Whisky of the Week

Rock Oyster Whisky

On 05/27/2019

A whisky I have written about before in a twitter tasting, but I think it deserves its own blog post. The Douglas Laing’s Rock Oyster blended malt Scotch whisky is a firm favourite. Rock Oyster was released in 2015 as a blend of single malts from Scottish islands, including Orkney, Arran, Jura and Islay.

And like all the Douglas Laing releases, it has a lovely nautical themed label. The idea behind Rock Oyster was to create a maritime personality that reminds you of sea-salt, sweet peat, smoke, honey and pepper.

This is just the malt to make you miss the Scottish Islands. Rocky Oyster blended malt Scotch whisky is part of the Remarkable Malts range, together with the Scallywag and the Timorous Beastie and Big Peat.

Also Read: Big Peat 26 yo whisky

During 2018, Douglas Laing changed the name from Rock Oyster to Rock Island, which might be a bit more appropriate. However, this is still capturing my tasting notes for the Rock Oyster whisky release. I would love to try the Rock Oyster and Rock Island next to each other, but that will be a blog for another day.

Rock Oyster is a blended malt and is not chill-filtered, naturally coloured with no age statement, and bottled at 46.8%.

Rock Oyster Blended Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 46.8%

COLOUR: Golden

NOSE: Peat, medicinal notes and iodine. Hints of smoke with newly cut green grass, hints of fruity sweetness, stormy ocean air.

PALATE: Peat, smoke with bits of summer fruit like peaches and apricots drizzled with caramel sauce. Hints of pepper, vanilla and heather. Delicious ocean character with bits of salt, seaweed and green notes. Big and bold and just delicious. Despite the bold palate, it is easy drinking, and I want a second glass.

FINISH: Wonderfully balanced between the peat and the fresh fruit with pepper. Big and bold, and it goes on forever. Warming you from the inside while you are standing on the windswept cliff.

RATING: EXCELLENT

I love this. It is like comfort food. Not fancy and spectacular, warming, comforting and it hits just the right notes. And at the price point, it is perfect. It has beautiful Islay notes, but they are perfectly balanced with the softer Highland heather and green notes and sweetness from Arran.

I can’t wait to see what the Remarkable Malts Rock Island will be priced at and how it compares to this release. I will do a side by side comparison between the two when the time comes.

Also Read: Bennachie Whisky

How to make a whisky bottle lamp

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/22/2019

In Lifestyle

Whisky Bottle lamp Three Ships whisky bottle
Father’s Day is fast approaching. But what do you get for the extraordinary father figure in your life? You want to give him something unique, just like him. Last year, you bought him that limited edition bottle of whisky, and during the year he finished the bottle.

The empty bottle is now standing with his other half-empty bottles in the cupboard. It was such a beautiful bottle and a release that brings back treasured memories, and he does not want to get rid of even of the empty bottle.

So for Father’s Day 2019, I looked at a cool way to re-purpose those special empty whisky bottles. There are many things to do with empty glass bottles. You can make candle holders, torches or bird feeders.

But the idea I like the most was to upcycle the bottle into a whisky bottle lamp. That way, the unique bottle get pride of place on a table as a purposeful décor item.

Luckily Builders Warehouse had all the items I needed for my whisky bottle lamp upcycling DIY project. They also had friendly staff that helped with some good advice.

Making a Whisky Bottle Lamp

Making a whisky bottle lamp is not too difficult; it just takes a bit of patience. John just finished his limited release Three Ships 10 yo whisky and the bottle was perfect. It has a sturdy base, and this was great for stability.

Shopping list

First up was a visit to Builders Warehouse to look for the things I would need. I have a drill but needed a special drill bit to drill through the glass and a few other items.

Other items needed:

whisky bottle lamp items from builders

Diamond Tip drill bit (I used a Ruwag diamond tip 6mm)
Lamp fitting (Nylon)
Switch
Wire
Plug
Glue (I used the Everbuild Stixall)

The process

Using the diamond tip drill bit, make a hole in the back of the bottle, somewhere near the bottom. Having water drip on the drilling spot helps to lubricate it and keeps it cool. This part takes a bit of time and patience. Slow, steady pressure works best. You don’t want the glass bottle to shatter.

