Tag: Beam Suntory Page 4 of 7

Beam Suntory, Inc. is an American multinational company that produces alcoholic beverages. It is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings of Osaka, Japan, and the company’s headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois. It is the third largest producer of distilled beverages worldwide. The company’s principal brands include :

Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Booker’s, Knob Creek bourbon
Laphroaig, Bowmore, Ardmore, Auchentoshan, Teacher’s Highland Cream whisky
Connemara and Kilbeggan Irish whiskey
DYC whisky
Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, Chita whisky

Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/01/2020

In Bourbon whiskey

A couple of months ago, I fell in love with a bourbon filled to the brim with flavours of malva pudding and dark, sweet cherries. The Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon promised and delivered a delectable taste experience. At the same time, I also found the Jim Beam Double Oak bourbon whiskey in the shop and just had to try this as well.

The Jim Beam Double Oak bourbon whiskey is considerably more affordable than the Woodford Reserve variety. Making it an intriguing alternative to the Double Oaked bourbon. You can read all about the history and background of Jim Beam in some of the other blog posts.

The Double Oak bourbon starts as the classic Jim Beam White, ageing for four years in freshly charred, new American oak barrels as required. However, what sets it apart is its unique double-barreling process.

After the initial ageing period, the liquid is transferred to new, charred American oak barrels for a second round of ageing. This extra time in new charred barrels allows the bourbon to develop a deeper level of spiced oakiness and caramel, creating a distinct flavour profile.

Similar to the Woodford Reserve Double Oak and Maker’s 46 bourbon, Jim Beam Double Oak’s double-barreling process imparts a unique character to the spirit. It’s not just about the process but also the presentation.

Jim Beam Double Oak is released in the Beam premium packaging, featuring embossed glass and textured labelling. Some bottles even come with a branded glass, adding an extra touch to the experience. At around R 300, this bourbon offers an affordable yet premium option for bourbon enthusiasts.

The Jim Beam brand is part of the Beam Suntory stable and retail for around R 300.

Also Read: Slaughter House Whiskey

Jim Beam Double Oak Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Deep golden copper

NOSE: Oak, vanilla bits of toffee sweetness, cinnamon. Not a very complex nose.

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.

FINISH: The finish is overwhelmingly spicy and dry, leaving a lasting impression.

RATING: VERY GOOD

This bottle is a must-try if you’re a fan of bold, spicy bourbon. However, if you prefer something softer and sweeter, in that case, this bourbon might not be your best pick. The intense oak and spiciness from the extra maturation can overwhelm those seeking a milder taste.

Suppose you’re willing to splurge a bit more. In that case, the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked offers a delightful balance between soft sweetness and spicy oak, making it a superior choice for those looking for a more well-rounded bourbon experience.

For those curious about other offerings from Jim Beam, I’ve also explored the Devil’s Cut and the Jim Beam White Label bourbons in previous posts. Moreover, I’ve compared the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and Jim Beam Double Oak side-by-side to uncover the nuances that set these two remarkable releases apart.

Whether you’re a bourbon connoisseur or just starting your bourbon journey, a world of flavour is waiting to be explored with these exceptional choices.

Also Read: Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon

Laphroaig Brodir Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/20/2020

In Single Malt whisky

A Port finish release from Islay is not something you see every day. Today I try the Laphroaig Brodir single malt Scotch whisky. Over the years, my palate has evolved. In the beginning, I was not able to appreciate the peaty whiskies.

I found the Ardbeg and Octomore releases to harsh for my sweeter palate. But as I was exposed to more and more whisky, I learned to appreciate and even enjoy the more earthy drams. Now I am quite happy with a peaty Octomore or Laphroaig.

Whisky with some sweet notes remains my favourite. However, I discovered peated whisky, aged in Port, sherry or rum casks, and I fell in love. I find the balance between the earthy notes and the sweetness perfect for my palate.

One of my favourite ‘sweeter’ peated whiskies is the Laphroaig PX Cask. The balance between the spice and sweetness combined with earthy peat is wonderful. Looking at the Laphroaig range, I saw that the Laphroaig Brodir single malt had a Port wood finish and this is something unique I have to try.

