Whisky of the Week

Signature Rare Whisky

On 07/08/2019

My hubby travels a lot. He goes all over the world, but quite frequently into Africa. About two years ago, he was flying back from Mozambique and dropped me a message from Maputo Airport.It was a photo of a Signature Rare Aged whisky.

I have never seen or heard about this brand in South Africa, so the bottle was relegated to the back of the cupboard. But I kept on noticing it. It has a unique shape, and this week I decided, we can just as well taste it.

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I started doing some research on the Signature Rare Aged whisky. I found that it was a blend of Islay, Highland and Indian whisky. Master Blender Caroline Martin put this blend together. It is part of United Spirits Ltd in India and is owned by Diageo.

Launched in 1994 and is known for its iconic octagonal green-coloured bottles. The Signature Premier grain whisky is also available.

I am not sure how this bottle landed in Maputo Airport, and I have not seen it again. But it is part of Diageo, so it might not be all bad…

Signature Rare Aged Whisky Review

COUNTRY: India

ABV: 42.8%

COLOUR: Golden

NOSE: Very subtle with notes of sweetness, fruit, oak, and caramel. Green notes, menthol with a faint acid bitterness.

PALATE: The Signature whisky has a few alcohol notes when tasting it for the first time. There are notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, and molasses sweetness. I am battling to get the Highland and Islay notes in this release. Hints of green grass and juniper. Water softens the alcohol notes but also tones down all the other notes.

FINISH: Short ending in sweet caramel

RATING: GOOD

Not the most complex dram. It is a bit one dimensional and inoffensive. Indeed not the worst whisky I have tried, but rather subtle and a bit unsophisticated.

Looking back at drams I did not enjoy at all; the Signature is slightly better than the Galloway Single Grain and the Schoonspruit 2010 Single Barrel whiskey.

I think it will work nicely in tall drink cocktails as an alcohol base from which to build on. I have seen this release here in Mauritius as well. Have you tried this release? Your thoughts?

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William Lawson’s Blended Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/29/2019

In Blended whisky

At the end of last year, a few articles on the top-selling whisky brands caught my eye. The one that I was most intrigued with was theTop 10 Blended Whisky’ brands. I mainly collect single malts but have diversified my collection to include quite a few interesting blends and blended malts.

On the -Top 10′ list were a few names that I have noticed in our local bottle store, but never gave a thought. One of these was William Lawson’s blended Scotch whisky.

The bottle is not very premium looking, the branding is stark black and white, and it is in the VERY affordable class.

But it is one of the biggest selling blends in Russia and with over 3,1 million cases sold across the world, I was wondering: am I missing something? William Lawson’s is a blended Scotch whisky owned by the Bicardi Group. I love the Dewar’s whisky, so how bad can this be?

Detail about this whisky is a bit sketchy. William Lawson was born in 1853 or thereabouts. He was an Exports Manager at a spirits company in Dublin. While there, he convinced his employers to name their blended Scotch whisky after him.

He moved between Ireland, Scotland and England. William Lawson’s blended Scotch whisky is produced with a high malt content, similar to the blend was first produced by William Lawson in 1849.

The blend named after him. The bottle mentions that the blend’s heart is the Macduff and Glen Deveron single malt blended with some Highland malts and grains.

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William Lawson’s Blended Scotch Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Very light golden wheat

NOSE: Initial sweetness of grape jelly and preserved grapes. It is followed by toffee and burnt caramel. There is almost a slight cognac note in the background. It’s a not very complex nose. The addition of water seems to bring out some floral notes.

PALATE: After the sweet nose, the spiciness of the palate comes as a surprise. The initial spice is followed up with layers of wood and oak before drifting away into pectin and dried citrus peel. William Lawson’s whisky is a bit rough and unfinished. It is as if the flavour notes haven’t come together properly.

The addition of water transforms the whisky, making it smoother and a bit easier drinking. Gone are most of the spice, but it does bring forward some of the oak and a little bit of a leather flavour.

FINISH: Long and lingering, but not in a good way. It retains an element of raw almost turpentine floating about.

RATING: GOOD

In South Africa, the retail price for the William Lawson blended Scotch is around R180. For R30 more, you can get better drams. If you are looking for a decent whisky – this is a bargain bin drop out.

Instead try something else. However, if you are looking for a bang for your buck, that will not interfere with your mixer’s taste, this will be your whisky.

Also Read: Bell’s Special Reserve whisky

Big Peat 10 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/10/2019

In Blended Malt Whisky

I love what comes out of Douglas Laing. Not only is the packaging for their Remarkable Regional Malts original and fun, but the contents are delicious and exciting. So you can imagine how great my excitement was when I was asked to help Douglas Laing celebrate Big Peat’s 10^th anniversary, by raising a glass of the very special Big Peat 10 year old blended malt Scotch whisky.

Unfortunately, the Sough African Custom Service also had to have their say. My special package only arrived a week after Big Peats’ Anniversary. However, it did arrive, and I am so happy to celebrate 10 wonderful Islay years, even if it is a week or two later.

