. And how, within the bourbon category, there can be so many aroma and flavour variations.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon with glass Makers Mark vs Buffalo Trace bourbon comparison
The Buffalo Trace Distillery is in Frankfort, Kentucky. Harrison Blanton constructed the first official distillery on the side around 1812. Today it is owned by the Sazerac Company who also own Blanton’s and Eagle Rare bourbon.

Buffalo Trace was named in tribute to the mighty buffalo that carved paths through the wilderness in the trek to the Great Planes and the rugged, independent spirit of the pioneers who followed them. It has no age statement.

The Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight bourbon mash bill is not disclosed, however it is speculated that it contains a high corn percentage and less than 10% rye.

Also Read: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey

Makers Mark vs buffalo trace comparison
Maker’s Mark is distilled in Loretto, Kentucky by Beam Suntory. Production of Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey started in 1954, after William Samuels, purchased the distillery known as Burks’ Distillery. The whisky was named by Samuels’ wife, Marjorie ” who gave it the name of Maker’s Mark.

She also designed the now-classic label and came up with the red wax dipping top that gives the Makers Mark bottle its distinctive look. Maker’s Mark has no age statement. It is bottled when the maker agree that it is ready, roughly around 6 yo.

The Maker’s Mark’s mash bill consists of 70% corn, 16% soft red winter wheat and 14% malted barley.

Buffalo Trace vs Maker’s Mark Bourbon

Maker's Mark vs Buffalo Trace bourbon comparison

	Buffalo Trace	Maker's Mark
Type	Bourbon whiskey	Bourbon whiskey
ABV	45%	45%
Colour	A reddish copper	Light golden copper
Nose	Fruity sweetness, rich and bold. There are hints of candied fruit, caramel, vanilla, brandy pudding and oak. Bits of spice float in the background.	Cherries, brandied fruit, toasted wood and vanilla spice. Adding a few drops of water brings out more spice and woody notes.
Palate	There are notes of fruit, orange marmalade, white pepper and oak. Bits of cinnamon with toasted oak. Water tones down the spice.	Full of vanilla, followed by sweet cherries and fresh red fruit. Cinnamon and toasted oak. A few drops of water brings butterscotch and warming nutmeg. Delicious and very easy drinking.
Finish	Before adding water long and ended in notes of spicy sweetness. After adding water, the finish was quite flat.	Long with hints of sweetness, vanilla and caramel.
My Rating	Very Good	Excellent
Comments	Without water it is bold and interesting. Drink it neat!	Delicious, A great introduction to bourbon It is smooth and easy drinking.
Price point	$35	$34

It is interesting to note that people rated the Buffalo Trace higher on Whizzky compared to the Makers. The Buffalo Trace has a sweet, bold nose with lots of vanilla and fruity sweetness. The Maker’s Mark nose is less pronounced and spicier with distinctive red fruit and oak.

However, when you taste them next to each other, the Buffalo Trace is spicier and less complicated compared to the Maker’s Mark. The Buffalo Trace bring notes of orange marmalade, cinnamon, oak and pepper. The Maker’s Mark bourbon has more cherries and vanilla on the palate. Butterscotch and nutmeg notes adds a delicious edge to the mix. The Maker’s is smooth and easy drinking.

The finish on the Maker’s Mark vs Buffalo Trace is also different. On the Buffalo Trace, the finish is medium length and spicier. The Maker’s Mark finish is warming and long with vanilla sweetness.

Yes, I have a favourite; the Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey. It is what I like in a bourbon. Vanilla, juicy red cherries and toasted oak. It might be a bit more expensive than the Buffalo Trace, but I think it is worth it.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Maker’s 46 and the standard Maker’s Mark and you can see in that blog post which one I prefer. I have also compared the Buffalo Trace to a Bulleit bourbon as well as a Woodford Reserve bourbon to see which one is better.

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Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve

The Famous Grouse Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/20/2020

In Blended whisky

The Famous Grouse whisky is a blended Scotch whisky brand, first produced by Matthew Gloag & Son. Owned and produced by The Edrington Group, this famous blend is made up of various well-known distilleries. Most notably whisky from The Macallan, The Glenrothes and Highland Park.

