Amarula Gold

Top 5 Single Malt under R750

On 12/07/2016

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

Three Ships 5 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/14/2016

In Blended whisky

Many years ago, I was travelling through Ireland. It is a beautiful green country with great beer and of course, Jameson’s Irish whiskey. In Dublin, I visited the Jameson’s distillery visitors centre.

It was a remarkable experience. The visitors’ centre in Dublin showcased the art of whisky-making and the passion that goes into creating a brand like Jameson’s.

Fast-forward a couple of years to 2016. The James Sedgwick’s distillery in Wellington becomes the first (and only) commercial whisky distillery on the African continent to open a visitor centre.

After many years of asking, the Distell whisky powers approved the concept. What an excellent way to experience this award-winning South African whiskies. Now you can see the whisky passion for yourself! So, in celebration of this special occasion, I try the Three Ships 5 year old blended whisky.

The James Sedgwick Distillery Tour

The beautiful town of Wellington has become one of the top places to visit while in Cape Town. Everyone can now experience first-hand how whisky is made and see the passion and people behind the Three Ships and Bain’s whisky brands. The distillery and visitor centre is beautiful.

There are sweeping views of the Hawekwa and Groenberg Mountains that surround the town. We were fortunate to visit the distillery a couple of years ago.

Three Ships Premium Select 5 yo Blended whisky james-sedgwick-distillery-lr

Photo credit James Sedgwick Distillery

The tastings and tours are limited to 10 people at a time to ensure a personal experience. Tours are undertaken on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 am and again at 2 pm. Visitors can come to understand the art of whisky-making, learn about the rich history of the distillery and taste some of the world’s best whiskies.

The tour starts with a whisky-cocktail followed by an informative video. Then follows an on-foot tour of the distillery to see first-hand how the whiskies are made. It covers all the various stages from raw material to distillation to maturation.

The tour concludes with the best bit, a tasting of three whiskies paired with five sample dishes, allowing guests to explore how the flavours of certain dishes complement the aromas found within a particular whisky The Three Ships 5 year old Premium Select pairs wonderfully with mature cheddar and I have paired it with a Blue Rock Cheese.

Photo credit James Sedgwick Distillery

Another exciting feature is the small micro-distillery. Visitors get the opportunity to create their own blend. An amazing experience! You can blend your version of a Three Ships whisky.

However, if you don’t get the opportunity to visit Wellington, it is just as easy to head over to your local liquor shop and grab yourself a bottle of Three Ships and enjoy a little bit of Wellington heaven. It is an affordable whisky. The price for the Three Ships 5 year old whisky in South Africa is around R 200.

Also Read: How to make a whisky bottle lamp

Three Ships 5 year old Whisky Review

The Three Ships 5 year old Premium Select whisky launched in 1991. This whisky is a blend of specifically selected grain and malt whiskies that have been aged for a minimum of five years.

COUNTRY: South Africa

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Orange golden sunrise

NOSE: Rich notes of oak, peaty smoke mixed with hints of fruit, vanilla sweetness, freshly baked sugar biscuits and malt.

PALATE: The peaty smoke from the nose is balanced out by a fruity sweetness and robust maltiness. Hints of pear, citrus mixed with cinnamon spice intertwined with nutty fruitcake, cherries and ginger. Bold and robust, water smooths out the Three Ships 5 yo to make it even easier drinking.

FINISH: Long and lingering and end in peaty fruit and spices.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The versatile Three Ships 5 year old Premium Select blended whisky is the perfect dram to have with cheese! All kinds of cheese. And food. And BBQ. You get my drift. It is the ideal accompaniment to food. If you buy only one bottle of whisky a year; this should be it!

If you are fortunate to visit Cape Town and have some time, do visit the distillery. The tours and tastings are for over 18’s only. It is essential to book in advance at Ticketweb.

