Tag: Beam Suntory Page 5 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

Laphroaig 10 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/16/2018

In Single Malt whisky

From Islay comes the Laphroaig 10 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Mention the name Islay and visions of a windswept lonely island in the Atlantic ocean comes to mind. The ocean played an integral part in Islay’s history as it brought explorers, wanderers and conquerors.

Ancient people erected Neolithic standing stones on the granite hills. It gives the island it’s maritime climate. It is a name that evokes many positive emotions for peat lovers and a visit to Islay for some, is seen as a pilgrimage.

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland; known as “The Queen of the Hebrides”. It lies just south-west of Jura and around 40 kilometres north of the Irish coast.

At one time in the Islay whisky history, there were up to 23 distilleries in operation. This dwindled to just seven during the 1900s. Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, have a smoky character with lots of peat, characteristic of the Islay malts.

Caol Ila, on the northern side of the island, also produces a strongly peated whisky. Bowmore distillery has a medium peat level, and Bunnahabhain makes lighter drams and Bruichladdich is unpeated.

The last ten years have seen a growth in new distilleries again. The Kilchoman distillery started production in late 2005. The Gartbreck Distillery is expected to start distilling spirit in summer of 2017 and is situated just south of Bowmore.

This will be followed by the Ardnahoe Distillery, located between Port Askaig and Bunnahabhain, which is expected to start distilling in 2018.

But the distillery that for me, is quintessential Islay, is Laphroaig. Named after Loch Laphroaig on the south coast of Islay. Started by the Johnson brothers, the Laphroaig distillery changed hand a few times and is currently owned by Beam Suntory.

Also Read: Sullivans Cove Bourbon Cask Whisky

Laphroaig 10 year old Whisky Review

Laphroaig’s distinctive flavour comes from its closeness to the ocean and the high moss content of its peat. The Laphroaig 10 year old single malt Scotch whisky is the original cask strength version. It is aged in ex bourbon barrels.

REGION: Islay

ABV: 55.7%

COLOUR: Dark sparking gold

NOSE: Big and bold with notes of moist ocean air, seed weed, smoke, peat, iodine and ash but with hints of fruity sweetness, bits of salted caramel.

PALATE: The peatiness and the sweetness is nicely balanced with not one element overpowering the other. There are notes of smoke, earth and malt softened by the sweeter ripe fruit notes with caramel. Make no mistake, this is no shrinking violet! The Laphroaig 10 year old whisky is bold and in your face, but it does it with class and finesse.

FINISH: Long and lingering with reminders of driftwood and peat.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Water softens this Laphroaig 10 year old Cask Strength whisky a bit to open up more salted fudge notes. Warming and delicious, this is just the dram I want to have when the weather is cold and rainy outside, and I am toasty warm inside next to the fireplace. I will replace this bottle rather quickly again; it is just marvellous.

I have done a side by side comparison between the 10 year old and the Laphroaig Quarter cask whisky to see how they differ.

Also Read: Port Charlotte 10 yo Whisky

Jim Beam Straight Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/06/2017

In Bourbon whiskey

Today, we’re delving into Jim Beam Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey’s rich history and flavours. This brand has left an indelible mark on whiskey. While 1795 saw a whirlwind of historical events like wars, treaties, and remarkable achievements, it also marked the birth of something truly iconic: Jim Beam.

In this pivotal year, a group of German farming immigrants led by Jacob Beam recognized the bountiful potential of Kentucky’s fertile soil for cereal farming. Jacob began cultivating corn and grains, which would later become essential ingredients in his whiskey.

The initial incarnation of this liquid gold was known as “Old Jake Beam.” In 1820, his son David took the reins of the distillery at a tender 18 years old, setting the stage for an incredible legacy.

From these humble beginnings, the Beam family transitioned from immigrant farmers to key players in a global company. In 2014, Suntory Holdings acquired Jim Beam, resulting in the creation of Beam Suntory.

This conglomerate includes renowned brands such as Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbon. The Jim Beam portfolio offers releases like Jim Beam Devil’s Cut and the much-celebrated Jim Beam Black.

Beyond bourbon, Beam Suntory boasts a diverse whisky portfolio featuring brands like Yamazaki, DYC, Laphroaig, Bowmore, and Auchentoshan whisky.

Jim Beam, a name synonymous with bourbon, has garnered a worldwide following. Among its most recognizable expressions is the Jim Beam White Label bourbon whiskey. Crafted through distillation at lower temperatures and aged for four years in oak barrels, this bourbon stands out with its relatively high percentage of rye in the mash bill.

