Tag: Campari Group Page 1 of 3

Davide Campari-Milano N.V., trading as Gruppo Campari, is an Italian company in the branded beverage industry. It produces spirits, wines, and soft drinks. Brands include:
Grand Marnier, Frangelico, SKYY vodka, Bulldog London Dry Gin,
Wild Turkey bourbon, Glen Grant whisky, Forty Creek Canadian whisky

Bisquit & Dubouché VS Cognac

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/29/2023

In Lifestyle

A fun change of pace today, I get to look at the Bisquit & Dubouché VS cognac from the Campari Group. I tried this cognac a few years ago when it was still part of the Distell stable. I used it in an apple cider cognac cocktail then. It was a nice enough cognac for cocktails, but I found it slightly too spicy.

Alexandre Bisquit (born 1799) came from a long line of distillers. He founded his distillery, ‘Maison Bisquit’, in 1819, and the brand has its home at the Château de Lignères by the banks of the Charente River.

Adrien Dubouché went into business with Alexandre Bisquit in 1846 after marrying his daughter. A great painter and bohemian at heart, his artistic flair perfectly matched Bisquit’s practical mind.

The company flourished and, in 1966, was acquired by Pernod Ricard. It was one of Winston Churchill and King George IV’s favourite cognacs. Distell bought it in 2009 and sold it to the Campari Group in 2017.

One of the most significant changes is the bottle design. From a round bottle with beige and gold labelling, the new bottle is rectangular with minimal labelling and a raised Griffen on the front. The Griffen is a legendary creature with the body and tail of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle and represents the strength of the Bisquit & Dubouché dynasty.

What is Cognac?

Cognac is a type of brandy named after the area of Cognac in France and includes the regions around Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaires.

Cognac production falls under the French-controlled designation of origin (AOC) classification, with production methods and naming required to meet specific legal requirements. Ugni blanc grapes are the most widely used.

The brandy must be twice distilled in copper pot stills and aged in French oak barrels from Limousin or Tronçais. The resulting spirit is called eau-de-vie, which translates to ‘water of life. Cognac matures similarly to whisky, and most cognacs spend considerably longer “on the wood” than the minimum legal requirement.

Also Read: Remy Martin XO Cognac

What Types of Cognac are there?

Cognac does not have an age statement displayed on the bottle like whisky has, but it is classified based on age and quality. There are various categories, three of which we see regularly in SA and one that is rare.

Cognac VS: means “very special”. A VS cognac is aged for a minimum of two years. This means that the youngest liquid used to create the blend was aged in French Limousin oak barrels for at least two years. A VS cognac is ideal for making cocktails and mixed drinks.

Cognac VSOP: means “very superior old pale”. A VSOP cognac was aged for at least four years in French Limousin oak barrels, sometimes longer. It can be blended with older releases to create the taste the blender requires.

Cognac XO: means ‘extra old’ and describes a cognac consisting of spirits that have been aged in French Limousin oak barrels for a minimum of ten years. It used to be around six years, but in 2018 the standard was updated to ten years.

Cognac XXO: means “extra, extra old and this is a new category that was officially added to the description of cognac ages in 2018. To qualify in the category XXO, the cognac must age for at least fourteen years in French oak barrels.

If you spot a cognac with XO and Hors d’Age (meaning beyond age) on the label, the cognac in the bottle is at least thirty years old but can be even older. Some are up to a hundred years old. These are the most rare cognacs around. And the price will obviously reflect this as well.

Bisquit & Dubouche VS Cognac Review

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Radiant gold

NOSE: Light and elegant with notes of wood and fresh fruit. Soft oak spices and sweetness.

PALATE: New wood, vanilla, red fruits and cinnamon. Subtle, soft and accessible. Hints of pear, brown sugar and floral notes with a light peppery bite. A few drops of water open up the fruity sweetness.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Bisquit & Dubouché VS is not the most complex cognac but it never claimed to be. A lovely entry-level introduction to cognac that is smooth and well-balanced. I rate a bottle on how long it will be in my collection, and this bottle will be finished quite quickly.