Wear safety equipment when working with glass. I found some nice resources on YouTube with regards to glass drilling and also had a long chat to a friendly person at Builders who had some great advice as well.

When the hole is done, wash and dry the bottle. Thread through the wire and assemble the lamp fitting and the wire as required. Connect the on-off switch and safely add the plug socket. Test to see if it works. You don’t want to glue it all together just to find some wire was not securely connected.

Using the glue, fix the lamp fitting onto the top, making sure it is level. Let it all dry properly. Add a lampshade of your choice. And you are done.

Finished Whisky Bottle Lamp

Whisky Bottle lamp Three Ships whisky bottle lamp
And your gift is done. Perfect for Father’s Day. A one of a kind gift for a one of a kind father.

It took a bit of time, but it was so worth it. Last week we finished our bottle of Three Ships Pinotage Cask, another limited release and I am going to change that into a whisky bottle lamp as well. It was the best whisky I had during 2018, and I don’t want to get rid of the bottle.

Not only is this a great gift, but the upcycling of the bottle is kind to the environment too.

Whisky Bottle lamp Three Ships whisky bottle lamp with full range
Disclaimer: I got a gift voucher from Builders Warehouse that allowed me to buy the items I needed for this DIY.

Also Read: Firewater Cinnamon

Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/13/2019

In Whisky Comparison

ardbeg 10 vs talisker 10 yo single malt whisky side by side comparison
Today I have a big battle, a courageous battle; the battle of the islands. A side by side comparison of the Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Nestled amidst the rugged landscapes and salty sea breeze on the Isle of Skye, is a dram that has stolen my heart; the Talisker 10 year old whisky.

In my whisky journey, I’ve discovered that timing matters. If I had encountered this island dram earlier, I might not have fully appreciated its allure. However, there is another Scottish island 10 year old whisky that has achieved cult status and that consistently offers a delicious drinking experience. One of John’s favourites; the Ardbeg 10 year old.

The Talisker 10 year old whisky embodies the essence of a coastal fishing village. In contrast, the Ardbeg 10 year old whisky emanates from the heart of peat. Today, I invite you to join me on a comparative journey as we explore the distinctive flavours of Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 year old whisky.

Ardbeg 10 year old Whisky

Review and tasting notes Ardbeg 10 yo whisky with glass

Ardbeg, situated on the southern shores of Islay, proudly holds the title “Peat Capital of the World.” Their Ardbeg 10 year old Islay single malt is a testament to this reputation. It is crafted from heavily peated malt, boasting a remarkable peat content ranging from 55 to 65 ppm (parts per million).

Aged for a minimum of 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels, this whisky is a prized creation under the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) umbrella.

Talisker 10 year old Whisky

Review and tasting notes Talisker 10 yo with glass

Venturing to the windswept Isle of Skye, we discover the Talisker distillery, founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill along the shores of Loch Harport. Now a part of the Diageo family, Talisker plays a vital role in the Johnnie Walker Red Label blend.

The Talisker 10 year old single malt carries an entirely different peat profile, with peat levels typically resting between 18 and 22 ppm.

