Whisky of the Week

Glen Moray Port Cask Finish Whisky

On 03/25/2019

Now and again there are twitter tastings hosted by Steve from Whisky Wire. Most of them are for releases that are not available in South Africa. However, it is a wonderful opportunity to see what interesting whisky is available and what I need to look out for when we travel.

One of the twitter tastings was for Glen Moray. Graham Coull, the Master Distiller, has been releasing different casks editions, and some of them sounded so innovative and remarkable.

I had to get my hands on releases from this distillery. When we were in France last year, I managed to get hold of the Glen Moray Port cask finish single malt Scotch whisky.

Then I saw that Liquor City was bringing in some of the Glen Moray Cask releases and I rushed out and managed to get my hands on a few. I grabbed the Peated cask and the Chardonnay cask as well as the South African release Port cask. The Port cask from France was bottled at 40% and the SA Port cask at 43% ABV.

With winter starting soon, what better dram to open first than the Glen Moray Port cask. It is part of the Glen Moray Classic collection. A balance between innovation and heritage, challenging the boundaries of flavour by employing traditional techniques at the core of the brand.

Glen Moray has been making whisky in the heart of Speyside since 1897. Their water source is the River Lossie and the brand is owned by La Martiniquaise from France. Cutty Sark and Label 5 whisky is also part of their portfolio.

Also Read: New Zealand Whisky Company whisky

Glen Moray Port Cask Finish Whisky Review

The Glen Moray Port Cask Finish is a NAS release was finished for 8 months in port pipes from Porto Cruz. It retails for around R280 at Liquor City.

ABV: 43%

REGION: Speyside

COLOUR: Gold with mahogany tints

NOSE: Red fruits, cherries, condensed milk with light oak. Plums and sweetness.

PALATE: Oak, plum and ripe red cherry sweetness with hints of cinnamon sugar, dark chocolate shavings and raisins. It has a medium body and a bit of alcohol heat. A few drops of water soothes the heat and releases more sweetness.

FINISH: Warming with port, toasty oak and pepper notes.

RATING: EXCELLENT

I am guessing that this is a relatively young release. It has a few rough edges, but nothing that a few drops of water don’t sort out. Not the most complex of drams, but easy drinking and, at the price point, I can’t fault it. The finish is the best bit, it warms your body up from the inside. Delicious!

This is a BIG bang for your buck whisky. It retails for less than R300 at Liquor City. For a cask finish single malt, the Glen Moray Port Cask Finish is worth it. If you have been wondering about needing this in your life? Yes, you do.

A glass of this single malt whisky is going to make cold winter nights bare-able. It is affordable (for all the many electricity load shedding evenings), and you don’t need a fridge, just a few drops of water and it will warm you up nicely. Now to decide which bottle I need to open next.

Also Read: Benromach 10 yo whisky

Private Barrel Co Glenlossie 15 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/18/2019

In Single Malt whisky

I am still working through the mini bottles of whisky I had in the cupboard. Today I am looking at the Checkers Private Barrel Co Glenlossie 15 year old Scotch whisky.

Diageo owns this beautiful Speyside distillery and near to quite a few distilleries, including BenRiach, Glen Moray, Linkwood and Longmorn. It is known for its splendid roof and beautiful onion-shaped stills.

John Duff, the former manager at Glendronach, built the distillery in 1876. The distillery changed hands a few times during the years and ended up with Diageo through mergers. It takes its name from the valley of the River Lossie, which is less than a mile away.

The Glenlossie distillery is unique as it shares the building with another distillery, Mannochmore Distillery which was built in 1971. The water used in Glenlossie is drawn from the local Bardon Burn.

Also Read: Glenfarclas 12 yo Whisky

The primary volume of spirit from Glenlossie ends up in Diageo blends, including the Haig blended whisky. The Glenlossie warehouses also serve as the storage vault for more than 200,000 casks of whisky originating from many different Diageo distilleries.

You will rarely see a single malt bottling from Glenlossie. That is the reason why Checkers chose this distillery. It is an unknown distillery in SA and not something you find everywhere.

One of the few releases is the Diageo’s Flora and Fauna series where it was bottled as a 10 yo. Independent bottlings are sometimes released, and Glenlossie has featured in Signature Vintage, and Douglas Laing releases.

Checkers Private Barrel Co Glenlossie 15 year old Whisky Review

The Private Barrel Co Glenlossie 15 year old single malt whisky has been aged in bourbon casks.

REGION: Speyside

COLOUR: Rich gold

NOSE: Green notes with tropical fruit sweetness. Hints of grass and freshly baked bread. Soft spices in the background.

