Tag: Diageo Page 2 of 15

Diageo plc is a British multinational beverage alcohol company, with its headquarters in London, England. It operates in more than 180 countries and produces in more than 140 sites around the world. It is a major distributor of spirits and the world’s largest producer of Scotch whisky.
Brands include:
Scotch whisky: Johnnie Walker, Cardhu, Justerini & Brooks, Bell’s, Black & White, White Horse, Caol Ila, Vat 69, Oban, Talisker, Lagavulin, Glenkinchie, Dalwhinnie, Cragganmore, Clynelish, Singleton, Dimple, Glen Elgin, Knockando, Blair Athol, Dailuaine, Glenlossie, Mannochmore, Mortlach, Strathmill, Teaninich.
American whiskey: Bulleit, Seagram’s
Canadian whisky: Crown Royal
Vodka: Smirnoff, Cîroc, Ketel One
Rum: Captain Morgan,
Gin: Gordon’s, Tanqueray, Gilbey’s, Aviation Gin

In 2022, I tried the Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish whisky. I decided it was time to open another of the Johnnie Walker expressions. This week it is the Johnnie Walker Select Casks 10 year old Rye cask finish whisky.

The Johnnie Walker Select Casks 10 year old Rye Casks Finish (a big mouth full) is a blended Scotch whisky. It was crafted under the meticulous eye of Master Blender Jim Beveridge. The base is a Cardhu single malt, blended with other whiskies matured for at least ten years in first-fill American oak casks. The blended whisky was then finished in ex-rye whiskey casks.

Introduced in October 2015, the Johnnie Walker Rye Casks Finish marks the inception of a series of limited-edition wood-finished blends from Johnnie Walker.

The Rye Cask finish is the first in a series of limited edition wood-finished blends from Johnnie Walker. It was released in October 2015.

The only experimental release I can find from Johnnie Walker is the Sweet Peat, a limited edition experimental blended Scotch whisky. I can’t see mention of any other releases in the Select Cast range.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 year old Whisky

Johnnie Walker Select Casks 10 Year Rye Casks Finish Review

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Dark Wheat

NOSE: Prepare your senses for a symphony of creamy wood, vanilla, and rye spices adorned with a hint of malt and honeyed sweetness. Let it stand for a bit for the alcohol to evaporate.

On second nosing, it reveals freshly baked coconut loaf intertwined with delicate notes of cinnamon and a subtle nuttiness. A complexity that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds.

PALATE: Immerse yourself in a palate of creamy vanilla, gentle rye spices, and oak nuances harmonized by a sugary sweetness. It needs a few drops of water to temper the alcohol heat. Yet, the essence of coconut, cinnamon, and vanilla persists, weaving a tapestry of flavours.

FINISH: A medium-length finish with lingering echoes of drying oak, rye spices, and a whisper of black pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Elegant and refined, the Johnnie Walker Select Casks 10-Year-Old Rye Cask Finish embodies a symphony of soft rye spices, oak, vanilla, and grain sweetness. Each element seamlessly interlocks, creating a flawless mosaic of flavour.

Perfectly balanced with a delightful interplay between wood and vanilla, sweetness and spice. The coconut notes bring a unique dimension, making it perfect for drinking here on the tropical island. The Johnnie Walker Select Cask 10 year old Rye cask finish whisky is one of the nicest drams I have had in a while.

Rarely do we encounter such experimental cask finishes in blended Scotch whisky, and this one is an unequivocal triumph. Should you chance upon this remarkable creation, buy it without hesitation.

Also Read: Royal Challenge Whisky

Vat 69 Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/05/2024

In Blended whisky

In the expansive realm of whiskies, from limited editions to exclusive drams, I enjoy exploring budget-friendly options to find that affordable gem. Among the notable names that consistently top my Google search stats is Vat 69 Scotch whisky. So, let’s go and explore this well-known Scottish whisky.

Crafted by the Leith-born blender William Sanderson in 1882, Vat 69 is a blended Scotch whisky that has made its mark worldwide. In his quest for the perfect blend, Sanderson created 100 vats of uniquely blended whiskies.

Then, he asked a panel of friends and experts to taste each one of them. Slowly working their way through 100 casks must have been a daunting task. At the end of this tasting, Vat No. 69 that stood out as the winner.

The blend was well established by the time of Sanderson’s passing in 1908. It even accompanied Sir Ernest Shackleton on his 1914 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition for medicinal and celebratory purposes.

At the start, Glen Garioch formed the heart of the blend. Today, the recipe incorporates a blend of 40 malts and grains. It does not have an age statement.

Affordability is a defining trait, with Vat 69 retailing for around Rs 1000 in Mauritius and approximately R 185 in South Africa. It is available in the UK for around £30. Here in Mauritius, it is one of the most affordable global whiskies. In India it retails for around ₹ 1,856.

