Tag: Edrington Page 3 of 4

Edrington, formerly known as The Edrington Group, is a privately owned international spirits company based in Scotland. Brands in their portfolio include: The Macallan Whisky, Highland Park Whisky, The Glenrothes Whisky, The Famous Grouse blended Whisky and
Naked Grouse blended malt Whisky

Today I look at something from Macallan, the Macallan 10 year old Fine Oak single malt Scotch whisky. The Macallan distillery is a single malt whisky distillery in Craigellachie, Moray.

The Macallan Distillers Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Edrington Group. Even though Macallan is located right in the middle of the Speyside region, it’s not labelled as such.

Craigellachie falls outside of the defined “Speyside ward” boundaries as defined by the Scotch Whisky Regulations. Our bottle of The Macallan 10 year old Fine Oak whisky denotes that it is a Highland single malt.

The name Macallan is most likely derived from two Gaelic words, ‘Magh’ meaning a fertile piece of ground and ‘ellan’, meaning ‘of St Fillan’. He was an Irish-born monk who travelled widely in Scotland, spreading Christianity during the eighth century.

The River Spey, one of Scotland’s most famous salmon rivers, borders the Macallan Estate to the south and south-east. The Macallan Estate lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Initially, The Macallan releases were matured in ex-sherry casks brought to the distillery from Jerez, Spain.

During 2004, The Macallan introduced a new product range, the Fine Oak series. These whiskies are aged in ex-bourbon oak casks as well as ex-sherry casks. This range has been around for a few years now and seems to have weathered the storm it caused when it was first released.

According to John Hansell, quoted in the Malt Advocate Magazine, “The Fine Oak range is more approachable, and has the potential to be embraced by a greater percentage of whisky drinkers cutting back on the sherry reveals more of the Macallan spirit, which is first-class.”

Related Article: Glenlivet 12 yo whisky

Macallan 10 year old Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV: 43%.

COLOUR: The Macallan 10 year old has a light golden colour and is an oily whisky. The official colour description is ‘pale straw’. The long fingers on the inside of the glass point to a lot of potential.

NOSE: The first impression upon nosing the whisky is honey sweetness, oak and spice. There are notes of florals and fruit and faint hints of cereal and barley in the background. The Macallan nose is complex and crisp.

PALATE: Quite spicy without adding water. There are hints of vanilla and caramel. Water smooths the spirit and releases soft notes of butter and florals. The 10 yo has an abundance of oak notes mixed with flowers and fruit. It is a delicate whisky, and the palate is not too complex. The nose hinted at a bit more complexity and body.

FINISH: A dry medium-length finish that ends in notes of oak and leather. There are hints of spice at the end.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The nose on the Macallan 10 year old whisky promised more than what the palate delivered. I was hoping for something bolder. Sadly, I think this Highland whisky is a bit nondescript. Still, an easy-drinking whisky and a great addition to our collection. Which Macallan is your favourite?

Also Read: Tamdhu Batch Strength Whisky

Smoked Leg of Lamb with Black Grouse Marinade

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/02/2014

In Lifestyle

smoked leg of lamb header
About two years ago, I read a blog post by one of my favourite food bloggers, Drizzle & Dip. It was a recipe for Sticky Chipotle BBQ ribs that she made on a Big Green Egg. It sounded so interesting, and after doing some research, I knew that this is the braai solution we have been looking for.

I bought The Big Green Egg (BGE) for John as a Christmas gift. It took him a while to learn how to manage the temperature on the Big Green Egg, but he figured it out through trial and error (and YouTube) and have happily been smoking and braaing (BBQ) on the Big Green Egg.

His newfound confidence with our Egg has allowed us to start experimenting with new recipes. Lamb is one of our preferred meats, and there is nothing nicer than a juicy smoked leg of lamb on the Big Green Egg. But we wanted to try something different.

Some time ago, I did a post on the best whisky to serve with Indian food. Black Grouse whisky, the peated expression from the Famous Grouse, worked well with the curries we tried. My tasting notes on the Black Grouse blended whisky are captured here.

Smoked Leg of Lamb marinated in Black Grouse
The mixture of peat and smoke is well balanced, and I rate this fresh and delicate whisky as one of the best whiskies that any Indian restaurant can add to their bar. Combining my whisky knowledge and cooking experience, I started experimenting with Indian garam masala, lamb and the Black Grouse whisky. And the results was amazing.

Also Read: Tiramisu with whiskey

Smoked Leg of Lamb with Black Grouse Whisky Marinade

2 kg of deboned leg of lamb

Marinade

4 teaspoons Minced Garlic
2 teaspoons Garum Masala powder
½ teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 teaspoon dried Rosemary
1 teaspoon White Pepper
30 ml Black Grouse whisky
1 teaspoon of meat spice

Combine all the ingredients for the marinade and massage into the lamb. Put it into a zip lock bag and let it marinade in the fridge overnight. Soak some hickory wood chips in water for an hour. Heat the Big Green Egg to 250F with the plate setting on indirect. Smoke for 2-3 hours until the internal temperature of the lamb reaches 130F (medium-rare). Take the lamb off the Egg and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Smoked Leg of Lamb marinated in Black Grouse on the Big Green Egg

The smoke and peat from the Black Grouse combine well with the garum masala spices and garlic. This combination is further enhanced by the smoke from the hickory wood chips. The resultant flavours produce a leg of lamb that is rich and smoky with the spice and garlic notes in the background.