It’s a wallet-friendly choice that offers accessibility without compromising on quality. While Jim Beam White Label may not aim to rival its older sibling, Jim Beam Black Label, it is a budget-friendly bourbon, typically retailing around $20. Let’s dive into its tasting profile:

Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Golden mahogany

NOSE: Aromas of subtle vanilla, spice, pine forests, toasted oak, and hints of lemon zest greet your senses, complemented by underlying notes of toffee, sweet sticky pudding, and caramelized fruit. It’s a toasty and inviting bouquet.

PALATE: On the palate, you’ll experience an interplay of spiciness and toasted oak and a minty freshness. Hints of dry paper and pepper make their presence felt, with a faint background note of vanilla. Adding water reveals more citrus and pepper, removing the last vestiges of sweetness. It maintains a light body and an uncomplicated profile.

FINISH: Long and dry with citrus and pepper

RATING: VERY GOOD

While it may not steal the spotlight with complexity, it surpasses many budget bourbons, such as Evan Williams and Heaven Hill. It serves its purpose well, especially in cocktails, making it a practical choice for many occasions.

If you’re curious about how Jim Beam Straight bourbon whiskey compares to other iconic brands like Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, I’ve conducted a side-by-side comparison in a separate blog post. Additionally, I’ve explored the Jim Beam Double Oak bourbon and pitted Evan Williams against Jim Beam bourbon whiskey in another intriguing face-off.

For more insights, check out the respective links. So, whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just beginning your whiskey journey, Jim Beam remains a name worth exploring.

Also Read: Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon

My Top 5 Whisky Food Pairings

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/22/2017

In Lifestyle

My Top 5 Whisky Food Pairings
Today I look at my favourite whisky food pairings that I have tried over the last couple of years. I capture my whisky tastings in a pretty notebook. I love the act of scribbling notes, pictures and drawing emotions on paper.

Sometimes a whisky creates such strong feelings that it is easier to draw an emotive face on paper than to write down the emotion words. Old school, I know. John loves technology, and he captures his thoughts via speech recognition software.

Perhaps I also prefer paper because paper does not complain about my bad spelling. Capturing my thoughts digitally leaves me with many red-underlined miss spelt words that I first need to fix before I can continue. My beautiful book is more forgiving. My shorthand doesn’t need to be spelt correctly.

Yesterday I was paging through my notebook looking at some of the fun combinations I have tried this past couple of years. Some have made it on to the blog; some have a ~~THICK Black line~~ through them as a reminder not to try that specific combination again. Notable failures include various whiskies and Emmenthal cheese, or Monkey Shoulder whisky and milk chocolate.

However, there have been some excellent whisky food pairings. Pairings I whip out time and time again. So I decided to compile my top 5 whisky food pairings that are a staple in my house.

Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Laphroaig Whisky and Stilton Cheese

The Laphroaig 10 yo Cask Strength is a pretty unique whisky. It is a big whisky in the best Laphroaig tradition. Big peat flavour, followed by smoke, iodine and seaweed. One of the first whisky food pairings I did was pairing the Laphroaig with a Blue Stilton. And not only is it my most read whisky food post, but it one of our favourite pairings to snack on. Rich and filling but not too heavy.

The strong taste of the Stilton complements the smoke and peat of the Laphroaig. It brings out the creamy, buttery flavour of the cheese in a remarkable way. A perfect pairing!

Bourbon and Snickers

Snickers & Bourbon whisky pairing Wild Turkey 101 whisky food pairings with chocolate

Bourbon pairs wonderfully with Snicker Bars! It is one of those pairings that shouts comfort! Like your favourite slippers and gown after a crazy long week. The bourbon balanced out the sugary sweetness of the chocolate and enhanced the peanuts and caramel notes. The caramel enhanced the bourbon vanilla and softened the alcohol notes. It created a match made in chocolate heaven.

Also Read: Tiramisu with Whiskey

Roasted Lamb and Ardbeg 10 Whisky

Whisky and Lamb Pairing Ardbeg 10 yo whisky food pairings
We eat a lot of lamb over weekends. On the braai in summer and warming stews in winter. Weekends are the perfect time to experiment. I have tried this Garlic and Rosemary roasted lamb with various whiskies, but always return to the Ardbeg 10 yo. My tasting notes for the Ardbeg 10 yo included notes of peat and smoke, citrus and hints of vanilla. The Ardbeg 10 yo is a big complex whisky, but not overwhelmingly so.