It is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks but will work just as well in a cognac-forward cocktail. The Bisquit & Dubouché cognac collection includes a Bisquit & Dubouché VSOP and a XO cognac. The range is available in Pick n Pay, Checkers and TOPS liquor stores. The VS retails for R540.

Sample disclosure: I received this cognac from the PR company supporting the Campari Group in South Africa. The review and tasting notes are my own honest, fair and independent thoughts about the cognac.

Glen Grant 10 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/16/2022

In Single Malt whisky

The last time I wrote about a Glen Grant whisky was in 2019 when I looked at the 12 year old Non Chill-Filtered. I need to rectify this oversight, as it is a whisky distillery that I like. So today, I look at the Glen Grant 10 year old single malt Scotch whisky.

The first time I tasted this whisky was at a Whisky Show many years ago when my good friend Bernard Gutman poured me a tot. The Major’s Release is on my top 5 affordable drams list, and the 12 year old non-chill-filtered is perfection. The Glen Grant stand is always on my whisky show must-visit list.

Glen Grant was founded in 1840 in Rothes, Speyside, by brothers John and James Grant. After the founding brothers died, James ‘The Major” Grant inherited the distillery, and he had a keen interest in whisky-making.

Also Read: The Top 5 Blends under R500

The Major was known as a renowned innovator and traveller, and he enjoyed trying many new ideas. He was the first man in the Highlands to own a car. Glen Grant was the first distillery to have electric lights. Chivas Brothers Ltd owned the distillery in the past. But in 2005 it was bought by the Italian company Campari Group.

The core range includes a 12 year old and an 18 year old, and there are quite a few independent bottlings available such as the Checkers Private Barrel Co Glen Grant 17 year old release.

It is a well-known brand all around the globe and is readily available in SA. The Glen Grant 10 year old single malt whisky is aged in bourbon casks. Glen Grant launched the revised bottle design in mid-2016. In SA, it retails for around R510. On Amazon you can pick it up for round £32.

Glen Grant 10 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Golden Yellow

NOSE: Elegant with notes of ripe pear, honey and vanilla. Bits of spearmint and fresh coriander with malt.

PALATE: Medium body and soft with sun ripe pear and apple and malt. Notes of vanilla, honey and oak spices. Adding water brings a gentle smokiness and lemon pepper to the front. Not very complex.

FINISH: Medium length with toffee cinnamon and oak.

RATING: VERY GOOD

A drinkable summer Scotch. The Glen Grant 10 year is not a bad dram, and I think it is an affordable introduction to Speyside single malt whisky for beginners. It is drinkable, but I miss the bolder, more complex fruity notes from the 12 year old. Even the Major’s Release has more depth and character.

It does, however, showcase the fruity characteristics of Speyside drams. It is readily available in South AFrica and in the affordable category. The Glen Grant 10 year old retail for around R 550 at WhiskyBrother& Co.

Also Read: Balvenie Doublewood 17 year old Whisky

Glen Grant Major’s Reserve Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/26/2021

In Single Malt whisky

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The highlight in the yearly whisky calendar is the Whisky Life Festival in Sandton. It is one of the biggest whisky shows in the world. The festival is about meeting up with old friends and making new whisky friends.

The whisky variety to taste is enormous. I try to focus on only a few whiskies that I have not tried before. Otherwise, it just becomes overwhelming.

Last year, I walked into Bernard Gutman, a good friend, at the Glen Grant exhibition. Bernard took the time to introduce me to the Glen Grant Major’s Reserve single malt Scotch whisky. And that is where I spend quite a lot of time. I also tried the Glen Grant 10 year old and the 16 year old whisky.

The 10 yo was nice, and I loved the 16 year old, but it was the Glen Grant Major’s Reserve whisky, that blew me away. I am always on the lookout for affordable quality whiskies. The Glen Grant Major’s Reserve is in the affordable category. The price is around R 300 in South Africa, and it is readily available.

The Glen Grant distillery was founded in 1840 by brothers John and James Grant in the Rothes, Speyside. It is close to the port of Garmouth.

