Whisky of the Week

Jack Daniel’s is one of those polarising brands. Some people love it; some people hate it. Regardless of your view, Jack Daniel’s has become a cult brand worldwide, and you can find it in most bars and liquor stores. But when it comes to Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack whiskey, what sets them apart?

Jack Daniel’s whiskey story begins with the enigmatic Jasper Newton ‘Jack’ Daniel, a man of Welsh and Scottish descent. He established the Jack Daniel’s distillery around 1866.

During his lifetime, grew rapidly and made Tennessee a significant player in the American distilling industry. Jack, a confirmed bachelor, left the distillery to his nephew Lem Motlow.

Jack Daniel’s remained in the family until 1956, when Brown-Forman acquired it. This drinks conglomerate has nurtured the brand ever since. Jack Daniel’s is renowned as the highest-selling American whiskey globally.

However, it’s important to note that despite its production methods resembling bourbon, it’s not considered bourbon due to one key difference.

Tennessee whiskey, including Jack Daniel’s, undergoes a filtration process known as the Lincoln County Process, where the spirit is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before maturation.

Also Read: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Jack Daniel’s No 7 Whiskey

Jack Daniel's Old No 7 with glass Comparison: Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack Tennessee whiskey
The iconic Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 is the flagship product in this Tennessee whiskey range and undergoes this filtration process once before ageing in oak casks. It has no age statement.

Gentleman Jack Whiskey

Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack with glass Comparison: Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack Tennessee whiskey
In 1988, Gentleman Jack debuted as an upscale offering, catering to consumers seeking a more premium experience. What distinguishes Gentleman Jack from its sibling is its unique filtration process.

This whiskey is twice filtered through sugar maple charcoal, first before entering the barrel and then again before bottling.

While some sources suggest that Gentleman Jack may be aged longer than the regular Jack Daniel’s, it’s essential to note that the ageing process for Jack Daniel’s is determined by the distillers’ judgment, making it challenging to define an exact age.

Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey Comparison

	Jack Daniel's Old no 7	Gentleman Jack
Type	Tennessee Whiskey	Tennessee Whiskey
Mash bill	80% corn, 12% barley and 8% rye	80% corn, 12% barley and 8% rye
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Light amber	Golden dark copper
Nose	Sweet with caramel, vanilla and dry oak and a hint of smoke. Some dried fruit and marzipan.	Spicy oak, caramel and vanilla sweetness and faint hints of wood smoke. It has a sophisticated edge to it.
Palate	Toasted oak and butterscotch sweetness. Hints of vanilla, overripe cherries and nuts. Something like sour cherries and cereal on the palate. It is quite an oily whiskey. Mellow and smooth.	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.
Finish	Medium length with some toasty oak, butterscotch and spice.	Medium length with dark Indian spices and faint bits of charcoal and vanilla.
My Rating	Very Good	Excellent
Comments	Not very complex. However, it is easy-drinking and great to use in marinades or basting sauce when cooking.	It has a distinctive personality, smooth, complex but it easy drinking and smoother and richer than the regular Jack Daniel's
Price	$27	$35
Pairs well with	Smoky chicken, KFC	Buttered NY strip steak

When it comes to the taste, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 offers notes of toasted oak, cherries, vanilla, and nuts. It’s mellow and smooth but not overly complex. In contrast, Gentleman Jack presents a richer and more complex profile with additional smoky oak, cinnamon, dark roast coffee, and a blend of cherries and vanilla.

It remains an easy-drinking whiskey but offers a more profound flavour experience. The distinctive Jack Daniel’s distillery notes are more harmoniously integrated in Gentleman Jack.

In essence, Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack can be likened to comparing someone from the rougher side of town who made it big through hard work and perseverance (Jack Daniel’s) with a confident, well-dressed, and comfortable individual (Gentleman Jack).

In addition to this exploration, I’ve also compared Gentleman Jack and Woodford Reserve bourbon side-by-side to further dissect their unique qualities and flavour profiles.

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Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve

Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 yo Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/17/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Today I look at a comparison of 15 year old whiskies; two classic brands. These two brands go head to head all over the world. The Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 year old single malt Scotch whisky.

Both these single malt whiskies have iconic status worldwide. They are two of the most recognizable names in whisky. But what happens when you put them in a side by side comparison.

One from Speyside and one from the Scottish Highlands. Both spent time ageing in bourbon whiskey and sherry casks. Let’s start in Speyside.