I think that the Black Grouse whisky is responsible for this rich, wonderful intensity of flavour. The result is a juicy, fall-apart soft, smoked leg of lamb. Just perfect!

Smoked Leg of Lamb marinated in Black Grouse

I served this smoked leg of lamb with Jack’s honey maple sweet potatoes. Based on a recipe that I got from the Spring 2012 Whisky Advocate magazine. This recipe warrants a blog post all on its own, as it is so delicious. The Honey Jack Daniels’ sweetness combined amazingly with the smoky lamb and created the perfect summer meal.

During 2014, Edrington revamped the Black Grouse and released it as the Famous Grouse Smoky Black whisky

Another dish I made on my Big Green Egg was a Bain’s whisky chicken marinade which came delicious.

Also Read: Islay Whisky and Lamb Pairing

The Macallan 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/09/2014

In Single Malt whisky

Today I taste one of John’s favourites, the Macallan 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky. The Macallan has managed to position their whisky in the premium whisky category. It has not been without controversy, especially around their antique collection.

The Macallan holds the Guinness world record for the most expensive whisky ever sold at auction. However, if there is one thing that I have learnt during our tasting sessions over the years, expensive whisky does not necessarily equate to great whisky.

Some of the best whiskies in my collection are in the more affordable range. Examples such as Ballantine’s Finest, The Black Grouse and South Africa’s very own Bain’s whisky comfortably stand alongside more expensive releases.

I have enjoyed some of the more affordable whiskies of late, and it is time for a change. Let’s take something a bit more expensive out of the box. The Macallan 12 year old Sherry Cask is not the most expensive whisky, but it carries a significant premium over many other 12 yo whiskies.

This particular expression has since been discontinued, so I am keen to try it. The Macallan distillery is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery in Craigellachie, Moray. The River Spey, one of Scotland’s most famous rivers, borders the estate to the south and southeast.

Even though Macallan is located right in the middle of the Speyside region, it’s not labelled as such. Under the Scotch Whisky Regulations, the “Speyside” designation can only be used by distilleries in certain wards in the traditional Speyside region. The Macallan falls into the Scottish Highlands.

The Macallan Distillers Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Edrington Group that purchased the brand from Highland Distillers in 1999.

Related Article: Glenfarclas 12 yo whisky

Macallan 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV: 43%.

COLOUR: It has spent lots of time exclusively maturing in Jerez Sherry Oak casks, which probably explains the very dark colour. The colour is almost red gold, and it is easily one of the darker whiskies in my collection.

NOSE: The immediate Sherry sweetness that you would expect from a whisky aged in a Sherry cask. There are fresh fruits and some flowers on the nose. The sweetness has little hints of vanilla in the background. It is not a very complex nose. Adding a drop or two of water opens this Macallan 12 year old and brings more fresh fruit and flowers.

PALATE: It is quite a smooth whisky, and the first tasting brings spices. This is followed by raisins, oak and red fruit sweetness. It leaves a spicy taste on the palette. There are notes of marmalade and dried fruits. Again, this Macallan 12 year old is not very complex, but it is an easy-drinking whisky.

FINISH: The whisky is quite warming with a medium finish. The Macallan finishes in notes of condensed milk and spice, particularly ginger and hints of black pepper.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It is a nice whisky to add to a collection, but other 12 year old whiskies may prove better value for money. In some ways, it is a perplexing whisky. I suspect that in time it grows on you. The Whisky Bible scores this Macallan 12 year old whisky at 93 and calls it almost flawless.

I did not rate it as highly, but it’s by no means a bad whisky. I just find it a bit bland. Other Macallan releases I have tasted include the Macallan Fine Oak 15 year old and I liked it a lot more.

Related Article: Bunnahabhain 18 yo Whisky

The Black Grouse Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/26/2014

In Blended whisky

Time for a blended whisky again – the Black Grouse blended Scotch whisky. The Famous Grouse whisky is a brand of blended Scotch whisky, first produced by Matthew Gloag & Son in 1896. The brand is now produced and owned by The Edrington Group.

Its emblem is the Red Grouse, Scotland’s national game bird.Matthew Gloag was a grocer and wine merchant in Perth, Scotland. He purchased whiskies from distilleries around Scotland and sold them at his shop.

In 1860, his son, William Gloag, took over the company and began producing blended whiskies. But the Grouse brand only started taking shape when William’s nephew, also named Matthew, took over the company. He created The Grouse Brand blend in 1896.

This brand was so popular that they renamed it “The Famous Grouse” in 1905. Matthew Gloag’s daughter Phillippa first designed the label’s grouse icon. In 1970, Matthew Gloag & Son was sold to Highland Distillers, after the death of the chairman, Matthew Frederick Gloag.

