Whisky of the Week

The Glenfiddich distillery is one of my favourite distilleries, and I have quite a few bottles from this distillery. Today I talk about the Glenfiddich 18 year old single malt Scotch whisky.

Located in Dufftown in the Speyside region of Scotland, the distillery was founded in 1886. Glenfiddich is one of three William Grant-owned whisky distilleries which sit in relative proximity to each other.

Glenfiddich was the first distillery with a visitor centre. The differently shaped Glenfiddich has become one of the world’s best selling single malts. The distinctive triangular-shaped bottles have been a Glenfiddich feature since 1957.

The shape and packaging were introduced during the difficult times’ whisky producers faced in the 60s and 70s. Today, partly because of these innovations, Glenfiddich remains one of the few distillers still in family ownership.

My bottle of Glenfiddich 18 year old is a 1L bottle from Glenfiddich’s core range, and it was matured in a mix of Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks.

Every batch is individually numbered, and I have a bottle from batch no 3104. The prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2005 and 2006 judged it to be the best 18 year old Scottish whisky in the world.

I have previously tasted the Glenfiddich 12 year old whisky and rated it Excellent. It is one of my favourite whiskies for when there are guests who are new to whisky. The Glenfiddich 15 year old Solero Reserve is also a favourite in my house.

Related Article: The Glenlivet 18 yo whisky

Glenfiddich 18 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Golden colour. It hints at a rich experience ahead. However, it is not a very oily whisky.

NOSE: In terms of the nose, the oak and fresh apple notes intertwine with barley and cereals. There is a definite sweetness of dried fruits and hints of toffee in the background. The 18 yo has a fairly complex nose.

PALATE: Tasting the whisky after adding a few drops of water brings notes of oak, barley and cereal. There is a mild spice note on the palate. It seems like an extraordinary smooth whisky. There are notes of sweet fruit cake and Christmas pudding with some warming cinnamon spice at the end. Some roast nuts come through. It is a layered whisky that takes time to unpack fully.

FINISH: Long and lingering with lots of spice. A lingering spicy finish with mild nuts and toffee at the end.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Glenfiddich 18 year old single malt has a wonderfully complex nose and an easy-drinking and relaxing whisky. Just what you expect from Glenfiddich. I am delighted that I have a 1-litre bottle of this Glenfiddich expression because I certainly would want to have another glass or two.

The price for the Glenfiddich 18 year old single malt Scotch whisky is around $105 or £68.

Playing around with this release, I paired it with a Brebirousse d’Argental cheese. Not a bad pairing to try. I have also compared this release with the Glenmorangie 18 year old whisky to see how these two iconic 18 year old’s stack against each other.

Also Read: Belgian Owl Passion Whisky

Johnnie Walker Premier Rare Old Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/21/2014

In Blended whisky

It is time for a blended whisky again, and this week I look at the Johnnie Walker Premier Rare old Scotch whisky. Johnnie Walker needs little introduction. I have various bottles of this brand in my collection, and the Johnnie Walker Black is one of my favourite easy-drinking whiskies.

The Johnnie Walker company started in the 19th century when John “Johnnie” Walker began selling whisky from his grocery shop in Ayrshire, Scotland.

His blends were popular at the time. It wasn’t until he died in 1857, when Alexander Walker with his son Alexander Walker II inherited the company, that the brand took off.

Johnnie Walker whisky was sold in the distinctive rectangular bottles for the first time during 1870. I can’t find very much information on the Johnnie Walker Premier Rare Old Scotch whisky. I have had this bottle for quite a long time, so the packaging is lost. It is probably one of the first bottles in my collection.

From the little available information, it seems that the Johnnie Walker Premier whisky was a blend aimed specifically at the Japanese Market. It is in a heavy rectangle-shaped bottle, very different from their standard square bottle. It seems like this blend has been discontinued.

According to the internet, Johnnie Walker Premier whisky is a blend from some very rare whiskies in the Johnnie Walker inventory. A portion of this is from closed distilleries.

My research suggests that this bottle includes rare and exclusive whisky from the most precious of Johnnie Walker’s vast stocks of long-aged malts. Some of which are from now-silent distilleries and can never be replaced.

Related Article: Linkwood 8 yo Whisky

Johnnie Walker Premier Rare Old Scotch Whisky Review

ABV: 43%.

COLOUR: This blended whisky has a beautiful red copper colour. It is quite an oily whisky.

NOSE: Initially, there is almost a bourbon sweetness on the nose. On the addition of some water, dried fruits, raisins and caramels come through. There are hints of vanilla, ice cream, barley and oak. This Johnnie Walker whisky has a gratifying rich nose.