It has enough peat to be typically Islay, but not so much that it would frighten a non-peat lover. The Ardbeg is robust enough to stand up to the Garlic and Rosemary flavour and the richness of the lamb. The peat and smoke in the Ardbeg enhanced the lamb’s earthiness and made it simply delicious.

Bain’s Whisky and Camembert Cheese

Whisky and Camembert Cheese pairing Bains whisky food pairings
Another whisky cheese pairing I regularly enjoy. I paired the Camembert cheese with various whiskies, but the pairing with the Bains’ whisky remains my favourite. My tasting notes for the Bain’s whisky included sweet hints of toffee, banana and vanilla.

The sweetness and spice of the Bain’s enhanced the earthy notes of the Camembert. The richness of the cheese softens with the Bain’s, and you want to try the Bain’s whisky food pairing again and again.

Coffee Bourbon Ice Cream

National Coffee Ice cream Day with Bourbon Whisky food pairings
Not technically a whisky food pairing, however something I make regularly. I love coffee; I love ice cream. Add some Knob Creek Bourbon, and you have magic. Perfect for a grown-up dessert in summer. Best of all, it is easy to make, without too much fuss.

Use the best quality ice cream you can get your hands on, add some good quality coffee, grab any bourbon that you have. It is as easy as that. Not too many dishes and the grownups will smile.

What is your favourite whisky food pairing?

Also Read: Checkers Private Barrel Co No 68 whisky

Top 5 Single Malt under R750

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/07/2016

In Lifestyle

top 5 single malts 2016 edition-under-r750
Following my post last week on the ‘Top 5 Blends under R600’, I have worked hard to define my Top 5 Single Malt under R750. I have tasted a considerable variety of whiskies to sort the good from the bad, the cheap from the tasty.

Keeping it under R650 for the single malts have become impossible. With the decline in the currency and the general increase in single malt prices, I had to lift the price point to around R750.

But fear not, there are many delicious single malts at this price point. So, are you looking for a gift for your boss? You want to impress someone but not break the bank? Look no further, to my Top 5 Single Malt under R750 Edition. All available in South Africa.

Also Read: Gin and Olives Pairing

Top 5 Single Malt under R750

1. Glen Grant The Major’s Reserve Whisky

Glen Grant Major's Reserve Single Malt Whisky header
First up on the Top 5 Single Malt underR750 Edition: What a stunning dram! It is under R500 and delicious. One of the bottles I replace regularly. The Glen Grant Major’s Reserve is rich with spice, banana, green mango and pears. Notes of cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly balanced with malt, toffee and hints of oak.

2. Glen Moray Elgin Classic Whisky

Glen Moray Elgin Classic Whisky header
I got this Speyside staple from my brother in law, and his taste in whisky impressed me. An excellent buy for a whisky lover. The Glen Moray is delicate with hints of malty sweetness, vanilla and oak floating about.

Fresh cut flowers, grass and green apples mixed with whispers of condensed milk and cinnamon biscuits. The Glen Moray has the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. It is a very easy drinking dram. The sense of lightness remains the whole way through.

3. Laphroaig Quarter Cask Whisky

Laphroaig Quarter Cask Single Malt Whisky header
This classic Islay dram squeezes into the list on the price point. But it has to be here! It is a delicious classic that is perfect for any peat lover. For me, the Quarter Cask epitomizes the Laphroaig style. Burnt peat, seaweed and iodine mixed with mild smoke and a surprising hint of spicy sweetness.

In the background lurk some oak, liquorice and fruity notes. The palate feels rich and thick, befitting a proper Islay whisky. The addition of water makes the Laphroaig Quarter Cask smoother and softens the medicinal notes. Big and bold!

4. Three Ships 10 yo Whisky

Three Ships 10 yo 2005 Vintage Whisky header
So glad I can add this exceptional Vintage to my list this year! Released earlier in 2016 and available for under R750, this South African dram is a MUST for whisky aficionados!
The Three Ships 10 yo Vintage edition has notes of malt, fruitiness, spices and fresh with hints of honey and butterscotch. Once you add water, peat and smoke are released, and the earthy character of this proudly South African dram comes through.

The Three Ships 10 yo has a beautiful body and is a nice big mouthful. Even without water, this is wonderfully smooth. The addition of water transforms the whisky. Water releases all the peaty earthy notes. But the peat is smooth, rich and not overwhelming. Perfect for someone who wants to expand his or her whisky tasting experience.

5. Checkers Private Barrel Co No 41 Whisky

Checkers Private Barrel Co. Barrel No 41 Single Malt whisky
Last but not least on my Top 5 Single Malts 2016 list, the Checkers Private Barrel Co No 41. This “Odd Bins” release from Checkers does not have a distillery name but comes in at a very affordable price. It is a 12 yo and has a fantastic taste for the price.