Also Read: Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa whisky

Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 year old Whisky

ardbeg 10 vs talisker 10 Whisky Comparison

	Ardbeg 10 yo	Talker 10 yo
Region	Islay Whisky	Island Whisky
ABV	46%	45.8%
Peat Level	55 to 65 ppm	18 to 22 ppm
Colour	Pale Straw with green hints	Bright Gold
Nose	Peat and smoke with hints of vanilla, sea salt and citrus sweetness. Not overwhelming, but beautifully balanced and rich.	Smoke and peat mixed with fruity sweetness, seaweed and salty air. A dry bit of sundried fish and orange blossoms.
Palate	The characteristic Ardbeg peat and smoke and medicinal notes balanced with oaky vanilla sweetness and spice and lemon. Dark roasted coffee and a bit of iodine.	Peat, smoke with hints of ash and salt. This is all wonderfully balanced out with a fruity sweetness with hints of black pepper and coastal air. Faint hints of chocolate.
Finish	One of the longest and full-bodied finishes around with salted caramel, peat and hints of sweetness. An epic finish!	Rich and rewarding ending on notes of faint peat, bits of pepper and soft sweetness.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Not chill-filtered Complex, and big, but not overwhelming.	It is rich and wonderfully balanced. This ensures that it is easy drinking and delicious.
You will like it if you are looking for…	If you are looking for the Islay medicinal peat notes, this is it. Perfectly balanced with peat, smoke and fruit.	If you are looking for sea spray, salt type of peat to remind you of the ocean. Warming like a wood fire while the storm rages outside.
Price	$65	$75
Pairs well with	Garlic leg of Lamb or a charcuterie platter, Blue cheese or smoky BBQ pork	Kipper quiche or paté, Strong cheddar or Roquefort, smoked almonds, sushi

Tasting these two whiskies side by side opens up a fresh perspective, allowing us to discern the nuances that might otherwise be overshadowed when sipped in isolation. The distinctions between these two island drams become pronounced in a direct side by side comparison.

Talisker graces the palate with a peaty, maritime essence, evoking the very soul of the ocean. There are notes of sun-dried fish, peat, smoke and orange blossoms. Fruity sweetness mixed with bits of chocolate and black pepper.

Ardbeg leans towards a more medicinal character. There are notes of peat and smoke mixed with vanilla and a medicinal (TCP) note balanced out with oak and dark coffee. Big and bold with a nice complexity.

Both are exceptional in their own right. Personally, I find Talisker to be the easier-drinking option. At the same time, my husband has a penchant for the bolder flavours of Ardbeg. Fortunately, we need not choose between them, as both standard releases are readily accessible and reasonably priced.

In addition to this Ardbeg vs Talisker comparison, I’ve also conducted a side-by-side exploration of Ardbeg 10 yo and Lagavulin 16 yo whisky, further enriching my Islay whisky journey.

So, whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of spirits, these comparative tastings offer a delightful way to appreciate the intricacies and artistry that go into crafting these exceptional island drams.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs An Oa Whisky

Balblair 1990 Vintage Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/06/2019

In Single Malt whisky

Today I am looking at the last of the Balblair miniature bottles that I found in a cupboard at the end of last year. This one is the Balblair 1990 Vintage single malt Scotch whisky release. John Ross founded the Balblair distillery in 1790, and he situated it close to the railway.

This made shipping the whisky easy for the Ross family. Inver House Distillers Limited purchased the Balblair distillery in 1996.

Other distilleries owned by Inver House include the Speyburn Distillery, Knockdhu Distillery, Old Pulteney Distillery and the Balmenach Distillery. Inver House Distillers also own the Hankey Bannister and Catto’s blended whisky brands.

Also Read: Balblair 17 yo whisky

Balblair whisky is bottled in beautiful bottles that stand out in my collection. The design is inspired by the nearly Pictish stone Clach Biorach. The bottles don’t carry age statements but have Vintages – the year that the spirits were distilled. The current vintage at the distillery is the Balblair 2005.

The Balblair 1990 was distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2014 making it a 23 yo. The spirit was matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in Oloroso Sherry butts for another 2 years. It has a natural colour and is non-chill-filtered. The price for the Balblair 1990 is around R 1 750 in South Africa.

Balblair 1990 Vintage Whisky Review

REGION: Highlands

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Golden copper

NOSE: Fruity sweetness, vanilla, hints of spice and citrus. Elegant and soft with a wonderful balance between the fruity sweetness and the spice. Bits of dried fruit, florals and soft wood.

PALATE: Plums, toffee apple, citrus fruit, oranges with hints of black pepper. Citrus fruits come through first, followed by honey-covered raisins. There are hints of spicy cloves, nutmeg and dry oak, dried fruit, honey and raisins. A bit of water releases more sweetness, but you only need a few drops.