PALATE: It is a whisky with a pleasant big, bold taste and a wonderfully warming feel in the mouth. The tasting brings notes of rich oak and spice with some sherried sweetness on the palate. Some toffee, ginger and still lots of oak comes through.

FINISH: It has a big and rewarding finish. It ends in notes of spice with black pepper and ginger. The finish is long and lingering, with hints of oak and toffee at the end. It is a wonderfully complex whisky that offers a big mouthful. It has a lingering finish and is amazingly smooth.

RATING: EXCELLENT

It narrowly misses being a Divine. It just lacks the last little bit of the WOW factor. If you can still get your hand on a bottle, grab it! It is worth it. Bold and complex with a delicious finish.

Some of the other Johnnie Walker releases I have tried include the Johnnie Walker King George V, Johnnie Walker XR 21 yo as well as the Johnnie Walker Swing blended whisky.

Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Cask Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/02/2014

In Single Malt whisky

Up to about 18 months ago, Taiwanese whisky was not available in South Africa. On a business trip to London during 2013, John popped into the Whisky Exchange in London. This splendid emporium of whisky is a regular stop when we are in London. John took the opportunity to acquire a few whiskies, including the Kavalan Solist ex-bourbon cask single malt whisky.

Distilled by the King Car Group, the whisky was named after the Kavalan people. They are seen as the indigenous people of Taiwan. Legend has it that the Kavalan arrived by sea from the East.

When they saw the stunning beauty of the Island, they decided to settle in the bountiful land that later became Taiwan. Who would have thought that a country usually associated with electronics would be able to produce a drinkable whisky?

Solist is German, meaning a musician in a concert who performs a solo piece. The Solist range refers to the fact that this expression is from Kavalan’s single cask releases. The Kavalan range has a musical theme that flows through more releases, such as the ConcertMaster.

The whisky is matured in hand-selected American ex-bourbon casks. It has been awarded the Best Rest of the World Single Malt Whisky 2010 and International Spirits Challenge’s gold medal 2010.

The Kavalan Solist ex-bourbon single malt whisky is bottled at cask strength and is non-chill-filtered.

Related Article: Nikka Miyagikyo whisky

Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Cask Whisky Review

I have Kavalan Solist ex-bourbon cask bottle no 178 of 228 from cask no B080616020.

COUNTRY: Taiwan

ABV: 57.1%

COLOUR: Rich golden yellow.

NOSE: Deep rich sherry with some vanilla and spices. The Solist show hints of caramel sweetness and dried fruit. Adding a few drops of water allows the smoothness to come through.

PALATE: Bourbon sweetness with fresh cherries. There are nuances of dried fruit, toffee balanced perfectly with spices. The Kavalan shows bits of oak and vanilla in the background. A smooth, complex whisky that makes you want to have another glass.

FINISH: Long and lingering and hugely satisfying.

RATING: DIVINE

The first words I captured on my tasting notes for the Kavalan Solist ex-bourbon cask was “WOW”! Regardless of the high ABV, it is incredibly smooth and amazingly drinkable. You don’t need water; there is no alcohol heat.

The Solist ex-bourbon cask was my Whisky of the Year for 2013! Lately, there has been an influx of releases from this amazing distillery into SA, and I hope to add to my collection soon with a few more bottles. If you buy one bottle of whisky only this year, this is the one to get. It is so worth it.

I have also paired this special dram with some dark chocolate enrobed cherries, and it was a match made in heaven.

Also Read: Glen Moray Classic whisky

Glengoyne 21 year old Single Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/30/2014

In Single Malt whisky

Time for something a bit older, the Glengoyne 21 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Positioned in the Highlands, Glengoyne Distillery is situated in a valley close to a river that flows into the famous Loch Lomond. In the past, the woodlands, which covered the surrounding area, gave good shelter for illicit whisky distilling.

The Glengoyne Distillery began distilling legally in 1833 and was known as the Burnfoot distillery. The story goes that the owner intended to name the distillery Glengoyne, but due to a mistake by a clerk, it was recorded as Glen Guin. Later it was changed to Glengoyne, which translates from ‘Glenguin’ or ‘Glen of the Wild Geese’.

Glengoyne is one of the few distilleries left producing whisky in this part of Scotland today. Glengoyne is owned by Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd., a Scottish, family-owned business. Various features make Glengoyne unique. They produce Highland single malts, but the whisky is matured in the Scottish Lowlands.

Also Read: The Macallan Quest Whisky

The boundary line runs underneath the A81 road and passes in front of the distillery. Glengoyne’s stills are situated in the Highlands, while the maturing casks of whisky rest across the road in the Lowlands.

Unlike many malt whisky distilleries, Glengoyne does not use peat smoke to dry their barley but instead uses warm air. As a result, Glengoyne has been noted as being stylistically closer to a Lowland single malt than a Highland single malt. Glengoyne is also one of only two distilleries remaining today that uses Golden Promise barley.