There’s a lot of toffee sweetness with a bit of spice. The Private Barrel Co No 41 is bursting with fruity flavour mixed with creamy, buttery fudge, toffee sweetness and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

The addition of water certainly brings out a lot more smoothness and brings some floral notes to the front. The strong point of this dram is the finish. It is probably one of the longest finishes that I have “tasted” in a long time. The addition of water seems to improve the finish.

Also Read: Laphroaig 10 vs Quarter Cask Whisky

How to pair whisky and cheese

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/20/2016

In Whisky & Cheese

Whisky and Cheese pairing for dessert
You love cheese. You love whisky. Over the weekend, a few like-minded friends are coming over for dinner. Why not try a small whisky and cheese pairing to end the meal! It is a great way to end a meal, especially in winter.

Whisky is an excellent accompaniment to food and pairs wonderfully with cheese. End your dinner party on something different. Be bold and experiment. However, the choices are overwhelming. There are so many different options available.

How do you put the right dessert pairing together? How you do pair perfectly on a budget? Today, I will do an easy step by step guide on setting up a dessert platter. With easy to find cheeses and a few versatile whiskies that will pair nicely with the cheese.

Easy steps on how to pair whisky and cheese

Step 1: Define your budget

It does not matter if your budget is big or small. There are amazing whiskies in the affordable price bracket that pair wonderfully with cheese. Both local and imported. Both single malts and blends.

In South Africa, we are fortunate that there are delicious local cheeses available. Depending on the number of people you invite, I would recommend 2 or 3 cheeses for an after-dinner platter. Paired with 2 or 3 whiskies.

Step 2: Think about the cheese

Whisky and Cheese dessert cheese
Think about the cheeses you and your guests would enjoy. Do you taste buds prefer an aged Cheddar or a simple Blue cheese? Or perhaps a creamy Camembert? Does your guest like soft or hard cheese?

You can stick to an aged Cheddar or Gouda or be more adventurous with a smelly Blue or a soft Camembert. The choice is up to you.

Step 3: Choose a whisky or two

Whisky and Cheese dessert whisky all whisky
The general rule is to match a strong tasting cheese with a robust whisky and a milder cheese with a softer whisky. Another option is to pair a harder cheese with a lighter whisky and a creamier cheese with a heavier whisky. It’s all about finding a balance of texture and complexity.

Match flavour with flavour. Pair a fruitier cheese with a fruity whisky or an earthy cheese with a peaty whisky. A win-win situation is if you can find a versatile whisky that will pair well with two different kinds of cheese.

Also Read: Self-Saucing Whisky Chocolate Pudding

Step 4: Choose a few accompaniments

Whisky Cheese dessert accompaniment condiments
Adding a few accompaniments not only gives colour but increases enjoyment. Add a few crackers and breadsticks. Grapes, caramelized nuts, dried fruits, fresh strawberries and olives allow more texture. Even a bit of fruit preserve will work nicely. Mix a few salty and sweet items. It allows for a greater taste explosion.

Step 5: Serving suggestions

Have a separate knife for each cheese, especially the soft varieties. Soft cheese spreads well with a butter knife; firm cheese might need a paring knife
Remove the cheese from the refrigerator an hour before serving
For a nice variety choose one hard cheese like Cheddar or Gouda and one soft cheese like a Brie, Camembert or Blue cheese.
Serve at least one familiar cheese
Experiment with different options.

A few suggestions

A peated whisky with an aged Cheddar or Blue cheese

A peated dram is a great match for strong cheese. South Africa’s very own Three Ships 5 yo pair wonderfully with blue cheese. You can also look at an Ardbeg or Lagavulin or even a Talisker to pair with strong cheeses. These full-bodied whiskies can stand up to the strong earthy character of the cheese.

Cheese smooth out the peaty nature of the dram and the peaty whisky help to break down the creamy richness of a mature Cheddar or Blue Tower cheese.

Fruitier whisky and Camembert or Gouda

Softer, fruit-focused whisky works marvellously with softer cheese. Lowland releases like the Glenkinchie or rum cask finish drams like the Balvenie Caribbean Rum all fall into this category. Even the South African favourite grain whisky, Bain’s whisky whisky will work. The softer fruity notes of these whiskies pair well with a soft Camembert or a Brie Cheese. The two elements match and balance each other perfectly.

Which of these pairings would be your favourite dessert choice?

Also Read: Jura Origin & Comté Cheese