Tag: Diageo Page 5 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

I have not done a side-by-side whiskey comparison in months, and it is so much fun. So today, let me look at a rye comparison: Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye whiskey. Earlier this year, I tasted the Woodford Rye whiskey, and the bottle gave me so much inspiration for side-by-side comparison posts.

I wanted to see how it stacks up against other ryes, such as the Jack Daniel’s and the Bulleit Rye. It will also be interesting to see how it compares to the Woodford Reserve bourbon. Over the past weekend, I have played around with the various ryes in my collection.

So, I’ll first start by capturing my tasting notes for the Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye whiskey. In a way, it is a clash between two whiskey powerhouses, Diageo vs Brown Forman. Can there only be one champion? Or is there a place for both of these bottles in your collection?

Both rye releases are readily available, so let’s jump into the Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye comparison.

Bulleit Rye Whiskey

review and tasting notes Bulleit Rye whiskey with glass
Augustus Bulleit produced the first Bulleit bourbon. He wanted to create a bourbon with a unique flavour profile and experimented with varying recipes until he found a whiskey he was happy with. He started his bourbon, which was available until he died in 1860.

Years later, his great-great-grandson, Tom Bulleit, dreamt of continuing his ancestor’s distilling tradition, and in 1987, he created a small batch bourbon bearing the family name. Diageo owns the Bulleit brand. The bottles are modelled on old medicine bottles, with distinctive raised lettering. The label on the Bulleit Rye is green.

Bulleit Rye whiskey was introduced in March 2011. It is a whiskey high in rye compared to other rye releases. The mash bill has 95% rye and 5% malted barley and is produced in small batches.

Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey

Woodford Reserve Rye whiskey with glass

The Woodford Reserve Rye whiskey was launched in 2015 as the third permanent addition to the core range. The rye whiskey uses a pre-prohibition style rye ratio to pay homage to history’s original rye whiskeys.

It is a NAS (no age statement) release, and the mash bill is 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malt. Woodford Reserve is part of the Brown Forman stable. The Woodford Reserve Rye bottle shape is similar to the Woodford Reserve bourbon, just with green labelling.

Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye Whiskey

Woodford reserve rye vs Bulleit rye whiskey

	Bulleit Rye Whiskey	Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey
Type	Rye whiskey	Rye whiskey
Mashbill	95% rye and 5% malted barley	53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malt
ABV	45%	45.2%
Colour	Light golden caramel	Polished copper
Nose	Sweet and fresh. Cherries and vanilla with hints of grain and toasted oak. Subtle rye spices with hints of cinnamon and cloves.	Caramel sweetness, fresh green orchid fruit, cereal and toasted wood. The traditional rye spice notes with hints of black pepper. Elegant and soft.
Palate	Caramel sweetness followed by fresh fruit and green herbs before the spicy notes. Overripe cherries, dry roasted peanuts and crunchy grain. Then follows the rye spice mixed with vanilla, cinnamon and hints of pepper and cloves. Water brings more orange notes forward.	Rye spices mixed with fresh fruit, green grass and black pepper. Bits of honey and bourbon vanilla with a butterscotch note. Toasted oak, green herbs with bits of orange. Medium body that is soft and oily. Water softens the rye spice notes, and it is delicious without water. Not the boldest rye, but an outstanding balance between the rye spice and sweet fruity notes.
Finish	A spicy rye finish with cinnamon, allspice and vanilla. Medium length. Warming.	Medium length with oaky notes, pepper and caramel sweetness. Something green in the background.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Price point	$40	$43

Side by side, the difference in the mash bill is quite noticeable. The Bulleit is spicier with more pronounced cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. The Bulleit Rye brings a more cherry and vanilla sweetness when compared to the Woodford Reserve Rye.

The Woodford Reserve is softer and more balanced with mixed fruit sweetness. The Woodford spices are milder and less distinctive than the Bulleit.

Both have a caramel-sweet undertone in the background. The finish on the Bulleit is longer and spicier, while the Woodford Reserve has more woody oak and sweetness in the finish. The Bulleit Rye will be better when looking at rye-forward cocktails.

The Woodford Reserve Rye is not the most complex or bold whiskey. However, it is sweeter and more approachable. If I have to choose between these two, I prefer the Woodford Reserve Rye.

The Bulleit Rye doesn’t hide the spiciness; it is bolder and slightly more complex. John loved the Bulleit Rye the most as his palate prefers spicier tastes.