I have captured tasting notes for the Laphroaig Quarter Cask and the Laphroaig 10 yo and also covered some of the Laphroaig history. The distinctive Laphroaig’s flavour comes in part from its closeness to the coast and the high moss content of the peat, which is processed in the distillery’s own floor maltings.

The Laphroaig Brodir Batch 001 single malt whisky was originally released in 2012 as an exclusive bottling for a Scandinavian ferry. Laphroaig launched Batch 002 in 2014. Brodir is the ancient Norse translation for the word “brother”, which is a nod to the ancient connections between Islay and Norway.

Laphroaig Brodir Whisky Review

Laphroaig Brodir is a NAS release. The whisky was first matured in ex-bourbon barrels, followed by a second maturation in European oak casks seasoned with Ruby Port.

REGION: Islay

ABV: 48%

COLOUR: Dark copper

NOSE: Seaweed, soft iodine and heavy, rich port notes. Hints of tropical fruit, red berries, salty sea winds and smoke. Cinnamon and nutmeg mixed with bits of peat and a light chocolate note.

PALATE: Tobacco and ash mixed with fruity sweetness and dry oak. Peat and cream with some wood spice, toffee, marmalade, plums and salt. Quite sweet, but in a sticky sweetness kind of way. Medium-bodied. It comes over disjointed and unbalanced. Water makes it slightly more drinkable.

FINISH: Peaty smoke with pepper and cinnamon and a port sweetness.

RATING: GOOD

An interesting experiment, however, I battled to finish the glass. It is heavy drinking and somewhat sweet. Not something I would rush to try again.

Brodir is not even close to as refined and smooth as the Laphroaig PX Cask. The sweet notes overwhelm the peat and leave some raw edges. Probably my least favourite Laphroaig I have tasted so far. Not to far ahead of the Brodir is the Laphroaig Four Oak whisky. I found this release similarly uninspiring.

Also Read: Kilchoman Sanaig Whisky

Teacher’s Blended Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/30/2019

In Blended whisky

Welcome back to the second instalment of my series on affordable drams. Today’s bottle is none other than Teacher’s blended Scotch whisky.

If you missed Part 1, where I delved into the world of budget-friendly drams, you might want to catch up here with the Jim Beam bourbon. But for now, let’s pour ourselves a dram and dive right into the world of Teacher’s whisky.

My first encounter with Teacher’s whisky was on one of our trips to India, where our friend consistently stocked up on this blend. It’s safe to say that Teacher’s whisky has quite the following in India, and for good reason. It’s affordable and trendy, making it a favourite among many whisky enthusiasts.

But what exactly is Teacher’s Highland Cream blended Scotch whisky? It’s one of the more affordable blends out there, and when I spotted it on the shelves of my local liquor store, I couldn’t resist giving it a try. At around R 170 (roughly $13 for our international friends) in South Africa, it definitely falls into the affordable category.
Also Read: Ballantine’s 7 yo Bourbon Finish Whisky

The story of Teacher’s whisky dates back to around 1830, when William Teacher founded it. He began selling his blends from his wife’s grocery store in Glasgow. It wasn’t until 1863 that he perfected the Teacher’s Highland Cream blend and the brand was officially registered in 1884. After William Teacher’s passing, his two sons, William Jr. and Adam, took the company’s reins.

To ensure a steady supply of high-quality malt whisky for Teacher’s Highland Cream, Adam Teacher founded the Ardmore distillery and acquired the Glendronach distillery. With time, Teacher’s Whisky and the Ardmore distillery attracted the attention of various buyers, leading to ownership changes.

In 2014, Beam Inc. acquired Ardmore, along with the Laphroaig distillery and the Teacher’s brand. Later on, Beam Inc. was purchased by Suntory, forming Beam Suntory. As for Glendronach, it found its way into the Brown-Forman portfolio.