This barley is low in yield but high in quality. Glengoyne also enjoys the slowest distillation rate in Scotland (the spirit comes from the still at around 4-5 litres per minute). It encourages the formation of ‘esters’, giving Glengoyne its distinctively sweet, smooth taste.

Glengoyne 21 year old Single Malt Whisky Review

The Glengoyne 21 year old single malt Scotch whisky is matured in oak casks from Spain, which previously contained sherry.

REGION: Highland

ABV: 43%.

COLOUR: Another dark whisky where the colour is closer to red copper than gold. It is quite oily and leaves long legs in the glass.

NOSE: at once brings sherry sweetness. There are dried fruits, Christmas cake and hints of oak and vanilla. The addition of a few drops of water changes the nose. With the water, the Glengoyne nose brings more fresh fruit.

PALATE: This is quite a spicy whisky on the palette. It is wonderfully smooth and rich. Mixed with the spiciness, there are notes of sherry, oak and honey sweetness. The Glengoyne 21 year old balances the sweetness with the spicy to create a warming and comforting taste. There are hints of barley, vanilla and toffee.

FINISH: Long and lingering and goes on and on. It is a full-bodied whisky that ends in notes of spice, oak and ginger. John forgot to finish his notes and had to pour a second glass to complete the tasting notes.

RATING: DIVINE

This whisky makes you want to sit in front of a fire with loved ones and just stop to appreciate life. It’s delicious! The Glengoyne 21 year old whisky is well-balanced, smooth and rich.

It is a satisfying whisky that lifts your spirits and leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling that everything is well with the world. I can’t wait to try more expressions from this interesting distillery.

Also Read: The Old Pulteney 21 yo whisky

Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/25/2014

In Blended Malt Whisky

In 2013 John graduated as a Doctor of Philosophy. I wanted to find something special to celebrate this momentous occasion. My first stop was the WhiskyBrother shop in Hydepark, and there I found this very special bottle of Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt whisky.

It is a replica of the Mackinlay’s whisky left in Antarctica by Sir Ernest Shackleton during his Antarctic expedition. In February 2007, after almost a century buried under thick ice beneath Shackleton’s expedition hut, a maintenance team discovered three crates of this long-lost Mackinlay’s whisky.

However, in line with international protocols, the team could not remove the crates from Antarctica unless for conservation or scientific reasons. Whyte and Mackay, who owns the Mackinlay brand, jumped at this opportunity. Under the leadership of their Master Blender, Richard Paterson, they managed to recreate this special whisky almost perfectly.

Down to the very last detail, including the packaging. Early 2010, one crate of the whisky removed from the ice and flown back to Canterbury Museum. With the whisky from the frozen crate, the museum conservators completed a detailed analysis of the packaging, labels and bottles. Eventually, this crate returned to its original resting place.

The result of all this is a faithful reproduction of the very bottle of Mackinlay’s whisky that Shackleton took with him on his expedition. It was a blended whisky using malts from Speyside, the Islands, and the Highlands, including a 1983 Glen Mhor.

Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctic expedition is one of the greatest survival stories in history. It has inspired adventurers across every continent over three generations.

Related Article: Millstone 8 yo French Oak Whisky

Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky Review

ABV: 47.3%

COLOUR: The official colour description for this whisky is light honey, straw gold with shimmering highlights.

NOSE: Light and elegant but still complex. There are notes of fresh fruit, vanilla sweetness and hints of smoke and cinnamon spice. This well-balanced Mackinlay doesn’t need too much water.

PALATE: Bits of smoke and peat mixed with barley, honey and rich toffee sweetness. There are delicate florals and a bit more spice. It is a lovely complex whisky that warms you from the inside.

FINISH: The Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt whisky is full-bodied with a medium finish.

RATING: EXCELLENT

A delicious dram. Perfect for that exceptional occasion where you need something different. The Mackinlay’s bottle is still in the wooden case and exhibited in a special place in my whisky room. Seeing the bottle reminds us of the great evening when John was rewarded for his hard work on his PhD.

A more accessible Shackleton blended malt Scotch whisky was released during 2017, and I captured my detailed tasting notes for this release if you follow the blog post.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Premier whisky

Whisky of the Week

Meandering the world, one whisky at a time

Glenfiddich 18 year old Single Malt Whisky

Glenfiddich 18 year old Whisky Review

Johnnie Walker Premier Rare Old Scotch Whisky

Johnnie Walker Premier Rare Old Scotch Whisky Review

Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Cask Whisky

Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Cask Whisky Review

Glengoyne 21 year old Single Malt Whisky

Glengoyne 21 year old Single Malt Whisky Review

Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky

Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky Review