Glenfiddich 15 year old Whisky

Review and Tasting notes Glenfiddich 15 yo Macallan 15 yo vs Glenfiddich 15 yo single malt whisky

The Glenfiddich is one of my favourite distilleries, and this release has a special place in my heart. I love the sweet fruity releases that consistently come from this Speyside distillery. Family-owned after all this time, everyone knows the classic triangular-shaped bottle of Glenfiddich.

The Glenfiddich 15 year old single malt Scotch whisky is matured in American bourbon, Portuguese sherry and virgin oak casks. The whisky is then mellowed in a handcrafted Oregon pine solera vat (that is always kept half full) before being married in Portuguese oak tuns.

The Macallan Fine Oak 15 year old Whisky

Review and Tasting notes Macallan 15 yo Macallan 15 yo vs Glenfiddich 15 yo single malt whisky

The Macallan Distillery started life as Elchies Distillery. The name changed, and it expanded as the demand for the product soared. Over time, the Macallan had become a premium brand and have some of the most expensive drams in the world. The Macallan is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Edrington Group.

The Macallan Fine Oak 15 year old is a single malt Scotch aged in a combination of bourbon oak casks as well as sherry casks.

Also Read: Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 year old Whisky

Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 yo Single Malt Whisky Comparison

	Macallan 15 yo whisky	Glenfiddich 15 yo whisky
Region	Highland Whisky	Speyside Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Golden straw	Golden red
Nose	Oak and orange blossom sweetness. It is rich and rewarding and invites you to dive in. There are faint hints of orange peel and honey.	Complex and rich with sweet sultanas, honey, stewed apple crumble with cream and caramel. Bit of oak and vanilla combining with hints of sherry and fudge.
Palate	Florals, barley, vanilla sweetness mixed with some pepper spice and nutmeg. Adding water smooths out the spiciness, but takes away some of the sweetness. Faint hints of orange blossom and fruit float about. I was expecting a lot more bourbon notes on the palate, but the bourbon notes are a very faint part of the vanilla sweetness.	There are notes of honey, oak, cinnamon and nutmeg spice, brandy-soaked fruitcake, hints of nuts perfectly balanced with more fruit and vanilla. Water just smooths out this already delicious dram.
Finish	Medium length and end in notes of oak, orange and spice.	Long and lingering with hints of malt, honey and cinnamon
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Great all round, well-balanced smooth whisky.	Rich, delicious, complex and easy drinking.
Price	$170	$80
Pairs well with	Wensleydale cheese or soft buttery blue cheese.	Duck, Grilled sirloin steak.

This side by side whisky comparison divided John and me. He loves the Macallan 15 year old, and I love the Glenfiddich 15 year old whisky.

The Macallan 15 year old bring notes of oak, florals, vanilla and orange blossom mixed with pepper and nutmeg. On the other side, the Glenfiddich 15 year old is brandy soaked fruit cake, nuts, oak and cinnamon.

The Macallan is bolder and more spice forward than the Glenfiddich. The Glenfiddich has a more elegant complexity with a nicer finish.

I love the creamy and soft fruity sweetness of the Glenfiddich, and it will probably be one of my all-time favourite drams. John loves the bolder, spicier notes balanced with the sweetness of the Macallan.

Looking at online ratings, it seems like more people prefer the Macallan compared to the Glenfiddich. The Glenfiddich 15 year old will always have a special place in my heart regardless. But for now, we are just going to sit back and enjoy these two excellent whiskies.

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Also Read: Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra Whisky Comparison

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/09/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra whisky side by side comparison
When it comes to whisky, few names evoke the same sense of timeless sophistication as Chivas Regal. This renowned brand has been synonymous with exquisite whisky experiences for generations, and today, I will dive into a captivating comparison between two of its releases: Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra blended Scotch whisky.

Before we delve into the delightful showdown between these two whiskies, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich heritage of the Chivas Brothers. Their story dates back to 1801, with the opening of a high-end grocery store in Aberdeen.

At this emporium, they catered to an affluent clientele, offering an array of luxury products like coffee, spices, and imported French brandy. In the cellar beneath this store, the brothers embarked on a tradition of blending and ageing whiskies, setting the stage for Chivas Regal’s legacy.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs An Oa Whisky

In response to their patrons’ demand for smoother, more decadent whisky, the brothers crafted their first proprietary blend, known as Royal Glen Dee. Another blend, Royal Strathythan, soon followed this. As the demand continued to soar, the brothers made a strategic move by acquiring the Strathisla distillery in Moray, Speyside.