The marketing and distributive power of the new company saw Famous Grouse become the highest selling Scotch in Scotland by 1980 and the second highest-selling in the United Kingdom.

In 2007 they released a peated version of the Famous Grouse called The Black Grouse whisky. The packaging displays a black grouse in place of the usual red grouse. It is readily available in South Africa and retails for around R250. Jim Murray awarded it 94 points in the Whisky Bible.

Also Read: Teacher’s Whisky

The Black Grouse Whisky Review

The Black Grouse blended whisky combines the Famous Grouse blend with specially selected Islay whiskies to create this peaty expression.

COLOUR:A dark gold. It is not a very oily whisky.

ABV: 43%

NOSE: Peat and smoke come through at once when nosing. There are some medicinal notes, sweetness and wood as well. Notes of fresh pear and malt.

PALATE: This Black Grouse is quite light on the palate. Peat and smoke are followed by spice. Especially ginger and pepper notes come through. There is a woodiness in the palate with notes of oak and rich chocolate sweetness. The peat and smoke notes continue into the finish.

FINISH: Medium length and ends with spicy notes. It is quite a complex whisky for the price point. This whisky proves again that you don’t have to pay exorbitant prices for good whisky. It has a finish that makes you want another glass. The peat is also not too overwhelming. Even a non-peat-head like me enjoyed this peaty expression.

RATING: EXCELLENT

It is an affordable whisky from the Edrington Group that you can proudly offer to whisky enthusiasts. It is also an amazing whisky to pair with Indian food. I have also used the Black Grouse whisky in a marinade for a Leg of Lamb that I roasted. The smoky notes work wonderfully with the meat.

At the end of 2015, the Black Grouse was renamed the Famous Grouse Smoky Black whisky. It has new labeling and I have captured my tasting notes for this release as well.

I have also managed to taste the Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask blended whisky and it is probably my second favourite Grouse whisky after the Black Grouse.

>Also Read: Johnnie Walker Green Label whisky

Highland Park 18 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/23/2014

In Single Malt whisky

In my quest for new and interesting whiskies, I often consult my friend Marc. He owns the Whisky Brother shop in Hyde Park and always has fine whiskies on hand. On a recent visit, I left with a bottle of Highland Park 18 year old single malt Scotch whisky.

The Highland Park has won many awards over the years, and luminaries such as Jim Murray has consistently rated it highly.Candice Baker, a South African, acts as the brand ambassador in my country was a further incentive. I was looking forward to trying it.

Presented in the familiar Highland Park bottle with its characteristic black packaging and age statement boldly displayed.

Established in 1798 on the island of Orkney, Highland Park is the most northerly whisky distillery in Scotland. Orkney is an archipelago in northern Scotland, north of the coast of Caithness. Highland Park is thus an Island type of whisky – distinct from Islay.

Highland Park is strongly associated with Magnus Eunson. Eunson is credited with starting the distillery at the end of the 18th century. His smuggling operations were based from his hideout on the High Park above Kirkwall where Highland Park Distillery now stands. Having read all the positive reviews, I was looking forward to trying it.

Also Read: Aultmore 18 yo Whisky

Highland Park 18 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Island

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Warm burnished gold.

NOSE: Notes of oak, smoke and honey. Overlaying these notes are fruits and floral aroma’s. It’s quite a complex nose.

PALATE: Notes of dried fruit, honey and some spice. The smoke and peat were subtle and nicely blended. In the background, I picked up some citrus notes. It’s not a big, bold whisky, and on the palate, quite delicate.

FINISH: Short. The florals turn to spice and espresso at the end.

RATING: VERY GOOD

After the tasting, I looked at John, perplexed. My first impression is that this is a nicely balanced whisky. Based on all the awards it has won and the glowing feedback from other whisky blogs, I was expecting something special. It’s hard to put my finger on it, but this whisky failed to excite me to the level I had expected.

I wanted to give it a Divine rating, and maybe that’s the problem. I may be in the minority when I say I was not blown away by this Highland Park 18 year old whisky at all. Looking critically at it, I found it overrated. There is nothing that stands out about this dram.

I paired this whisky with a
Mature Gouda cheese, and it makes this Highland Park 18 yo more drinkable.

At the end of 2016, I paired this Highland Park 18 year old Scotch with a Toblerone White with Honey and Almond Nougat pieces. It was part of my annual New Years Eve Whisky Chocolate pairing celebration. Not the best of the pairings I tried. I have also tasted the Highland Park 1997 whisky from this distillery.

Also Read: The Glenlivet 18 yo whisky

Meandering the world, one whisky at a time

Tag: Edrington Page 3 of 4

The Macallan 10 year old Fine Oak Whisky

Macallan 10 year old Single Malt Whisky Review

Smoked Leg of Lamb with Black Grouse Marinade

Smoked Leg of Lamb with Black Grouse Whisky Marinade

The Macallan 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

Macallan 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Review

The Black Grouse Whisky

The Black Grouse Whisky Review

Highland Park 18 year old Whisky

Highland Park 18 year old Whisky Review