Whisky of the Week

Laphroaig Brodir Whisky

On 04/20/2020

A Port finish release from Islay is not something you see every day. Today I try the Laphroaig Brodir single malt Scotch whisky. Over the years, my palate has evolved. In the beginning, I was not able to appreciate the peaty whiskies.

I found the Ardbeg and Octomore releases to harsh for my sweeter palate. But as I was exposed to more and more whisky, I learned to appreciate and even enjoy the more earthy drams. Now I am quite happy with a peaty Octomore or Laphroaig.

Whisky with some sweet notes remains my favourite. However, I discovered peated whisky, aged in Port, sherry or rum casks, and I fell in love. I find the balance between the earthy notes and the sweetness perfect for my palate.

One of my favourite ‘sweeter’ peated whiskies is the Laphroaig PX Cask. The balance between the spice and sweetness combined with earthy peat is wonderful. Looking at the Laphroaig range, I saw that the Laphroaig Brodir single malt had a Port wood finish and this is something unique I have to try.

I have captured tasting notes for the Laphroaig Quarter Cask and the Laphroaig 10 yo and also covered some of the Laphroaig history. The distinctive Laphroaig’s flavour comes in part from its closeness to the coast and the high moss content of the peat, which is processed in the distillery’s own floor maltings.

The Laphroaig Brodir Batch 001 single malt whisky was originally released in 2012 as an exclusive bottling for a Scandinavian ferry. Laphroaig launched Batch 002 in 2014. Brodir is the ancient Norse translation for the word “brother”, which is a nod to the ancient connections between Islay and Norway.

Laphroaig Brodir Whisky Review

Laphroaig Brodir is a NAS release. The whisky was first matured in ex-bourbon barrels, followed by a second maturation in European oak casks seasoned with Ruby Port.

REGION: Islay

ABV: 48%

COLOUR: Dark copper

NOSE: Seaweed, soft iodine and heavy, rich port notes. Hints of tropical fruit, red berries, salty sea winds and smoke. Cinnamon and nutmeg mixed with bits of peat and a light chocolate note.

PALATE: Tobacco and ash mixed with fruity sweetness and dry oak. Peat and cream with some wood spice, toffee, marmalade, plums and salt. Quite sweet, but in a sticky sweetness kind of way. Medium-bodied. It comes over disjointed and unbalanced. Water makes it slightly more drinkable.

FINISH: Peaty smoke with pepper and cinnamon and a port sweetness.

RATING: GOOD

An interesting experiment, however, I battled to finish the glass. It is heavy drinking and somewhat sweet. Not something I would rush to try again.

Brodir is not even close to as refined and smooth as the Laphroaig PX Cask. The sweet notes overwhelm the peat and leave some raw edges. Probably my least favourite Laphroaig I have tasted so far. Not to far ahead of the Brodir is the Laphroaig Four Oak whisky. I found this release similarly uninspiring.

Also Read: Kilchoman Sanaig Whisky

Glenmorangie 18 year old Extremely Rare Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/13/2020

In Single Malt whisky

I have had this bottle of Glenmorangie 18 year old Extremely Rare single malt Scotch whisky in my collection for so many years; I can’t even remember where I got it. It has stood in the back of the cupboard for at least seven years. I have not touched it in many a moon.

Glenmorangie is a Highland distillery in Tain, Ross-shire, Scotland. The brothers William and John Mathesen established the Glenmorangie distillery in 1843, on the Durnoch Firth. The site previously held a brewery and made use of the Tarlogie Spring. Glenmorangie boasts the tallest stills in Scotland.

Also Read: Glenfiddich 18 yo Whisky

World events significantly impacted on the Glenmorangie history. The distillery was mothballed between 1931 and 1936 due to prohibition in America and the Great Depression. The distillery was affected by the Second World War, and it was mothballed until 1944.

Glenmorangie plc took over the Ardbeg distillery in 1997 and revived it. The French drinks company Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton bought Glenmorangie in 2004, for around £300 million.

Glenmorangie matures all spirits in white oak casks. The white oak is manufactured from trees grown in Glenmorangie’s own forest in the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, USA. These new casks are left to air for two years before being leased to distillers Jack Daniel’s and Heaven Hill for them to mature their bourbon in.