Strathisla remains one of the key components of the Chivas Regal blend and stands as the spiritual home of this iconic brand. Notably, Strathisla Distillery is the oldest continuously operating distillery in Scotland, with its roots tracing back to 1786.

The Chivas Regal brand is part of the Pernod Ricard group.

Chivas Regal 12 year old Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 yo blended whisky with glass Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra whisky comparison
Chivas Brothers’ journey took them across the Atlantic as they created a whisky blend for export to the USA during the early 1900s. This whisky bore the name Chivas Regal. However, the production faced disruptions due to Prohibition and World War II.

After these turbulent times, Chivas Regal returned as Chivas Regal 12 year old blended whisky. Chivas Regal 12 year old Scotch is a blend of various malt and grain whiskies, each matured for a minimum of 12 years.

Chivas Regal Extra Whisky

Chivas Regal Extra with glass Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra whisky comparison

In 2014, Chivas introduced a new whisky to their portfolio, the Chivas Regal Extra blended Scotch whisky. This creation gracefully bridges the gap between the Chivas 12 year old and the Chivas 18 year old.

Chivas Extra distinguishes itself with the absence of an age statement. What sets it apart is a slightly higher percentage of sherry cask-aged whisky in the blend.

Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra Whisky

	Chivas Regal 12 yo	Chivas Regal Extra whisky
Type	Blended Whisky	Blended Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Golden wheat	Dark caramel with red tints
Nose	Sweet with notes of fresh red fruit, custard, fresh-cut flowers and hints of dry wood. There is a green freshness on the nose that blend with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.	Fruity sweetness mixed with cherries, pears, warming nutmeg and caramel. Not overly sweet, but delicate and fresh.
Palate	Toasted oak, spice, malt and heaps of berry sweetness balanced with green notes. Water softens the spicy notes and brings out more creamy toffee and malt. Medium body.	Medium bodied whisky with notes of pears and cinnamon mixed with cherries, hints of dry oak and caramel. Not overly sweet and water softens and smooths out the dram.
Finish	Medium length that ends in notes of pepper spice and lemon rind with hints of fruity sweetness.	Fruity sweetness with hints of spice.
My Rating	Very Good	Very Good
Price	$37	$43
Pairs well with	Hazelnut chocolates, fresh tropical fruit, coconut, tuna and chicken satay.	Salami, smoked nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Caramelized apples.

When it comes to flavour, the Chivas 12 year old offers enticing notes of red fruit, fresh flowers, and toasted oak, with a well-balanced infusion of spices and creamy toffee.

In contrast, Chivas Extra showcases delightful flavours of cherries, pears, caramel, and dry oak, accented by subtle hints of spice.

The true magic unfolds when you taste these two side by side. Chivas Regal Extra’s sherry influence becomes notably pronounced, resulting in a smoother and more delicate profile. On the other hand, Chivas 12 boasts a spicier character, a more complex nose, and a longer finish, making it a favourite among many.

I took to Twitter to gauge the preferences of fellow whisky enthusiasts, and the overwhelming consensus favoured the Chivas 12 year old whisky, a sentiment shared by John as well.

Personally, I found myself captivated by the Chivas Extra, with its softer, sweeter, and more delicate notes. It provided the perfect warmth and comfort on a rainy afternoon.

As a parting thought, it’s worth mentioning that Chivas Regal has also expanded its lineup with Chivas XV blended whisky. Stay tuned as I plan to compare these three exceptional releases in the coming months.

Until then, savour the elegance and complexity of Chivas Regal’s offerings, a testament to the enduring legacy of this esteemed brand.

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Also Read: Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Balblair 18 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/02/2019

In Single Malt whisky

The last of my tasting notes for Balblair for this year. I have reached the last of my Balblair samples and today I look at the Balblair 18 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Earlier in the year, I started with the Balblair 12 year old and moved on to the Balblair 15 year old whisky.

The 15 year old was a definite favourite. The Balblair 17 year old is a travel retail release and also delicious but a lot harder to get your hands on. It is worth looking out for it when you travel.