The River Spey and the barley-growing plains are nearby. When the founders passed away, James “The Major” Grant inherited the distillery. He proved to be a worthy successor. The Campari Group purchased Glen Grant in 2005.

Half of Glen Grant’s Scotch whisky production is used as a blending product, notably in Chivas blends. The Glen Grant Major’s Reserve was Inspired by James ‘The Major’ Grant and his innovative lifestyle. It has no age statement and retail in SA for around R250.

Related Article: Glenmorangie Lasanta whisky

Glen Grant Major’s Reserve Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%.

COLOUR: A pale wheat

NOSE: First thought when opening the bottle is that it smells like a tropical fruit salad. It is rich with spice, banana, green mango and pears. In the background the vanilla and condensed milk balances with hints of fresh flowers and cereals.

PALATE: Summer spice jump out at you. Notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. However, it is perfectly balanced with malt, fresh apples, pears, toffee and hints of oak. Hints of vanilla sweetness mix with honey. Water smooths out the Glen Grant Major’s Reserve and releases more flowery notes. It is rich and complex.

FINISH: Long and builds to notes of vanilla and oak.

RATING: EXCELLENT.

Looking at my collection, this is probably one of the best single malts in the affordable category. This Glen Grant can easily stand up to more expensive single malts. It is easy drinking and rewarding, and you will undoubtedly want a second glass.

Addition: During 2017 I tasted the Glen Grant 12 year old – again because my good friend Bernard introduced us. O my word. What a beautiful release. See my tasting notes of this Speyside dram. I have also tasted the 12 year old Non-Chill-Filtered version and captured all my notes on this release.

Also Read: Glen Moray Classic whisky

Glen Grant 12 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/17/2020

In Single Malt whisky

The whisky fabric is a fantastic place. It is full of vibrant people and amazing conversations. Friendships start over a glass of whisky and last for many years. It creates friendships that transcend whisky. The opportunity to all meetup happens only a few times a year

One of the most significant events of the year is the annual Whisky and Spirits Live Festival in Sandton at the beginning of November, and it is an event everyone looks forward to. It is a chance for friends from all over South Africa to catch up over a glass (or 2) of whisky.

It is a chance for my friend Bernard to fly up and come and present Sandton with some great whisky. A few years ago, Bernard introduced me to the Glen Grant Major’s Reserve whisky. And at the 2016 Whisky Live, he introduced me to the Glen Grant 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky. I spent most of my evening wandering past his stand and used up most of my tokens, tasting the 12 year old again and again.

Glen Grant 12 yo Bernard Gutman

Unfortunately getting my hands on a bottle was a bit of a battle, but eventually stock arrived at my local Norman Goodfellows, and I could expand my collection with this Speyside dram. From the town of Rothes in Speyside, Glen Grant Distillery has a long history stretching back to 1840.

The Glen Grant 12 year old whisky was launched in 2016 together with an 18 year old. This release joins the Major’s Reserve and the Glen Grant 10 yo already part of the stable. Gruppo Campari owns Glen Grant together with Wild Turkey bourbon and Forty Creek whiskey.

Glen Grant 12 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Bright sunny gold

NOSE: Summer fruits and freshly baked sugar cookies. Green apples, malt with hints of cinnamon, vanilla. In the background, there is something nutty; almond or hazelnut.

PALATE: Fruit salad with apples, pears and honey dusted with cinnamon and vanilla. Malt cookies with hints of caramel, ginger and apricots. Smooth and easy drinking. Water opens up more of the spices and makes the finish even longer.

FINISH: Perfectly balanced fruits and spice.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Just a glass full of deliciousness. It is the perfect dram for someone who has tried whisky a few times and wants to explore more single malts. It is soft and luxurious. The 12 year old is a fantastic dram that displays the best characteristics of Glen Grant and Speyside.

The fruity notes with a delicate hint of spice are so traditional to the well known Scottish region. Best of all, it is now widely available in South Africa and retail for around R500. Real value for money.

There is also a Glen Grant 12 yo non-chill-filtered whisky version available in Travel retail and it is incredible. The difference between these two releases is remarkable.

Also Read: Glenfiddich IPA Cask whisky

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