There is a big difference in price between the two bottles. The Bulleit is nearly double the price in ZAR. That tips the scale in the Woodford Reserve direction. A great-tasting rye at an affordable price.

If you are passionate about rye, the Bulleit Rye is worth the extra money. However, the Woodford Reserve is perfect if you want to explore rye whiskey to learn new tastes.

In this Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye comparison, we’ve delved into the histories of these two powerhouse distillers and the distinctive characteristics of their rye whiskeys. While both are excellent choices, your preference may ultimately be your palate and budget.

If you’re looking for more spice and complexity, the Bulleit Rye could be your top pick. On the other hand, if you seek a sweeter and more approachable rye at an affordable price, the Woodford Reserve Rye is a solid choice. It’s a clash of the titans in the world of rye whiskey, and both contenders have their strengths.

Also Read: Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

Johnnie Walker Swing Blended Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/18/2022

In Blended whisky

This week I try another blend, one in a unique bottle, the Johnnie Walker Swing blended Scotch whisky. Johnnie Walker is owned by Diageo and originated in Kilmarnock, Scotland. It is the most widely distributed Scottish blended whisky brand in the world.

Yearly sales exceed 100 million bottles. John “Johnnie” Walker started to sell whisky in his grocer’s shop. Originally it was known as Walker’s Kilmarnock Whisky.

After Walker died in 1857, it was his son Alexander Walker and grandson Alexander Walker II who were largely responsible for establishing the whisky as a famous brand.

Sir Alexander Walker, the grandson of John Walker, created Swing during the golden age of travel in 1932. On transatlantic voyages, bartenders desperately stowed loose bottles on racks to prevent breakages. The unrelenting pitch and roll of stormy weather on the high seas causing havoc with their whisky stocks.

Johnnie Walker Swing’s unique glass decanter allowed it to swing back and forth on a convex base. Known and respected as a captain of industry for his role in the international success of the Johnnie Walker brands, Sir Alexander was a familiar sight on these voyages himself. Today the Swing bottle remains instantly recognizable amid a myriad of newer offerings.

The Johnnie Walker Swing is a blend of 35 whiskies with a high proportion of Speyside malts. These are complemented by malts from the northern Highlands and Islay. There are also whiskies matured in sherry casks.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky

Johnnie Walker Swing Blended Scotch Whisky

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: An amber golden colour and quite dark.

NOSE: The sherry cask sweetness comes through. There is also some mild smoke and spice. The nose has an old-world feel to it. Hints of dried fruits, tobacco and leather. Nosing this Johnnie Walker Swing, you can almost imagine the old leather couches in a gentleman’s club in London during the early 1900s.

PALATE: On the palate, the Johnnie Walker Swing is very smooth and quite oily. Spicy notes balance the sherry sweetness. There are notes of smoke and faint peat, probably from the Islay whiskies. There are some cereal flavours and oak. The spice is reminiscent of pepper with hints of ginger.

FINISH: Long and rich. It ends in rich notes of spice and oak with a hint of cloves. Swing is an easy-drinking whisky.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It is medium-bodied and not too complicated, and you should be careful when you add water. Water can quickly overwhelm this whisky. However, it is an excellent addition to any whisky collection. I paired this release with some Wensleydale cheese with cranberries over HERE. See how this pairing worked.

Also Read: Chivas Royal Salute 21 yo whisky

Oban 14 year old Singe Malt Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/21/2022

In Single Malt whisky

I have had this bottle of Oban 14 year old single malt Scotch whisky for so long; I can’t even remember where I got it. The Oban Distillery is situated in the Scottish Highlands near the west coast port of Oban.

It was established in 1794, and a bustling seaside town grew around the distillery. It is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland with just two pot stills. Oban only releases a limited variety of bottlings.

They are primarily known for the 14 year old single malt but also have a Distiller’s Edition (finished in Montilla Fino sherry casks) and a NAS Oban Little Bay. The Oban 14 year old is part of the Diageo Classic Malt range.

Also Read: Tamdhu Batch 001 Whisky

The Classic Malts of Scotland is a selection of six single malt whiskies, launched and marketed together. The Classic Malts whisky collection represents the unique diversity of the different Scottish regions, taste and heritage. From the soft flowery Glenkinchie in the Lowlands to the honeyed Dalwhinnie in the Highlands.