Emblazoned on the cap are the words’ Sans Dieu Rien,’ translating to ‘Without God, nothing.’ Vat 69 is part of the Diageo stable.

Also Read: Label 5 Whisky

Vat 69 Blended Whisky Review

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Light Gold

NOSE: Grain sweetness with a hint of alcohol on the nose, accompanied by toasted wood, caramel, and soft apple and pear notes.

PALATE: The palate surprises with creaminess, showcasing wood, cinnamon, grain sweetness, and hints of caramel apples and vanilla. Water tempers the sweetness, bringing forward black pepper and subtle ripe oranges.

FINISH: The finish echoes wood, pepper, and faint fruit notes.

RATING: VERY GOOD

While not the most intricate dram, Vat 69 Scotch whisky embraces simplicity with a ‘what you see is what you get’. The notes from the nose mirror the palate. Despite lacking in complex nuances, this whisky is very drinkable.

With a light body and abundant grain sweetness, it offers smoothness and remarkable value for money. Personally, I found it more enjoyable than the Johnnie Walker Red Label whisky, which, in comparison, had a slight alcohol burn, requiring a few extra drops of water to cool down.

This whisky is an excellent choice for cocktails. Whether crafting a Rob Roy or Rusty Nail, Vat 69 is the perfect pour, adding a touch of smooth sweetness to your next concoction.

Also Read: Scottish Leader Original Whisky

Talisker Storm Single Malt Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/29/2023

In Single Malt whisky

Today I am looking at the 3rd of my mini Talisker bottles, and it is time for the Talisker Storm single malt Scotch whisky. The Talisker 10 yo whisky easily makes it onto my top 10 desert island drams. I love the smoky, creamy notes of this release.

It is affordable and bursts with flavour. I enjoyed the Talisker Skye but found it a bit rough around the edges.

Talisker is the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye. It is part of the Diageo brands and part of their Classic Malt range. The distillery was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill on the shores of Loch Harport. Talisker was updated over the years and changed hand a few times.

The distillery’s water comes from Cnoc nan Speireag (Hawk Hill). The malted barley used in production comes from Muir of Ord. Talisker whisky is typically peated to a phenol level of approximately 18–22 parts per million (ppm).

Diageo released Talisker Storm in early 2013 with no age statement. The whisky is matured in specifically selected refill and toasted American oak casks. Pre Covid, the Talisker Storm single malt Scotch whisky was occasionally available in SA. Sadly, I have not seen it around for the last couple of months.

Other releases include the Talisker 57 North whisky. There is also a Talisker Dark Storm that was released as a travel retail special. Dark Storm was matured in heavily charred casks compared to the standard Storm release.

Also Read: Springbank 18 yo Whisky

Talisker Storm Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Island of Skye

ABV: 45.8%

COLOUR: Dark Gold

NOSE: Delicate and soft with peat, smoke and sweetness. Sea salt and honey with a soft fruity note. Surprisingly sweet.

PALATE: Medium body with notes of peat, oak and honey sweetness. A bit of a chilli bite mixed with smoke and hints of black pepper. Bolder than what the nose suggested. Lovely and warming on a cold Friday afternoon. Not the most complex dram, but easy drinking. Quite a bit sweeter than the 10 yo release. Water tones down the chilli heat.

FINISH: Peat and oak dryness with a fruity sweetness.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a lovely dram. It warmed me up on a cold Friday evening, and I will undoubtedly be looking for a big bottle of this when it becomes available in SA again. I was surprised at how much sweeter it is when compared to the Talisker 10 yo whisky.

As soon as I managed to find a big bottle, I will do a side by side comparison. The 10 yo is still my favourite of the lot, but this Talisker Storm single malt whisky is not far behind.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs An Oa Whisky

Johnnie Walker Island Green Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/21/2023

In Blended Malt Whisky

This travel retail exclusive whisky is perfect for my current setting. I am trying the Johnnie Walker Island Green blended malt Scotch whisky here on the beautiful green island of Mauritius.

There is, however, nothing tropical about the Island Green whisky. It is Islay rather than island. But the colour of the box and the coconut trees around me matches, so it is as good an excuse as any.

The Johnnie Walker Island Green is a blended malt whisky and retail travel release. It blends malts from Caol Ila, Clynelish, Glenkinchie and Cardhu. So a malt from each Scottish region. Islay, Highlands, Lowlands, and Speyside. Caol Ila malts make up most of the blend, hence the reference to Island.

When you look at the make-up of Island Green vs Green Label, the Green Label has an age statement. It also blends many more malts, including Talisker, Cragganmore and Linkwood.

The Johnnie Walker Island Green blended malt Scotch whisky was released in July 2016. Because it is a travel retail release, it is available in a 1L bottle. It has no age statement. I shared my bottle with friends on the island, and the tasting notes also included their comments.