Glenmorangie then uses these barrels to mature their whisky. The total Glenmorangie production is reserved for bottling as single malt whisky. The Glenmorangie 18 year old single malt whisky spent 15 years maturing in white oak casks.

After this time, about 30% is transferred into Spanish Oloroso casks to spend a further three years maturing. Then, when both elements have reached 18 years, they are blended back together.

Also Read: Aultmore 18 yo Whisky

Glenmorangie 18 year old Extremely Rare Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV:43%

COLOUR: Light golden amber

NOSE: Toffee sweet, rich and creamy. There are notes of crème brûlée, honey with hints of spice and oak. An abundance of fresh fruit, dried pear and fruits of the forest fills your senses. Water seems to soften the nose a bit.

PALATE: A big and bold mouthful. It is thick and syrupy with lots of spice and oak. There are notes of fresh fruit, pears and rich heather honey. Adding a bit of water smooths out the sweetness, and citrus notes come through. It is rich and complex with a big fruit and spice kick.

FINISH: Long and lingering with hints of butter, chocolate and citrus peel. The Glenmorangie 18 year old is a well-balanced and smooth dram.

RATING: EXCELLENT

After this tasting, the Glenmorangie 18 year old Extremely Rare Scotch whisky will certainly not be at the back of the cupboard anymore. I am moving the Glenmorangie bottle right to the front of the line. This Cinderella is going to the ball! A lovely well put together release.

I have also tried the Glenmorangie Spios, a whisky aged in casks that previously held American rye whiskey as well as the Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX.

I have done a comparison with the Glenfiddich 18 year old whisky to see how these two iconic 18 year old’s stack up against each other.

Also Read: Springbank 18 yo whisky

Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/06/2020

In Irish Whiskey

In these trying times, savouring life’s little pleasures is essential. For many, that includes enjoying a glass of their favourite whiskey. Among the top choices in South Africa, right up there with Jack Daniel’s and Johnnie Walker, is the ever-popular Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey.

If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t sampled Jameson in a while, now’s the perfect moment to explore the intricacies of this quintessential Irish whiskey.

The Jameson name is synonymous with Irish whiskey, and with good reason. John Jameson, a Scottish lawyer, established the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin in 1780. The legacy didn’t stop with him; his four sons followed his distilling footsteps.

By the turn of the 19th century, Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey was renowned globally. But as with any great tale, world events took their toll on the Irish whiskey industry. The Irish War of Independence, subsequent trade wars, and Prohibition in the US all conspired to limit their access to the vast American market.

Also Read: Tullamore DEW Whiskey

During these challenges, Scottish distilleries embraced the column stills in the mid-19th century, revolutionising production. Unfortunately, the labour-intensive single pot still process that characterised Irish whiskey couldn’t keep pace with this innovative technique.

Fast forward to the 1960s, and a pivotal moment in Irish whiskey history occurred. Three of the four surviving Irish distilleries, namely Powers, Jameson, and the Cork Distillery Company, joined forces to create Irish Distillers.

Then, in the 1970s, they centralised production at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland. Today, the Jameson brand is owned by Pernod Ricard. This conglomerate boasts a comprehensive portfolio of Irish whiskey brands, including Redbreast, Green Spot, and Yellow Spot whiskey.

Other releases in the Jameson stable include the Jameson Caskmates IPA, and the Select Reserve. But let’s shift our focus to the main star: the Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey.

Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey Review

Jameson is a blend of pot still and grain whiskey. Like all Irish whiskey, it is triple distilled to give it the well-known Irish smoothness. The Jameson Irish whiskey is aged for 4 years in oak.

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV:43%

COLOUR: Gold

NOSE: The aromatic journey begins with freshly baked banana bread, tropical fruits, and spicy wood and caramel hints. It’s a delicious blend of grains with plums, pineapple, and banana. The complexity of these scents is both intriguing and delightful.

PALATE: Jameson Irish whiskey delivers a smooth experience. The medium body features subtle malt undertones, aniseed, vanilla, and traces of pepper notes. Although it’s less multifaceted than anticipated after the captivating nose, adding a splash of water can soften the pepper notes.