FINISH: Medium length with hints of citrus and pepper

RATING: EXCELLENT

Every time I try this Balblair single malt release, I notice something else about it. The first time I tried it, it reminded me of a library full of old leather-bound books. Rich and dark. This weekend it reminded me of a fruit orchard in high summer. Overripe fruits, and citrus with honey bees buzzing past. Fresh and elegant. A lovely dram worth sharing with special people.

During 2019, Balblair moved away from their vintage releases into age statement releases. I captured some tasting notes for the Balblair 15 yo whisky as well as for the Balblair 18 yo whisky and a few other of their releases.

Also Read: Tullibardine 1993 Vintage Whisky

Paul John Mars Orbiter Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/29/2019

In Single Malt whisky

An extraordinary tasting this week: The Paul John Mars Orbiter Indian single malt whisky! During this last year or two, this whisky brand from India has taken SA by storm. From being an unknown distillery to being stocked in all the good liquor stores, the Paul John whisky is the one people want to try.

The Paul John Classic Select Cask was one of the best drams I tasted during 2018. I have tasted most of the expressions available in SA and love them all. Michael D’Souza, the Master Distiller, has impeccable taste.

Now and again, the John Distillery also brings out limited releases such as their annual Christmas releases and limited cask finish releases. Thanks to WhiskyShop, a few of these bottles make it to SA for enthusiasts, and I can stock up.

During March, there was a Paul John whisky dinner that I was invited to, but due to family commitments could not attend. I was unfortunate to miss out on tasting more, but Brett from Valotone saved me the last bit of the Paul John Mars Orbiter single malt whisky, and I got a wonderful surprise when the sample arrived at my office.

The Paul John Mars Orbiter Peated is a limited edition single malt whisky which celebrates the successful launch of India’s first interplanetary mission. An Indian space probe to Mars that has also provided observations on Phobos, the Martian moon.

The Mars Orbiter has been orbiting Mars since September 2014 and has sent back incredible pictures of never before seen areas of Mars. It designed mission life was only 6 months, but Orbiter has been circling Mars for 4 years and is still in good health. What a remarkable achievement.

The John Distillery produced only 330 bottles of the Paul John Mars Orbiter Whisky in celebration. So it is a very limited edition. This single malt was drawn in the same month that Orbiter was launched. I have a sample from bottle no: 278.

Also Read: Glenfarclas 12 yo Whisky

Paul John Mars Orbiter Whisky Review

COUNTRY: India

ABV: 57.8%

COLOUR: Aged Red copper

NOSE: Bit of alcohol heat. It needs to breathe a bit. Then comes soft peat, fruity sweetness, maple syrup, bits of burnt wood and vanilla. The second sniff brings floral notes. The nose is delicate and elegant.

PALATE: Peat and ash mixed with fruity sweetness, pepper and nutmeg spice. Woody notes balanced with bits of dark chocolate-covered oranges and hints of salt. The peat perfectly balanced with the sweeter fruit notes. But it is not a fishy type of peat such as Lagavulin or Laphroaig. It is a more woody type of peat.

A bit of alcohol heat but add water carefully. Despite the high ABV, just a few drops of water is needed to bring down the heat and bring more sweetness to the front.

FINISH: The finish is like a smoky campfire next door. You can smell the wood burning in the air, but it not overwhelming. Ends on notes of sweetness and peat with bits of pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a special bottling. A fitting release for a special achievement. From the luxurious red box with the gold lettering to the stylish bottle, it is obvious that attention to detail went into every step. Even the bottle top; it feels like it is solid gold, it is heavy and grand.

The whisky and the drinking experience is unique and a celebration. If you are looking for a release with a special story, this is a collector’s item worth having. From what I have heard, the few bottles that did make it to SA got snatched up rather quickly. As I am writing this, only 2 bottles of the Paul John Orbiter remain in retail.

If you are lucky enough to travel via Bangalore, you might also spot a bottle or 2.

Sample disclosure: I received this whisky sample from WhiskyShop. The review and tasting notes are my own honest, fair and independent thoughts about the whisky

Also Read: Paul John Nirvana whisky