PALATE: Pineapple sweetness and honey balanced with vanilla and soft pink pepper. Hints of smoke and green grass mixed with bits of oak. Water releases more fruity notes and pear comes forward but softens the other notes. Soft and sophisticated.

FINISH: Medium length with hints of pepper, vanilla and fruit.

RATING: VERY GOOD

An interesting dram that brings a new dimension to the table. It is not overly complex or bold, but memorably different. Easy drinking for a late Sunday afternoon pre-dinner drink. Just add a few drops of water to release more fruitiness. This is one of those distilleries that you don’t get to try on a regular day.

I love that Checkers finds these out of the way releases. They allow us to explore new distilleries this way, which is exciting!

I have written a lot more on the Private Barrel Co releases both their “odd bin” releases where they only give the bottling a number such as the Private Barrel Co No 41 and their named releases such as the Glen Grant 17 year old or the James Sedgwick 6 year old whisky.

Also Read: McCarthy’s whiskey

Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/11/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Jim Beam Doubled Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon side by side comparison
In this instalment of my ongoing series, I will compare two interesting bourbon releases: Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon whiskey.

The aim is to delve into each whiskey’s unique strengths and distinctions. There might even be a clear winner. Previously, I’ve dissected the Elijah Craig 12 year old vs Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon and pitted Jack Daniels Single Barrel against Woodford Reserve bourbon in a side-by-side showdown.

Today, it’s all about Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon Whiskey

Jim Beam Doubled Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon

Let’s start with Jim Beam’s offering. Jim Beam Double Oak bourbon whiskey is a more budget-friendly option than the Woodford Reserve Double Oak. This bourbon begins its journey as the standard Jim Beam White Label Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey.

As bourbon tradition mandates, it undergoes a four-year ageing process in brand-new, charred American oak barrels. The extended maturation period in these fresh charred barrels imparts a heightened spiced oakiness and caramel sweetness to the liquid.

The mash bill for this release consists of approximately 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. Following this initial ageing, the bourbon is transferred to another set of new, charred American oak barrels for further ageing, adding complexity to its flavour profile.

Jim Beam Double Oak is presented in premium packaging featuring embossed glass and textured labelling. It is part of the Beam Suntory portfolio.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey

Jim Beam Doubled Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon

Now, let’s shift our focus to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon. In 2017, I had the pleasure of attending an event featuring Jack Daniel’s & Woodford Reserve, where I had the opportunity to savour the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon.

Launched in 2012, this expression showcases a delightful interplay of creamy, toasted flavours reminiscent of Malva pudding, as my friend Emily noted.

This bourbon begins life much like the classic Woodford Reserve but takes a unique turn during ageing. After its initial maturation, it undergoes a secondary ageing process in brand-new barrels, which are heavily toasted and lightly charred.

The mashbill for the Double Oaked variant comprises 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This secondary ageing imparts a sweet, oak character to the bourbon while enhancing its fruity, vanilla, and caramel notes. This expression marked the first new addition to the Woodford Reserve lineup in over 15 years.

Also Read: Jim Beam bourbon vs Jack Daniel’s whiskey

Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon

Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon whiskey comparison

	Jim Beam Double Oak	Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Type	Bourbon	Bourbon
ABV	43%	43.2%
Colour	Deep golden copper	Golden mahogany
Mash bill	77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley	72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
Nose	Oak, vanilla bits of toffee sweetness, cinnamon. Not a very complex nose.	Malva pudding, apricot jam, cream, dark cherries, candied fruits, caramel, honey with hints of cinnamon.
Palate	Peppery oak, vanilla, brown sugar, toasted bread, hints of cherries and dry wood. Adding water softens the spiciness a bit, but does not bring the sweeter notes forward.	Honey, toasted oak and fruity spices. Vanilla, caramel with hints of dark chocolate cherries. Rich and smooth. Adding a few drops of water smoothes it out even more and brings a few more sweet notes to the front.
Finish	Overwhelmingly spicy and dry	Medium length with creamy cinnamon and honey.
My Rating	Very Good	Excellent
Comments	Dry, woody and overwhelmingly spicy.	Unpretentious and comfortable. It's beautifully smooth, easy on the palate with a warming gentle finish.
You will like it if you are looking for…	If you like a spicy dram, this Jim Beam Double Oak is the bottle for you	Smooth and sweet and just delicious!
Price	$24	$60
Pairs well with	Spicy Chicken, strong cheddar cheese, Grilled New York Strip Steak	Coconut Macaroons, Malva Pudding, dark chocolate, Parmesan Cheese, Roasted Lamb

Now, the moment of truth – the comparison! Tasting these two double oak releases side by side is an eye-opener.

The Jim Beam bourbon is spicier when compared to the Woodford Reserve with a drying oak, vanilla and toasted bread notes. The spiciness in in the Jim Beam overwhelms many of the other notes.