FINISH: The finish is relatively short, leaving a gentle combination of pepper and a touch of orange rind.

RATING: GOOD

Now, let’s talk about the experience. While the nose sets high expectations with its complexity and deliciousness, the taste doesn’t quite measure up. Jameson possesses the trademark Irish smoothness, but, in comparison to the Caskmate releases, it’s somewhat bland.

The world of Irish whiskey offers more exciting options. Still, it’s hard to deny that Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey excels in marketing, making it a recognisable choice. In my recent exploration of Irish whiskey, Teeling has captured my attention with its delicious releases.

Also, if I had to choose between Jameson and the Checkers Private Barrel Co. Irish whiskey release, the latter would be my preference. Nevertheless, Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey is an affordable night-out option perfect for crafting cocktails. I’ll reserve my Jameson bottle for those cosy Irish coffees.

In South Africa the Jameson is priced for around R 360 and in India it costs around ₹ 3059.

To truly appreciate the distinction between Jameson and other brands, I did a side-by-side with Johnnie Walker Black Label. The contrast is remarkable, highlighting the unique character of each.

Additionally, I explored how Jameson stands up against Tullamore DEW whiskey, offering insight into the diversity of Irish whiskey options. This is also makes for a refreshing cocktail if you mix Jameson Irish whiskey and ginger ale.

Exploring the ever-expanding world of Irish whiskey is essential to finding the perfect match for your palate. So, as we navigate the challenges of this lockdown, take solace in the glass of Jameson and the world of flavours it offers.

Also Read: Pairing Whisky and Pizza

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/30/2020

In Whisky Comparison

Welcome to another instalment of my side-by-side comparison series, where today, I’ll be delving into the world of fine whiskey as I pit Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve bourbon.

Exploring the nuances between these two exceptional spirits has been an absolute delight, as it’s amazing how much more you can appreciate a drink when you have something to measure it against.

In the past year, I’ve ventured into the realm of American whiskey, comparing Woodford Reserve to Jack Daniels Single Barrel and pitting Gentleman Jack against Jack Daniels Old No 7.

But today, it’s all about the showdown between Gentleman Jack and Woodford Reserve – a Tennessee whiskey versus a classic bourbon, both hailing from the esteemed Brown-Forman stable.

The question on my mind: which one will emerge as my favourite after this side-by-side tasting?

Gentleman Jack Whiskey

Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack whiskey with glass

Let’s begin with Gentleman Jack. Introduced in 1988, this Tennessee whiskey was crafted to cater to those seeking a more refined, premium brand experience. Its unique 3- 5 day double filtration process through sugar maple charcoal (Lincoln County process) sets it apart.

The mash bill for Gentleman Jack comprises 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley. First, it undergoes charcoal mellowing before ageing in the barrel. Then, it receives a second sugar maple charcoal mellowing after maturation, just before bottling.

This process has made Gentleman Jack a globally recognized Tennessee whiskey.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon with glass
Now, onto Woodford Reserve, a brand synonymous with small-batch Kentucky bourbon whiskey. Its lineage traces back to 1797 when distiller Elijah Pepper began crafting small quantities of whiskey, eventually establishing a distillery.

Over the years, the distillery passed through various hands and saw periods of neglect. However, the legacy of Woodford Reserve lives on. Its mashbill features a notably higher percentage of rye, with a composition of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malt.

While it doesn’t carry an age statement, Woodford Reserve typically matures for around 6 years.