Also Read: Nikka Miyagikyo whisky

The Don Pedro Cocktail

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/06/2016

In Cocktails

Don Andy Don Pedro with Three Ships 5 yo
It was a special treat to go out for dinner as a student. If you still had enough money left over at the end of the meal, the dessert choice was always a Don Pedro. I assumed that Don Pedro is a standard dessert throughout the world. It is only when I started travelling abroad that I realized, it is not known outside of our beautiful country.

Asking for a Don Pedro in Amsterdam was met with much bewilderment. I tried again in Paris in broken French and sign language, and my request was met with frowns and growls. I did not even try when I arrived in Moscow. To me, whisky and ice cream was a natural fit. For the rest of the world, apparently no quite.<

For my non-South African readers, a Don Pedro is not something your uncle Pedro is famous for. It is an adult milkshake. Vanilla milkshake with a tot (or 2) of whisky or liqueur.

Like milkshake, you sip it with a straw. I am not sure if it is more a cocktail or a dessert, but I know one thing; it is tasty!

What is a Don Pedro?

According to Eat Out, the first Don Pedro was made by Danny Ferris at Belinzona in Blouberg, Cape Town in the 1970s. The basic ingredients are always some vanilla ice cream, cream or milk and some liqueur. Many restaurants have their own version of the classic and name them based on the liqueur used.

A popular option is to use Amarula cream liqueur (a very popular South African marula fruit flavoured liqueur) or Frangelico or even a Bailey’s Irish cream.

At a fancy restaurant, you might not find it on the menu, but a good South African barman should have no trouble in whipping you up a tasty Don Pedro without looking for his cocktail book.

Don Andy Don Pedro with Three Ships 5 yo

In honour of this truly South African dessert, here is a simple recipe for Don Pedro. Keeping with the South African theme, I made it with some Three Ships Premium Select 5 yo. I specially chose this peaty expression as the peat adds a different dimension to the Classic Don Pedro.

Because this whisky is made by the well-known Master Distiller Andy Watts, I have dubbed my expression, Don Andy. He released the Three Ships Pinotage Cask Finish whisky and has become a South African whisky legend over the last couple of years

Don Andy Don Pedro with Three Ships 5 yo

Also Read: Three Ships 10 yo Vintage Single malt

Don Andy with Three Ships 5 yo

Ingredients

Serves 2

6 scoops of vanilla ice crea
60 ml peated whisky (I used the Three Ships 5 year old whisky)
50 ml cream or milk
grated dark chocolate
2 cherries

Method

Pour the first 3 ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Or use a stick blender and wiz away.
Pour the mixture into 2 glasses.
Top with a cherry and grated dark chocolate.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

Note: You can replace the Three Ships 5 year old with any whisky (or liqueur for that matter) of your choice. A peated whisky adds an interesting dimension to the drink; I recommend that you try it. It is delicious.

Also Read: Nectarine Bourbon Smash Cocktail

Three Ships 10 year old 2005 Vintage Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/26/2016

In Single Malt whisky

This weekend was Heritage Day and I am sipping on a proudly South African whisky; the Three Ships 10 year old 2005 Vintage single malt whisky. A public holiday in South Africa celebrated on the 24^th of September.

On this day, all the people of our beautiful country are encouraged to celebrate their different cultures and traditions. Before 1995, Kwa-Zulu Natal observed 24 September as King Shaka Day.

Shaka was a Zulu King who played an important role in uniting Zulu clans into a cohesive nation. However, when the Public Holidays Bill was presented to the new democratic Parliament of South Africa in 1994, it did not have 24 September included on the list of proposed public holidays.

As a result of this exclusion, the Inkatha Freedom Party, a South African political party with a large Zulu membership, objected to the bill. Parliament and the IFP reached a compromise and Heritage Day was established.

Heritage Day was informally renamed as National Braai Day in 2007. It is in recognition of the South African culinary tradition of holding informal backyard barbecues or braais.

Heritage Day recognises and celebrates the cultural wealth of our nation. What better way to celebrate this amazing nation than with a proudly South African whisky – the Three Ships 10 year old 2005 Vintage single malt whisky.