Through Speyside and Cragganmore onto the West where the Talisker comes from. Onwards to the Western Highlands where Oban sits and last but not least the peaty Lagavulin on Islay.

Oban 14 year old Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Dark mahogany gold.

NOSE: Rich with hints of smoke, fruity sweetness, faint spices and bits of peat. The nose is inviting and warming and the best part of this dram. The Oban 14 year old nose softens after adding water, but it keeps the inviting warmness.

PALATE: On the palate, the Oban is a different story, however. I was expecting a rich, creamy peat; however, there are notes of bitter lemon, overwhelming oak, bits of peat and seaweed and very little of the sweetness promised by the nose.

This dram has an unfinished feel to it. As if it was aged in an old cask that had very little to give. Adding water intensifies the bitter lemon notes and takes away the peaty smoky.

FINISH: Long and lingering, unfortunately, it is the bitter lemon that lingers.

RATING: GOOD

It might be that I have a bad batch or funky bottle, but this will never be on my top 20 list of favourite drams. According to the Oban distillery, this dram pairs well with crystallized ginger. I will take their word for it as I will probably not be trying it anytime soon.

What was your take on this 14 year old from Oban? I also tried the Oban Distiller’s Edition and liked it a lot more.
Also Read: Macallan 10 yo Whisky

Dimple Pinch 15 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/21/2022

In Blended whisky

It is no secret that my dad loved whisky, especially blended whiskey. My mom always bought him a Chivas 12 year old whisky for his birthday. But for special celebrations and anniversaries, she purchased his favourite favourite, the Dimple Pinch 15 year old blended Scotch whisky.

The distinctive triangular bottle with pinched (dimpled) sides and the gold thread netting has been around since 1893. During the late 19th-century, demand for blended Scotch whisky expanded in all directions. John Haig founded the Haig distillery in 1824.

Also read: Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Whisky

Today it is known as Cameronbridge. In 1830, it became the first distillery to produce grain whisky using the column still method. He experimented and mixed different kinds of whisky, creating the Dimple Scotch whisky recipe we know today.

According to some research, Dimple contains a higher than normal malt proportion, including liquid from Glenkinchie and Linkwood distillery. Precisely what this means remains undisclosed.

In the US, it is known as Dimple Pinch, and in the rest of the world, it is simply Dimple whisky.

Today it is owned by Diageo. Other releases under the Haig brand include the Haig Gold Label whisky and Haig Club, associated with David Beckham. Haig Club is a grain whisky sourced from the Cameronbridge distillery.

Dimple Pinch 15 year old Scotch Whisky Review

Dimple Pinch blended Scotch whisky consists of over thirty malt and grain whiskies.

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Light amber

NOSE: Elegant and soft with notes of fruit, malt and honey. Not the most complex nose. Bits of green and pear mixed with lemon. No defined spicy notes on the nose. Light woody notes in the background.

PALATE: Notes of malt and fruit. It has a medium body with oak, banana, pear and honey. The Dimple has a few rough edges that need a few drops of water to mellow. The green notes from the nose come through, and it has a mild pepper bite. Easy drinking summer whisky. Not too complex.

FINISH: Short ending on notes of oak, honey and pepper.

RATING: VERY GOOD

My dad loved his Dimple whisky and only poured a glass on special occasions. Remember, that was the 80’s in South Africa, so the whisky variety was minimal. It is not a bad whisky, but I found it a bit forgettable. It starts delicate but gets better on sip 2 or 3. More flavour comes to the front after a few drops of water.

Perhaps I am spoilt, having enjoyed some big and bold drams lately. This light body dram is probably perfect for summer and will work well for introducing a newbie to whisky. The packaging is impressive and stands out.

In South Africa, Dimple whisky costs around R600. In the US it retails for around $40. You can pick it up on Amazon for around £66. Not a bad price for a 15 year old blended whisky.

Also Read: Ballantine’s 17 yo Scapa Whisky

Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/15/2021

In Whisky Comparison

Buffalo Trace bourbon vs Bulleit Bourbon side by side comparison
This is my last side-by-side comparison for 2021, and today I am looking at a comparison between the Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit bourbon. I have enjoyed doing these comparisons. I learned so much, and it highlighted the variety in taste within the bourbon category.

It showed me how something that is made in essentially the same way could have such different notes by changing the mash bill and the toast level of the casks.

After the available selection of bourbon dropped off during 2017 / 2018 in South Africa, the category has grown these past two years, and the variety available is growing again.