The Woodford Reserve bourbon has a soft, inviting sweetness, beautifully counterbalanced by the spicy oak notes. It boasts a cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate cherry deliciousness and a creamy richness that make every sip a true delight.

I’ve found myself replacing that bottle once or twice already, and it’s easy to see why. When it comes down to it, Woodford Reserve gets my vote every single time.

Notably, there’s a substantial difference in price between them with the Jim Beam being more affordable. However, the Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey reigns supreme when it comes to sheer indulgence.

So, there you have it – Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon whiskey. This showdown reveals distinct characteristics and a clear winner for those seeking a top-tier double oaked bourbon experience.

How to start a whiskey club

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/20/2019

In Lifestyle

How to Start a whisky club
Whiskey is a spirit that brings people together. It gets people talking and having fun. It is an experience to be shared, to learn about, and to enjoy. However, exploring new whisky can be difficult in today’s economic climate. With rising food prices and fuel costs, whisky has become a luxury item. But there’s a solution: start a whiskey club!

A whiskey club is where you and like-minded friends can taste and learn together, making quality whiskey more affordable. For example, if each of 7 members contributes $15 per month, you have $105 monthly to spend on different whiskey. With this budget, you can enjoy 1 or 2 exquisite drams every month.

How to Start a whisky club get some friends and Some glasses

1. Start a Whiskey Club

1.1 Chat with your friends

Gather friends interested in whiskey, aiming for a club of 7 to 12 members. Establish ground rules for a positive experience and create a private communication channel, like a Facebook group or WhatsApp list, for easy information sharing.

1.2 Choose a name for your whiskey club

Select a name that defines your group, reflecting your identity. Be creative, and it could be linked to your locality or a shared interest.

1.3 Define your monthly contributions

Agree on a fixed monthly contribution; this makes budgeting easier. Even as low as $15 per month can work well, as great whiskey doesn’t have to be expensive.

1.4 Plan your venue and meeting time

Select a date and time that accommodates everyone, such as a Friday evening. Find an easily accessible venue, which could rotate among members’ homes or a central location.

1.5 Define a format

Ensure your meetings have structure and learning opportunities. Designate a leader for each event responsible for research, buying whisky, and hosting the tasting. Rotate this role to share the workload and promote learning.

The preparation can include the history of the distillery, information about the specific release as well as notes on food pairings.

2. What else you will need

2.1 Glassware

Some people will have strong opinions on what glasses you need for a whiskey tasting. Use what you have initially, but look for small tulip-shaped wine glasses as you progress. Getting glasses branded in your whiskey club’s name is a fun touch.

2.2 Tot measure

2.3 Water

Have room temperature water for adding to whiskey and cleansing the palate. We taste the whiskey first without water and then with a few drops of water. Water allows more of the flavours to open up.

The one thing we never add when tasting is ice. Ice makes the molecules contract, and you don’t taste all the aspects of the whiskey. Keep the ice for the hotter days when you are out just enjoying but not for tasting.

2.4 Tasting sheets

Standardized tasting sheets allow you to write down your impression of the whiskey you taste. Print them out or share them with the team so that they can bring a new tasting sheet to every session.

Some information to include on a tasting sheet can include:

Distillery name
Whiskey Region
Bottling information (ABV, Year distilled, Age, Cask type)
Tasting notes including colour, nose, palate and finish
Comments
Rating

3. Start a whiskey club: Your first meeting

Ensure all members share a basic understanding of whiskey. Use the first meeting to discuss how whiskey is made and the fundamentals of whiskey tasting, utilizing online resources for guidance. There are some great resources available such as:

Start a whisky club people sharing a drink

4. Choosing whisky to taste

Plan your whiskey selection based on your budget and members’ preferences. Decide whether to buy one expensive whiskey or a few medium-priced options. Create a tasting schedule in advance, considering different types of whiskey.

Start by making a list of some interesting whiskies. Look at the various regions and countries available. For example: Month 1 you taste Speyside whisky from Scotland, month 2 you try an American whiskey aged in wine barrels, month 3 it is time for a few rye releases.

During month 4 you can explore some bourbon, while month 5 looks towards Scottish Islay and you can try some peated and unpeated expressions from there.

Leverage online resources like the Whizzky App, which offers recommendations and a platform to track your club’s whiskey journey.

Who many whiskies should you taste per session? That depends on you and your club. We don’t taste more than 3 drams at a session. But that is just us. However, remember your taste buds stop working after a couple of drams. So anything after your 5^th whisky, you probably do not taste properly anymore.