One of the unusual things about this Highland Distillery is the hits of history that stands just outside of the door. There is a Clach Biorach, a four-thousand-year-old standing stone with Pictish carvings on. The new (and older) branding celebrates this stone age artwork and I love the design.

The Balblair 18 year old single malt whisky has been matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in first-fill Spanish oak butts. It is not chill-filtered and has a natural colour. In terms of pricing, the 18 year old retails for around R 1 900 and is available in South Africa through WhiskyBrother Shop.

Balblair 18 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Rich gold

NOSE: Creamy toffee and fresh fruit with a hint of warm spices and malt. Freshly baked pastries, toasted oak and sherry sweetness. Lots of sweet ripe fruity sweetness.

PALATE: Ripe summer fruits sprinkled with vanilla sugar and hints of toasted oak. Fresh pineapple, apricot and freshly baked buttery pastry with bits of toasted nuts and cherries. Creamy and full-bodied. Mild spices including nutmeg and pepper. Water releases more fruity notes, but it is so easy drinking that you don’t need to add water.

FINISH: Fruity sweetness with bits of warming spices. Long and lingering

RATING: EXCELLENT

Simply delicious. I enjoyed the Balblair 15 year old tremendously and did not expect the Balblair 18 year old whisky to top it. But this bottling had the perfect balance between fruity sweetness and warming spices. The spiciness in the Balblair is soft and engaging while highlighting the creamy fruitiness and rich malty character of the whisky.

For me, it had a perfect balance. Of all of the four releases that I was fortunate to try, this is the one I want to buy for myself.

Also Read: Dunville’s Three Crowns Sherry Whiskey

Sample disclosure: I received this sample from Balblair. Though received as part of a promotional event, the review and tasting notes are my own honest, fair and independent thoughts about the whisky.

Deanston 12 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/25/2019

In Single Malt whisky

Today I look at another whisky with a strong SA connection; the Deanston 12 year old single malt Scotchwhisky. The Deanston distillery is situated on the banks of the River Teith in the Scottish Highlands and is part of the Distell Group.

During the 18^th century, a cotton mill was situated just outside the village of Doune in Perthshire. After 180 years, the cotton mill closed. However, all was not lost, and in 1966 it was transformed into a distillery. The first spirit was bottled in 1974. The distillery started using local skills and Scottish grown barley to create their spirit.

The classical architecture of the Mill was one of its best features, and many of the Mill buildings were reused and slightly modified for the distillery. The vaulted warehouse, which was previously the weaving shed, has been recognised as one of the most remarkable surviving Regency buildings in Scotland and is now used to mature the Deanston whisky.

Also Read: Teerenpeli Whisky

Deanston changed ownership a few times, but in 1990 was purchased by Burn Stewart Distillers (which is part of the Distell Group). Distell Group Limited also own Bunnahabhain Distillery as well as Tobermory distillery on the Isle of Mull.

A big part of the Deanston whisky is used in blends, including Scottish Leader blended whisky. The Master Blender is (was) Dr Kristie Mccallum. (During October 2019 Dr Mccallum moved to Glen Moray.) The Deanston 12 year old whisky is the entry-level of the core range, followed by the Deanston virgin Oak. There are also Distillery exclusives and a few independent releases.

The Deanston 12 year old single malt whisky is aged in ex-bourbon barrels, not chill-filtered and has no added colouring.

Deanston 12 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV: 46.3%

COLOUR: Light honey gold

NOSE: Soft, sweet and delicate with notes of cereals, grassy green fields, flowers and orange sweetness. Hints of vanilla, oak and cinnamon. Freshly baked sugar cookies.

PALATE: More spice than what the nose suggests. Dry oak, pepper and nutmeg mixed with water biscuits, vanilla, toffee and orange. Vanilla cookies and orange peel. A few rough edges that soften with the addition of water.

Water also brings sweetness and wood forward. It becomes fruity and easy drinking with a few drops of water. The cereal notes from the nose are still there.

FINISH: Medium length ending in oak, pepper and orange peel.

RATING: VERY GOOD

A soft and sweet Highland 12 year old whisky. From here, it invites you to try more from this Scottish distillery. Not the boldest of drams, but very drinkable and indeed a great whisky to start exploring the Highlands with.

According to some research, the Deanston 12 year old whisky will pair well with cocoa dusted truffles. That sounds like a pairing I should try!

Also Read: Redbreast 12 yo Whiskey