Johnnie Walker Island Green Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Rich gold

NOSE: Smooth, soft peaty goodness mixed with cereals and a green earthy note. Hints of vanilla, wood and light pepper. You can’t miss the Islay base on the Island Green. My friend D said the nose reminded her of her granny’s fashioned emergency kit with rolled-up bandages and disinfectant. The peaty notes are all Caol Ila, but the Cardhu toasted wood, malt and vanilla also have a spot. Rich and delicious.

PALATE: Again, the Caol Ila stands upfront with soft peat, oak and smoke. Hints of oily fish and malt in the background. With a few drops of water, a fruity sweetness comes forward with caramel, marmalade and pepper, probably from the Glenkinchie.

Malty goodness and vanilla with bits of cinnamon. Medium body with an oily mouth feel. A few people around the table got woody notes.

FINISH: Medium length with notes of lemon pepper, oak and drying ash.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a delicious blended malt. Between the 5 of us, we finished the bottle. The peat is drinkable even for a novice, with enough sweetness to suit many tastes. It is complex enough to entice the serious whisky drinkers in our group but approachable enough for the newbie to enjoy.

An outstanding balance between the peppery notes and fruity sweetness. A great bottle. I will restock this Johnnie Walker as soon as I travel again.

Also Read: Big Peat 26 yo Whisky

Caol Ila 12 year old Single Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/14/2023

In Single Malt whisky

Johannesburg has been graced for over a decade by an annual Oyster, Wine, and Food Festival. This June tradition draws in crowds of hungry, enthusiastic foodies. This weekend extravaganza sees over 60,000 Knysna oysters vanish into eager palates alongside an array of delectable dishes and wines. It’s no wonder that this festival remains a perennial favourite.

And when you find yourself basking in the winter sun, surrounded by friends, good music, and mouthwatering food, you might wonder what could make this perfect weekend even better. Well, here’s a secret we’ve been cherishing: a small flask of Caol Ila 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky.

It’s the key to elevating the flavour of fresh oysters, infusing them with the rich, peaty, and smoky essence of Islay. It’s nothing short of perfection.

While Caol Ila may not be as renowned as Ardbeg or Laphroaig, it holds a special place in my heart. The distillery’s name, Caol Ila, is derived from the Gaelic term for the Sound of Islay, which separates the island from Jura.

Situated near Port Askaig on the Sound’s shores, it was first chosen as a location by Hector Henderson in 1846. Over the years, it has changed hands multiple times and is currently under the ownership of Diageo.

Pronounced ‘cull-eela’, most of Caol Ila’s output is used in popular blends like Johnnie Walker. In recent years, the distillery has expanded its repertoire to include peated and unpeated expressions.

The Caol Ila 12 year old single malt is the gateway into the world of this distillery. Introduced in 2002, it offers a more subtle peat and smoke profile than its Islay counterparts.

Also Read: Laphroaig 10 yo whisky

Caol Ila 12 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Light golden wheat

NOSE: When you raise a glass to your nose, you’ll encounter classic Islay notes of peat, sea salt, smoke, and the scent of dry seaweed along the shore, all interwoven with hints of spicy toasted oak. It’s not a big, bold presence; instead, it’s soft and gentle.

PALATE: The palate unfolds with soft peat, oaky smoke, citrus fruit, malt, and a reminiscent aroma of sun-dried oily fish hanging on racks by the shore. As you savour it, notes of vanilla and cinnamon gracefully dance on your taste buds, creating a well-balanced, complex, and rich flavour profile. Adding a few drops of water to your glass reveals even more sweetness.

FINISH: The finish is where this whisky truly shines, as it lingers on your palate with notes of peat, cinnamon, and salt.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Caol Ila 12 year old single malt whisky stands apart from the boisterous dramatics of Ardbeg or Lagavulin. It’s akin to a perfect winter’s afternoon by the coast, with a refreshing salty breeze carrying whispers of fish, fried seaweed, and untold adventures.

Picture golden sunshine gently drying the sand and only the sea’s rhythmic roar to break the soothing silence. This Scotch whisky is a sophisticated yet easy-drinking dram.

Pairing this Caol Ila with some White Rock cheese, I discovered that while it wasn’t an ideal match, it offered a delightful experience. This whisky truly shines when accompanied by a cheese with a bit more body, complementing its unique character perfectly.

So, whether you’re savouring it with oysters or exploring its pairings, Caol Ila 12 year old whisky promises a taste journey bound to leave an indelible mark on your palate.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 yo whisky

Meandering the world, one whisky at a time

Tag: Diageo Page 2 of 15

Johnnie Walker Select 10 Year Rye Cask Finish Whisky

Johnnie Walker Select Casks 10 Year Rye Casks Finish Review

Vat 69 Scotch Whisky

Vat 69 Blended Whisky Review

Talisker Storm Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Talisker Storm Single Malt Whisky Review

Johnnie Walker Island Green Whisky

Johnnie Walker Island Green Whisky Review

Caol Ila 12 year old Single Malt Whisky

Caol Ila 12 year old Whisky Review