Douglas Laing is an independent bottler of whisky. They are responsible for some unique blended malts, including Timorous Beastie, Scallywag, and Rock Oyster.

Big Peat was released in 2009 as the first whisky in the Remarkable Regional Malts collection. It is a blended malt that celebrates everything Islay and is peated to about 40 ppm. Big Peat is an energetic Ileach fisherman with a soft side.

He wears a yellow jersey and has regular Christmas releases. There is a Big Peat Cape Town Edition that features a proper South African braai (South African BBQ) as well as a Big Peat 26 yo whisky, the oldest of the lot.

Big Peat 10 yo blended malt whisky contains Islay malt whiskies, including Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and even a bit of Port Ellen. It is not chill-filtered and no added colour. This is a limited release edition.

Big Peat 10 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Lightest wheat

NOSE: Peat, smoke and classic Islay flavours of seaweed, salty air, and iodine. In the background, there are strong hints of soft sweet Dutch liquorice (zacht zoet drop) that take me back to my childhood. Bits of vanilla, green notes, and fruity sweetness.

PALATE: The Islay nose makes way for softer notes of fruity sweetness, hints of cinnamon with gentle peat and smoke. Very unexpectedly, the palate is delicate and soft and wonderfully balanced. Again there is the strong Dutch liquorice notes but with more licorice root (zoet hout). Bits of toasted nuts, sea salt, and tropical fruit. Freshness and green hints.

FINISH: Beautiful and warming, but not overwhelming. Soft peat and fruity sweetness.

RATING: EXCELLENT

One of my favourite treats as a child was when the family from the Netherlands came to visit and brought us some pieces of liquorice root. I have not tasted it for years, but the liquorice notes in the Big Peat 10 year old has brought back such good memories of us chewing on pieces of sweet wood.

This is an excellent whisky for someone new to Islay whiskies. It has the classic Islay notes, but it is at a softer intensity than an Ardbeg or a Lagavulin.

I don’t even know what water does to the dram. I finished it all without even thinking of adding water. You don’t need any water as it is smooth and easy drinking. John described it as a summer Islay, the perfect peaty whisky to drink in summer. Happy 10th anniversary to the big man in the yellow jersey. I am looking forward to 10 more years of smashing Islay drams.

Also Read: Big Peat Christmas Edition whisky

Sample disclosure: I received this sample as part of the 10 year celebration of Big Peat’s release, directly from Douglas Laing. Though received as part of a promotional event, the review and tasting notes are my honest, fair and independent thoughts about the whisky.

Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/03/2019

In Whisky Comparison

In today’s exploration, we dive into the exciting realm of 18 year old whiskies, pitting two iconic releases against each other. It’s a showdown of Speyside elegance versus the bold Highland spice as we compare Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old single malt Scotch whiskies in the ultimate battle of flavours and craftsmanship.

Let’s make one thing clear from the start – this isn’t about crowning a winner, and choosing a favourite would be akin to picking a favourite child.

Both of these drams are exceptional in their own right, and today, we’re delving deep into their distinctions and uncovering their unique taste profiles. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the captivating world of Glenfiddich versus Glenmorangie whisky.

Glenmorangie 18 year old Whisky

Review and tasting notes for the Glenmorangie 18 yo single malt whisky with glass
Our journey begins in the Highlands, in Tain, Ross-shire, Scotland, where Glenmorangie proudly stands as a towering icon. Literally, with the tallest stills in Scotland. The Glenmorangie 18 year old single malt whisky is a testament to their dedication to craft and tradition.

This Highland gem matures in bourbon casks, with some Sherry casks added. The process unfolds over 15 years in standard oak casks, after which approximately 30% of the liquid embarks on a three-year adventure in Spanish Oloroso casks.

Once both components reach the ripe age of 18, they are masterfully blended. This exquisite whisky is in the Glenmorangie Prestige Expressions collection, alongside the Signet and the 25 year old release.

Glenfiddich 18 year old Whisky

Tasting notes for the Glenfiddich 18 yo Single Malt Whisky with glass
Heading south to Dufftown in the Speyside region of Scotland, we find Glenfiddich. This distillery has been delighting whisky enthusiasts since its establishment in 1886. What sets Glenfiddich apart is its continued dedication to family ownership, a rarity in the industry.