Furthermore, 65% of the spirit content is grain whisky. I have tried the Black Grouse, their peaty expression, and loved it. I found that the Black Grouse also pairs well with Indian food. It is also the perfect smoky addition to marinade for lamb to give lamb that extra earthy flavour.

Matthew Gloag purchased whiskies from various distilleries around Scotland. According to legend, his focus was always firmly fixed on creating the best quality whisky, not on profit. It was 1860 when his son, William Gloag assumed control of the company and started blending whisky.

In 1896, Matthew’s grandson, also named Matthew, created The Grouse Brand blend, which due to its popularity, was renamed “The Famous Grouse” in 1905. The brand’s emblem is the Red Grouse, Scotland’s national game bird.

The company sold to Highland Distillers in 1979, and the marketing and distributive power of the new company saw Famous Grouse become the highest selling Scotch in Scotland. The company founded The Famous Grouse Experience at the Glenturret distillery. The experience is as much a museum for whisky distillation as it is about the Grouse brand.

Related Article: Milk & Honey Elements Sherry whisky

The Famous Grouse Scotch Whisky Review

ABV: 43%.

COLOUR The whisky has a beautiful vibrant golden glow. It is quite an oily whisky, both in the glass and on the palate.

NOSE: On the nose, there are hints of sweetness with faint notes of dark chocolate, cherries, and candied fruit. Sherry notes grace the bouquet, and the addition of water accentuates the oak and introduces more floral elements.

PALATE: Without water, the Famous Grouse Scotch whisky palate has some honey, oak and some gentle spice. When you add water, there are bits of sweet butter shortbread and rich malt mixed with spices and floral notes. It is a medium-bodied whisky. It is very smooth and easy-drinking, and I can understand why this is so “Famous”.

FINISH: The finish is of medium length, concluding with subtle notes of oak and sweetness.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The Famous Grouse whisky boasts consistency, smoothness, and sweetness, making it a classic choice. Moreover, it’s an excellent addition to cocktails and appeals to a wide range of palates, ensuring it won’t disappoint anyone.

However, it’s worth noting that the Famous Grouse lacks that standout “WOW” factor that some enthusiasts seek. After experiencing the Black Grouse, known for its character and charm, one might expect a bit more personality from this renowned blend.

Nevertheless, the Famous Grouse Scotch whisky is affordable, with a retail price of around R 250 in South Africa.

In addition to the Black Grouse, there is also the Naked Grouse, which offers yet another dimension to the Famous Grouse lineup.

In 2015, Edrington revamped the Black Grouse and reintroduced it as the Famous Grouse Smoky Black, further expanding the portfolio and ensuring a Grouse expression for every whisky aficionado.

I have also managed to taste the Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask blended whisky and captured my tasting notes for this affordable release as well. To better understand the nuances of this blend, I have done a side by side comparison between the Famous Grouse and the Dewar’s White Label whisky.

Related Article: Grant’s Sherry Cask whisky

Glen Grant 12 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/17/2020

In Single Malt whisky

The whisky fabric is a fantastic place. It is full of vibrant people and amazing conversations. Friendships start over a glass of whisky and last for many years. It creates friendships that transcend whisky. The opportunity to all meetup happens only a few times a year

One of the most significant events of the year is the annual Whisky and Spirits Live Festival in Sandton at the beginning of November, and it is an event everyone looks forward to. It is a chance for friends from all over South Africa to catch up over a glass (or 2) of whisky.

It is a chance for my friend Bernard to fly up and come and present Sandton with some great whisky. A few years ago, Bernard introduced me to the Glen Grant Major’s Reserve whisky. And at the 2016 Whisky Live, he introduced me to the Glen Grant 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky. I spent most of my evening wandering past his stand and used up most of my tokens, tasting the 12 year old again and again.

Glen Grant 12 yo Bernard Gutman

Unfortunately getting my hands on a bottle was a bit of a battle, but eventually stock arrived at my local Norman Goodfellows, and I could expand my collection with this Speyside dram. From the town of Rothes in Speyside, Glen Grant Distillery has a long history stretching back to 1840.

The Glen Grant 12 year old whisky was launched in 2016 together with an 18 year old. This release joins the Major’s Reserve and the Glen Grant 10 yo already part of the stable. Gruppo Campari owns Glen Grant together with Wild Turkey bourbon and Forty Creek whiskey.