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon Comparison

	Gentleman Jack whiskey	Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Type	Tennessee whiskey	Bourbon whiskey
Mashbill	80% corn, 8% rye, 12% malted barley	72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malt
ABV	43%	43.2%
Colour	Golden dark copper	Clear honey amber
Nose	Spicy oak, caramel and vanilla sweetness and faint hints of wood smoke. It has a sophisticated edge to it.	Honey sweetness with apricots and oranges. There are bits of condensed milk richness mixed with vanilla and hints of spices
Palate	Smoky oak and hints of charcoal. Herbal notes are coming through mixed with chocolate, rich dark roast coffee, hints of pepper and cinnamon intertwined with cherry sweetness and vanilla. The palate is bold and quite a big mouthful.	Oak and sweetness perfectly balanced with a bit of apricot and cinnamon spiciness. Notes of tangy winter fruits and vanilla mixed with toffee. Rich, buttery and smooth with a full body and a satisfying mouth feel
Finish	Medium length with dark Indian spices and faint bits of charcoal and vanilla.	Long and lingering and ends in notes of sweet spices
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	It has a distinctive personality, smooth, complex but it easy drinking and smoother and richer than the regular Jack Daniel's	Rich and buttery with a great balance between sweet and spicy.
Price	$40	$40
Pairs well with	Buttered NY strip steak	Aged Parmesan cheese, dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, Hawaiian Pizza

The Gentleman Jack brings notes of smoky oak, vanilla and ripe cherries.It has a green herbal note mingling with cinnamon and cardamom spice. It is smooth and easy to drink with a medium finish.

The Woodford Reserve has notes of oak, apricot and condensed milk. Winter fruits, toffee and faint oak. Rich and buttery with a bold character.

Now, the moment of truth – my verdict. Woodford Reserve bourbon takes the lead in this head-to-head comparison in my book. It boasts a richer and smoother profile when sipped side by side, offering an all-around more pleasant drinking experience.

However, it’s essential to note that Gentleman Jack is by no means a subpar whiskey. It carries its own air of sophistication and complexity. It’s a whiskey that can certainly hold its own, and I wouldn’t turn down a second glass. It’s just that my palate leaned towards the sweeter notes of the Woodford Reserve bourbon.

As for my collection, I’ll be replenishing my bottle of Woodford Reserve without hesitation. So, whether you lean towards the elegance of Gentleman Jack or the bold allure of Woodford Reserve, one thing’s for sure – both these fine spirits are worthy of a spot in any whiskey lover’s collection.

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Also Read: Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye whiskey

Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/16/2020

In Single Malt whisky

I bought this bottle of whisky for John’s 5oth birthday, and it is only now, three years later that I get around to opening it. The Glenmorangie Signet single malt Scotch whisky is somewhat unusual. It is the world’s first single malt whisky made with high roasted chocolate malt barley.

Glenmorangie is a well-known Highland Scottish distillery in the town of Tain. I have captured tasting notes for the Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX, and Glenmorangie Spios and these posts also deal with the Glenmorangie history.

Glenmorangie released the Signet edition in 2008. It takes its name from the elaborate design that embellishes most Glenmorangie bottles. The Signet itself originated from the Hilton of Cadboll Stone, a Pictish item that dates back to around the year 800 AD. The Signet whisky was a creation of Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Master of Whisky Creation.

Back in his student days, Dr Lumsden became a coffee enthusiast. While studying for the PhD in Biochemistry, he became obsessed over the intricacies of single estate coffee beans and the ideal roasting levels for optimum flavour. Years later, this coffee obsession inspired him to create the Glenmorangie Signet.

The Glenmorangie Signet single malt whisky was aged in American virgin oak casks before it was bottled. It is not chill-filtered and carries no age statement.

The Signet is part of the Glenmorangie Prestige range, together with the 18 year old and the 25 year old single malt whisky. The Signet release retails for around R2 500 in South Africa and around £ 150 in the UK.

Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Whisky

REGION: Highland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: Notes of marshmallow, vanilla, butterscotch mixed with crunchy toffee brittle. Hints of spices and espresso and lemon peel. So delicious.

PALATE: Malty notes with lots of sweet spices, cinnamon dark chocolate. Bits of roasted coffee beans with a fruity hint and honey sweetness. Faint traces of pepper and ginger. A full-bodied whisky. Rich and delicious. Water releases a bit more complexity and sweetness, but it is delicious without water.

FINISH: The finish is long and lingering with notes of lemon peel, toffee sweetness and green pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a delicious single malt. I can’t believe we waited three years to open this bottle. The coffee and chocolate notes are noticeable and delicious. I can sit and nose this whisky for hours. If they made a candle smelling like this, my whole house would be full of it.

A whisky to enjoy late at night with someone special. Probably my favourite Glenmorangie of all times.

Also Read: McCarthy’s Oregon Whiskey