The heart and soul of Teacher’s still emanate from the Ardmore distillery, known for its peat-smoked malt. The range includes the Teacher’s 50 year old to celebrate India’s 50-year independence, Teacher’s Origin to honour the founder, and Teacher’s 25 year old whisky.

Notably, Teacher’s blended whisky is renowned in India where the price is around ₹ 2,030 and it is exported to over 100 countries. Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the whisky itself:

Teacher’s Highland Cream Blended Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: When you give Teacher’s blended Scotch whisky a sniff, you’ll pick up hints of smoke, gentle earthy peat, raw alcohol, vanilla, and malty notes. The nose is subtle and not overly sophisticated.

PALATE: The palate packs more punch than the nose suggests, with notes of smoke, peat, and a touch of pepper. The fruity sweetness emerges after adding a bit of water, which also tames the raw alcohol notes but tempers the smoke and peat. It’s not the most complex of drinks, but it has its moments.

FINISH: The finish is long and spicy, with hints of pepper lingering on the palate.

RATING: GOOD

According to some research, Jim Murray, the whisky guru, loves this blend and rated it a 90 in his Whisky Bible. However, personal preferences vary, and after a busy day or two, I found that Teacher’s whisky didn’t tickle my taste buds the way I’d hoped. I revisited it a few days later, but it still didn’t win me over.

Considering the price point, I wasn’t expecting the most complex of whiskies. Still, for my palate, Teacher’s has a bit too much of that raw alcohol edge. It’s a one-glass wonder, and I might not even finish the glass I poured.

Update: I decided to have fun over the weekend and conducted a taste-off between Teacher’s and Ballantine’s Finest whisky, both budget-friendly blends. Stay tuned for the results; it made for an enjoyable afternoon of exploration on the patio.

What budget blend should I try next?

Also Read: Grant’s Sherry Cask Edition whisky

Laphroaig Whisky and Stilton Cheese Pairing

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/13/2019

In Whisky & Cheese

Whisky and Stilton cheese pairing is something that I see coming past my social media feed regularly, and I decided to try it. So this past weekend, John bought a wedge of Blue Stilton cheese, his favourite cheese, from Checkers, who have a wide variety of unique cheeses.

I paired it with a Laphroaig 10 year old Cask Strength< and tweeted about it. I received such a positive response to the tweet that I decided to write a post about this fantastic whisky and cheese pairing. Traditionally people eat Stilton at Christmas, pared with pears and a glass of port.

I found some research recommendations that peaty whisky works very well paired with either Roquefort cheese or Blue Stilton. Stilton cheese is an English cheese produced in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire and made according to a code that goes back to 1730.

The renowned Blue cheese is known for its pungent smell and taste. Both Blue and White Stilton cheeses are granted protected status, meaning that only cheeses produced in these three counties can carry the name Stilton.

As a result, the town bearing its name can not make Stilton! It takes 78 litres of milk to make 8 kg of Stilton cheese, and the blue veins running through the cheese are its most distinctive feature.

Related Article: How to make Sangria

Laphroaig Whisky and Cheese Pairing

The Laphroaig 10 year old single malt whisky is a pretty unique whisky in my collection. The ABV is an impressive 55.7%. A big whisky in the best Laphroaig tradition. Bold peat flavour, followed by smoke, iodine and seaweed. The Laphroaig single malt Scotch matched the Blue Stilton brilliantly.

In terms of the whisky and Stilton cheese pairing, the strong taste of the Stilton complements the smoke and peat of the Laphroaig. In addition, it brings out the creamy, buttery flavour of the cheese in a remarkable way.

I give this Laphroaig 10 yo whisky and Stilton cheese pairing a RATING: DIVINE. I was interested to understand why this whisky and cheese pairing works so well. Research indicates that when the main volatile molecules of the two foods are the same, they should work well together.

There is also an element of balance between the astringency of the two foods that make them fit. It is probably why these two work so well together. A perfect pairing. The best I have ever tried.
I have done a side by side comparison between the Laphroaig 10 year old and the Quarter cask whisky to see how they differ.

Other delicious whisky cheese pairings to try:

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.