5. Start a whiskey club: The process

Adapt the process to suit your club. Start with the leader sharing insights about the distillery, region, and the specific bottling. Then proceed with the following suggested steps:

Do not rush the tasting; take your time to savour each whiskey.
Pour out a measure of whiskey for everyone.
Start with the tasting sheet. Complete the basic info around region etc.
Look at the colour. Dark or light, what does the colour remind you of?
Nose the whiskey and see what flavours you can identify?
Then take a small sip (at last) and roll the liquid around in your mouth. What do you taste? What does it remind you of? Add a bit of water. Try it again. Is there a difference in the taste? Fill out the tasting notes on the tasting sheet as you go along.

When everyone has tasted the whisky, it is time to chat. See what other people smelled and tasted. Go back and taste some more.

Let the glass stand a bit and try it again. Proceed through your lineup of whiskies and if you’re lucky there’s some leftover to go back and have a 2^nd glass.

Enjoy the company of like-minded friends and a good whiskey. The rest of the night is up to you!

6. Drinking & Driving

Prioritize safety. Never drink and drive; use ride-sharing services like Uber or Taxify, designate a sober driver, or take a taxi. Ensure everyone in your club gets home safely.

Starting a whiskey club is a fantastic way to enjoy this delightful spirit, expand your knowledge, and create lasting memories with friends. So, gather your fellow whiskey enthusiasts and embark on this exciting journey of discovery and camaraderie. Cheers to your whisky club adventure!

This article was also published on LinkedIn.

Glen Grant 12 year old Non Chill Filtered Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/11/2019

In Single Malt whisky

One of my favourite events of the year is the annual Whisky and Spirit live festival in Sandton. Not only do I get to taste a variety of whisky, but I get to meet up with many whisky friends. And over the years, traditions have formed.

Every year, my friend Bernard G comes up to present at the Glen Grant stand, and we get to spend a bit of time together. For me, it is an opportunity to taste some of the delicious Glen Grant releases and to catch up on what has been happening.

The morning after the first Whisky Live evening, we always meet up to share a massive slice of chocolate cake and coffee.

I already knew and love the standard Glen Grant 12 yo as well as the Major’s Reserve. But during 2018, Bernard managed to get his hands on the Glen Grant 12 yo non chill filtered (NCF) single malt Scotch whisky release, which is (sadly) only available in travel retail.

He brought this and the standard release to our yearly coffee and cake session, and we sat down, right there in the middle of the Sandton coffee shop to taste the difference.

I was not expecting a big difference. Yes, the ABV is a bit higher, but it is the standard Glen Grant 12 year old whisky, just the non-chill-filtered version. How big can the difference be?

It was HUGE. I could not imagine that this is the same dram. The sad part, it is only available in selected travel retailers. So when John travelled, he had strict instructions to buy nothing else but the non-chill-filtered edition.

Also Read: Cragganmore 12 yo whisky

What is chill filtering?

According to Wikipedia chill filtering is a method in whisky-making for removing residue. In chill-filtering, whisky is cooled to between -10° and 4° Celsius and passed through a fine adsorption filter.

Chill filtering prevents the whisky from becoming hazy when in the bottle, when served, when chilled, or when water or ice is added. It also prevents sedimentation from occurring in the bottles.

More reading indicates that many people say that chill filtering has no impact on the whisky and many more who say that it does. Various brands have gone the non-chill-filtered route. These include Bunnahabhain, Ardbeg and Compass Box.

However, it isn’t easy to properly test the difference between a non chill filtered and a chill filtered release as there are not many available in the market. That is until John brought back my bottle of Glen Grant 12 year old non chill filtered whisky.

Glen Grant 12 year old Non Chill Filtered Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 48%

COLOUR: Bright gold

NOSE: Fruity sweetness, ripe cherries, oak with hints of vanilla sweetness and cinnamon

PALATE: Big, bold and oily with heaps of pineapples, banana, tropical fruit, woody spices, honey, vanilla, and hints of butterscotch and cinnamon. You don’t even have to add water, it drinks so smooth. Water releases a few more sweet notes and softens the boldness.

FINISH: Fruits and nuts spices vanilla

RATING: DIVINE

My first Divine rated whisky for 2019. What a beautiful full rounded and balanced release. It is amazing how big the difference in taste is between the chill and non chill filtered. Later in the year, I will do a side by side blind taste comparison and write about it.

I am not sure if it will hold for other releases, but in this Glen Grant 12 year old whisky, the non chill filtering has a significant difference in taste.

John is under strict instructions to pick up another one when he travels again. I am happy that this is a 1L bottle because it is going to be hard not to finish it before the end of the year. The best part of this dram, it pairs perfectly with rich chocolate cake. What more can you ask for?

Also Read: Rum vs Whiskey