Glen Grant 12 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Bright sunny gold

NOSE: Summer fruits and freshly baked sugar cookies. Green apples, malt with hints of cinnamon, vanilla. In the background, there is something nutty; almond or hazelnut.

PALATE: Fruit salad with apples, pears and honey dusted with cinnamon and vanilla. Malt cookies with hints of caramel, ginger and apricots. Smooth and easy drinking. Water opens up more of the spices and makes the finish even longer.

FINISH: Perfectly balanced fruits and spice.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Just a glass full of deliciousness. It is the perfect dram for someone who has tried whisky a few times and wants to explore more single malts. It is soft and luxurious. The 12 year old is a fantastic dram that displays the best characteristics of Glen Grant and Speyside.

The fruity notes with a delicate hint of spice are so traditional to the well known Scottish region. Best of all, it is now widely available in South Africa and retail for around R500. Real value for money.

There is also a Glen Grant 12 yo non-chill-filtered whisky version available in Travel retail and it is incredible. The difference between these two releases is remarkable.

Also Read: Glenfiddich IPA Cask whisky

The Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/13/2020

In Single Malt whisky

When it comes to distilleries, Balvenie holds a special place in my heart, landing a spot in my top five favourite distilleries. It’s a sentiment shared by John, and our recent adventure into the world of whiskies led us to the Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. A name that resonates with connoisseurs, Balvenie also boasts a 17 year old counterpart.

Nestled in the picturesque region of Speyside, Scotland, the Balvenie distillery has been crafting exceptional spirits since 1892. Founded by the skilled William Grant, who honed his craft at the renowned Mortlach distillery, Balvenie has an illustrious heritage. The man behind the magic today is none other than the esteemed Malt Master, David Stewart.

I’ve delved deep into the rich history and various releases from Balvenie, and one of my all-time favourites has to be the Balvenie Caribbean Cask. It’s the kind of dram that pairs perfectly with cheese or chocolate, offering a symphony of flavours.

Back to the Doublewood 12 year old Scotch, this whisky is initially matured in refill American oak casks before moving into first-fill European oak Oloroso sherry butts for an additional nine months.

After this, the whisky is transferred to large oak vessels for 3-4 months, allowing the flavours from different casks to beautifully “marry.” This expression was unveiled by Balvenie in 1993.

You can easily recognise Balvenie whisky on the shelf. They are bottled in the classic Balvenie bottle that exudes timeless charm. The bottle’s shape harks back to a bygone era, and the traditional dark cream colours and fonts evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Now, let’s talk about what really matters – the tasting experience.

Related Article: Glenfiddich 12 yo Whisky

The Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: The Balvenie 12 year old Doublewood is a dark, almost polished amber and burnt copper colour.

NOSE: On the nose, the Balvenie 12 year old greets you with a blend of oak and sherry notes. Hints of fresh grapes, red berries, and an array of spices dance around, with vanilla gently lingering in the background. It’s a rich and inviting start that promises a memorable journey.

PALATE: The palate takes a slightly unexpected turn. The dominant note is unmistakably oak, with the sherry influence remaining more subtle than anticipated. Those delightful hints of fresh grapes, red berries, and spices promised by the nose remain present but are somewhat subdued.

There are bits of vanilla trailing along. However, it’s not as complex as one might expect from a whisky aged in two distinct types of wood. The Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old whisky feels a tad flat, leaving me underwhelmed.

FINISH: The finish drops off rather swiftly, which is a tad disappointing.

RATING: GOOD

Now, as someone with a collection boasting at least six bottles of Balvenie, I was possibly expecting more from this one. I distinctly remember a previous encounter with the 12 year old single malt that I enjoyed. Perhaps I encountered a dud bottle this time.

The nose is lovely, warming and inviting, promising a unique experience, but on the palate, it falls flat. The finish is also short and unmemorable.

Balvenie Distillery has a well-earned reputation for crafting excellent whiskies. I’m eager to revisit this release, possibly from a different bottle. It’s worth noting that the success of the 12 year old Doublewood led to the creation of a 17 year old Doublewood edition.

For those seeking a more in-depth exploration, I’ve compared this release with the Balvenie Caribbean Cask whisky side-by-side, highlighting the nuances in a dedicated blog post. Explore the intricate world of Balvenie with me.

Also Read: Dunville’s Three Crowns Sherry Finish Whiskey