As much as I like a good peaty Islay Scotch or a Speyside sherry bomb, I have a soft spot for the sweeter bourbons. The combination of toasted oak, vanilla and red cherries fits my palate just right. It works well in cocktails and is relatable and accessible to a broad audience.

So for my last comparison this year, I look at the Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit bourbon. Both my bottles are nearly done, which is proof of how often we reach for these bourbons. Both brands have a distinct history of producing their whiskey varieties and the ingredients used in their creation.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey with glass b

A 150-year-old family recipe created by founder Tom Bulleit’s great-great-grandfather Augustus Bulleit inspired the creation of Bulleit Bourbon whiskey. The original recipe was for a rye whiskey made with 2/3 rye and 1/3 corn. It was produced between 1830 and 1860 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Tom always dreamt of recreating his ancestor’s recipe. In 1987, he opened the open Bulleit Distilling Company and created a small batch bourbon bearing the family name.

The mash bill has been adjusted to make sure it is a true bourbon. The mashbill is 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley and it is aged for at least 6 years.

The bottle shape is modelled on old medicine bottles, with raised lettering and a skew label, as it might have looked in the 1860s.

Diageo now owns the Bulleit brand, and it is produced at the Kirin Brewing Company Four Roses distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. This bourbon is readily available in SA and retails for around R 400. In the USA it retails for around $42.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon with glass b

Records show that some form of distilling took place on the site in Frankfort Kentucky in 1775 already. Harrison Blanton constructed the first official distillery in 1812.

It has historically been known by several names, including most notably, the George T. Stagg Distillery. It is currently owned by the Sazerac distilling company.

The distillery introduced the Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey brand in August 1999. The whiskey was named in tribute to the mighty buffalo that carved paths through the wilderness in the trek to the Great Planes and the pioneers’ rugged, independent spirit.

Readily available in SA and retails at around R 330 and $50 in the USA. It is perfect for cocktails and pairs well with chocolate.

Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit Bourbon

Side by side: Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit Bourbon Comparison

	Buffalo Trace	Bulleit Bourbon
Type	Bourbon whiskey	Bourbon whiskey
Mashbill	Not disclosed	68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley
ABV	45%	45%
Colour	A reddish copper	Light amber
Nose	Fruity sweetness, rich and bold. There are hints of candied fruit, caramel, vanilla, brandy pudding and oak. Bits of spice float in the background.	Quite spicy. In the background, there is some sweetness reminiscent of sticky toffee pudding, nutmeg and vanilla. After standing for a while, some caramel comes through.
Palate	There are notes of fruit, orange marmalade, white pepper and oak. Bits of cinnamon with toasted oak. Water tones down the spice.	Loads of warming freshly ground spices. It's a rich, chewy mouthful. Toffee caramel and vanilla with a bit of wood and orange. Freshly baked sugar biscuits. With water, this bourbon becomes smoother and a bit sweeter.
Finish	Before adding water long and ended in notes of spicy sweetness. After adding water, the finish was quite flat.	Lovely. Very long and lingering. The finish is big and bold and has notes of mild spice and hints of oak.
My Rating	Very Good	Excellent
Comments	Without water it is bold and delicious. Drink it neat!	Unusual and unique.
Price point	$35	$33

Why did I leave such a difficult comparison for last? These two bourbons could not be more different. We spent most of Saturday afternoon savouring a few glasses of these. As usual, we did a blind tasting for our Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit bourbon side by side comparison.

Most of the time, we can accurately guess which bourbon is which, but this time it stumped us. Perhaps it was just a long week, and our taste buds were tired, but we had to try a few times before we could make up our minds.

The Buffalo Trace is fruity with mild spice and a nice drinkable mouthfeel. It has a medium body and lovely toasted oak notes. Just don’t add water. It is perfectly drinkable without water.

The Bulleit is bolder and spicier with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and freshly milled black pepper. Faint hints of orange and vanilla. The toasted oak notes are more subdued, but the Bulleit bourbon is bolder and richer than the Buffalo Trace.

John loved the Bulleit release the most, but after the second glass, I found the spices overwhelming. I preferred the Buffalo Trace and the more traditional bourbon notes for my sweeter palate.

Now both my bottles are finished, and I need to stock up again. Fortunately, that is not a problem as they are both readily available and not too expensive.

I have done a similar comparison between Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve.

Also Read: Jack Daniel’s Rye vs Old No 7 Whiskey