The James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington was the first whisky distillery in South Africa to produce Single Malt. Their first Three Ships 10 year old single malt was released in 2003 and 3 times after that in 2010, 2011 and 2012. This year marks the first release of the single malt as a vintage.

Three Ships and Andy Watts

Up to the middle of 2016, Andy Watts was the Master Distiller at JSD. He handed the baton over to Jeff Green, but not before leaving behind a magnitude of experimental cask finishes, single malts and blend expressions.

The Three Ships PX Cask Finish was the first of these cask finishes to be released at the end of 2015. The James Sedgwick Distillery followed this with the Three Ships Pinotage Cask Finish whisky, and during 2018, they released the Three Ships 8 yo Oloroso Cask Finish whisky. I can’t wait to see what James Sedgwick Distillery has planned for us during 2019. (updated info 2019)

But for now, let’s focus on the new Three Ships 10 year old 2005 Vintage whisky. It was created using heavily peated barley and aged for 10 years in older American Oak casks.

I invited a Twitter friend to join us for this tasting as well. He tasted this dram for the first time on Friday afternoon. The Three Ships 10 year old price here in South Africa is around R560 per bottle.

Also Read:Three Ships 6 yo That Boutique-y Whisky Company

Three Ships 10 year old 2005 Vintage Whisky Review

COUNTRY: South Africa

ABV: 44.6%.

COLOUR: Beautiful gold with faint hints of green.

NOSE: There are elements of malt, fruitiness, spices and fresh fruit and in the background hints of honey and butterscotch. After the Three Ships 10 yo has breathed a bit, notes of grain come through. Once you add water, peat and smoke are released, and the earthy character of this proudly South African dram comes through.

PALATE: There are notes of oak and spice with hints of peat. Tiaan picked up bits of dark chocolate. The Three Ships 10 yo has a wonderful body and is a nice big mouthful. Even without water, this is wonderfully smooth. The addition of water transforms the whisky and releases all the peaty earthy notes. But the peat is velvety rich and not overwhelming. Perfect for someone who wants to expand their whisky tasting experience.

FINISH: Without the addition of water this Three Ships 10 yo 2005 Vintage whisky has a wonderfully long complex, quite a bold, finish. The addition of water mellows the finish but helps more of the sweet toffee notes appear.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Three Ships 10 yo is bigger, bolder and peatier than the previous 10 yo release. Moving towards an Islay style of whisky. It is a dram worth defining a legacy by. Well done Andy. In the end, Tiaan said it best!
Eritage Day Three Ships 10 yo single malt whisky
I finished this bottle some time ago but did not want to put it into the recycling bin. So it stood, all empty, in my whisky room. Good thing that I kept it because I had the opportunity to make a whisky bottle lamp and this was the perfect bottle to do it with. See how I did it in the post on whisky bottle lamp.

Also Read: Top 5 Single Malts

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

Meandering the world, one whisky at a time

Tag: Heineken Beverages Page 6 of 8

Top 5 Single Malt under R750

Top 5 Single Malt under R750

1. Glen Grant The Major’s Reserve Whisky

2. Glen Moray Elgin Classic Whisky

3. Laphroaig Quarter Cask Whisky

4. Three Ships 10 yo Whisky

5. Checkers Private Barrel Co No 41 Whisky

Three Ships 5 year old Whisky

The James Sedgwick Distillery Tour

Three Ships 5 year old Whisky Review

The Don Pedro Cocktail

What is a Don Pedro?

Don Andy with Three Ships 5 yo

Ingredients

Method

Three Ships 10 year old 2005 Vintage Whisky

Three Ships and Andy Watts

Three Ships 10 year old 2005 Vintage Whisky Review

How to pair whisky and cheese

Easy steps on how to pair whisky and cheese

Step 1: Define your budget

Step 3: Choose a whisky or two

Step 4: Choose a few accompaniments

Step 5: Serving suggestions

A few suggestions

A peated whisky with an aged Cheddar or Blue cheese

Fruitier whisky and Camembert or Gouda