Glenfiddich’s 18 year old single malt whisky, a part of their Core range, blends Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks. The result is a harmonious marriage of flavours that tantalize the palate.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 yo Whisky

Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old Whisky

Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 Whisky Comparison

	Glenfiddich 18 yo	Glenmorangie 18 yo
Region	Speyside Whisky	Highland Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Rich gold	Light golden amber
Nose	Oak and fresh apple notes are intertwined with barley and cereals. There is a definite sweetness of dried fruits and hints of toffee in the background.	Toffee sweet, rich and creamy. Creme Brule, honey with hints of spice and oak. An abundance of fresh fruit, dried pear and fruits of the forest.
Palate	Notes of oak, barley and cereal. An extraordinary smooth whisky. Fruit cake and Christmas pudding with warming cinnamon and roast nuts. Multi-layered.	Big and bold. Thick and syrupy with lots of spice and oak. Fresh fruit, pears and rich heather honey. It is rich and complex with a big fruit and spice kick.
Finish	A lingering spicy finish with mild nuts and toffee.	Long and lingering with hints of butter, chocolate and citrus peel.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Wonderfully complex but still easy drinking.	Well-balanced and smooth.
You will like it if you are looking for…	Something sweeter with winter fruits and nut notes.	Summer fruits with a spicy kick that is bold and warming.
Price	$132	$140
Pairs well with	Brebirousse d’Argental cheese, Cassoulet, freshly baked apple pie with ice cream	Coffee and dark chocolate macaroons, aged gouda cheese

The Glenmorangie 18 year old is big and bold with notes of fruity sweetness, hints of warming spices and a creamy texture. Notes of toffee, dried pear and creamy oak mix with cinnamon and chocolate.

The Glenfiddich 18 year old also has fruity notes, but there are more cereals, baked pudding and nuts on the palate. Oak and fresh apples balanced with Christmas spices and fruit cake.

The Glenmorangie is more spicy and fruit-forward than the Glenfiddich. The Glenmorangie has a creamier texture, but the Glenfiddich is more complex. The Glenfiddich showcases more of the creamy nuts and oak mixed with cereals that you don’t get in the Glenmorangie.

When it comes to ratings on platforms like Whizzky, it appears that the Glenmorangie might have a slight edge over Glenfiddich. However, remember that whisky appreciation is highly subjective, and personal taste plays a significant role.

I suspect many connoisseurs would agree to a place for both of these remarkable whiskies in my whisky room.

So, whether you lean toward the fruity nature of Speyside or the robust spices of the Highlands, one thing is for sure. In the Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old whisky showdown, everyone’s a winner. Cheers to exploring these stellar 18 year old masterpieces.

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Firewater Cinnamon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/29/2019

In Cocktails

Firewater Cinnamon whisky
A while ago, I was scratching around Google keyword search, looking at the search terms associated with whisky. One of the most searched for terms was for Fireball whisky. A cinnamon flavoured whisky from Canada.

Flavoured whiskies are not prominent in SA. You can find honey flavoured whisky but the shelf space for flavoured whiskies is very small. While travelling, I found all kinds of weird and wonderful flavoured whiskies, from apple and vanilla to maple and pumpkin. I also managed to find some Fireball whisky and grabbed a small bottle to try.

But life got in the way, and I got busy with tasting other things. The Fireball whisky got moved to the back of the cupboard, and I forgot about it.

Also Read: Recipe for Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Then 3 weeks ago, a press release came across my desk, and it immediately made me sit up and frown. It was for Firewater Cinnamon, and the branding looked somehow familiar. I went to dig up my bottle of Fireball, and it was the same branding. Was this some local knock off? No, it is the same thing.

The only difference between the Firewater Cinnamon sold in South Africa and the Fireball Cinnamon sold in other parts of the globe is the name. Due to trademark issues, the name changed for South Africa exclusively.

But what is Firewater Cinnamon?

Firewater Cinnamon with shot glass
Firewater is a mixture of Canadian whisky blended with natural cinnamon flavour and sweeteners. So it is technically not a whisky but probably closer to a whisky-based liquor. It is bottled at 33 % ABV and produced by the Sazerac Company who also makes Buffalo Trace and WL Weller Bourbon.

The slogan for Firewater is ‘Tastes like heaven and burns like hell’, and you drink it as a straight shot but can also be added to a mixed drink.

Firewater cinnamon vs Fireball Cinnamon whisky
I set up a side by side taste test to check if the Fireball and the Firewater are the same and I can tell you – they both taste like Heaven, but burns like Hell. It makes me think of the Fireball cinnamon sweets we got as kids. Great news – down to the syrupy consistency and burn element, it was the same thing.

Firewater is part of the slowly expanding Truman and Orange collection of brands which also include the Don Papa rum and the Malfi and Aviation gin brands.

Despite the ‘burn like hell’ element, Firewater is surprisingly versatile. You can add it to cider, Red Bull, beer or any soft drink. There are a few cocktail suggestions on the Fireball website, but I decided to play around with some coffee, and I made a cinnamon affogato. More of a dessert, this is something you can serve to guests, and they will come back for more.

Cinnamon Affogato

Firewater Cinnamon Affogato dessert

A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A shot of espresso
A shot of Firewater Cinnamon

Just as you would make a standard affogato, pour the espresso over the vanilla ice cream and then top up with the Firewater. The sweetness of the ice cream tones down the burn from the Firewater and the coffee gives a caffeine hit. It is delicious.

Firewater Cinnamon Affogato dessert 1
The Firewater Cinnamon is available at Spar Tops, Loco Liquor, Liquor City as well as some of the smaller liquor shops around the country.

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