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Pernod Ricard is a French company that produces alcoholic beverages. The brands include:
Aberlour whisky
Ballantine’s blended whisky
Chivas Regal whisky
Glenlivet whisky
Jameson Irish Whiskey
Longmorn whisky
Powers Irish whiskey
Redbreast whiskey
Royal Salute whisky
Scapa whisky
Absolut vodka
JP Wiser Canadian whisky

Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey

Jameson Irish whiskey review
In these trying times, savouring life’s little pleasures is essential. For many, that includes enjoying a glass of their favourite whiskey. Among the top choices in South Africa, right up there with Jack Daniel’s and Johnnie Walker, is the ever-popular Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey.

If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t sampled Jameson in a while, now’s the perfect moment to explore the intricacies of this quintessential Irish whiskey.

The Jameson name is synonymous with Irish whiskey, and with good reason. John Jameson, a Scottish lawyer, established the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin in 1780. The legacy didn’t stop with him; his four sons followed his distilling footsteps.

By the turn of the 19th century, Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey was renowned globally. But as with any great tale, world events took their toll on the Irish whiskey industry. The Irish War of Independence, subsequent trade wars, and Prohibition in the US all conspired to limit their access to the vast American market.

Also Read: Tullamore DEW Whiskey

During these challenges, Scottish distilleries embraced the column stills in the mid-19th century, revolutionising production. Unfortunately, the labour-intensive single pot still process that characterised Irish whiskey couldn’t keep pace with this innovative technique.

Fast forward to the 1960s, and a pivotal moment in Irish whiskey history occurred. Three of the four surviving Irish distilleries, namely Powers, Jameson, and the Cork Distillery Company, joined forces to create Irish Distillers.

Then, in the 1970s, they centralised production at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland. Today, the Jameson brand is owned by Pernod Ricard. This conglomerate boasts a comprehensive portfolio of Irish whiskey brands, including Redbreast, Green Spot, and Yellow Spot whiskey.

Other releases in the Jameson stable include the Jameson Caskmates IPA, and the Select Reserve. But let’s shift our focus to the main star: the Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey.

Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey Review

Review and tasting notes Jameson's Irish whiskey with glass
Jameson is a blend of pot still and grain whiskey. Like all Irish whiskey, it is triple distilled to give it the well-known Irish smoothness. The Jameson Irish whiskey is aged for 4 years in oak.

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV:43%

COLOUR: Gold

NOSE: The aromatic journey begins with freshly baked banana bread, tropical fruits, and spicy wood and caramel hints. It’s a delicious blend of grains with plums, pineapple, and banana. The complexity of these scents is both intriguing and delightful.

PALATE: Jameson Irish whiskey delivers a smooth experience. The medium body features subtle malt undertones, aniseed, vanilla, and traces of pepper notes. Although it’s less multifaceted than anticipated after the captivating nose, adding a splash of water can soften the pepper notes.

FINISH: The finish is relatively short, leaving a gentle combination of pepper and a touch of orange rind.

RATING: GOOD

Now, let’s talk about the experience. While the nose sets high expectations with its complexity and deliciousness, the taste doesn’t quite measure up. Jameson possesses the trademark Irish smoothness, but, in comparison to the Caskmate releases, it’s somewhat bland.

The world of Irish whiskey offers more exciting options. Still, it’s hard to deny that Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey excels in marketing, making it a recognisable choice. In my recent exploration of Irish whiskey, Teeling has captured my attention with its delicious releases.

Also, if I had to choose between Jameson and the Checkers Private Barrel Co. Irish whiskey release, the latter would be my preference. Nevertheless, Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey is an affordable night-out option perfect for crafting cocktails. I’ll reserve my Jameson bottle for those cosy Irish coffees.

In South Africa the Jameson is priced for around R 360 and in India it costs around ₹ 3059.

To truly appreciate the distinction between Jameson and other brands, I did a side-by-side with Johnnie Walker Black Label. The contrast is remarkable, highlighting the unique character of each.

Additionally, I explored how Jameson stands up against Tullamore DEW whiskey, offering insight into the diversity of Irish whiskey options. This is also makes for a refreshing cocktail if you mix Jameson Irish whiskey and ginger ale.

Exploring the ever-expanding world of Irish whiskey is essential to finding the perfect match for your palate. So, as we navigate the challenges of this lockdown, take solace in the glass of Jameson and the world of flavours it offers.

Also Read Pairing Whisky and Pizza



Pairing Whisky and Pizza

whiskey and pizza
Some time ago I found the National Day Calendar that lists all the National Days celebrated in the USA. It has been a great source of inspiration.

There are daily celebrations and even National Week observations. The month of December is root vegetables and exotic fruits month as well as Bingo’s birthday month.

All these fun celebrations inspired me to look at whisky food pairings again. Things like Pastry Day made me wonder what bourbon will pair nicely with some pasty.

But the one National Day that had me most excited was National Pizza Day. One of my favourite foods paired with whisk(e)y. What can be more fun?

Pizza

The humble pizza has been around for ages. Various cultures produced flatbreads with toppings. The word pizza was first documented in AD997 in Italy and was probably focaccia with toppings. The modern version that we all know and love developed in Naples. Tomato was added to the yeast-based flatbread, and the dish gained popularity.

Purists consider only two types of pizza’s – authentic pizzas: the Marinara and the Margherita. However, there are hundreds of variations all over the world, with countries adding their local specialities.

In South Africa, you would find biltong (our version of jerky) on pizza. In India, you will find Paneer, and in Mexico, toppings include chorizo, chilli and jalapeño.

A whole topic on its own is the discussion about pineapple on pizza. But that opens up a whole other subject.

Also Read: How to make Sangria

How to pair whisky and pizza?

I did a few experiments and have come up with the following formula to help you navigate the perfect pizza and whisky pairing.

For me, traditionally pizza goes with red wine or beer. Yet, I found after testing a few combinations, pairing a pizza with whisky elevated the flavours of both the pizza and the whisky.

Best place to start is with pizza. Do you like the fruity Hawaiian with ham and pineapple or do you prefer the meatier pizzas? Are you a vegetarian that love fresh veggies smothered under cheese?

When you have chosen your favourite pizza, think about the whisky. When choosing a whisky to pair with pizza, it is easiest to think of the whisk(e)y in terms of its flavour characteristics. Is it sweet, spicy or peaty? Is it smoky or full of flowery citrus tones?

Whisky and Pizza Pairings. What works best?

Hawaiian Pizza and Bourbon Whiskey

whiskey and pizza pairing woodford reserve and Hawaiian
Pineapple; the pizza topping that divides people. Should pineapple be on pizza? And finding a whiskey that can enhance the tropical notes while keeping the balance is key to a great pairing. For the most part, bourbon whiskies are known for notes of charred oak, vanilla and signature sweetness.

I found that bourbon whiskey and pizza paired brilliantly. The fruity Hawaiian pizza is perfectly complemented by the sweeter vanilla, toasted oak notes of bourbon.

I loved how the winter fruit and vanilla notes of the Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey paired with the pizza. It made for a delicious tropical taste explosion.

Vegetarian Pizza and Blended Whisky

Pizza and whisky pairing Hankey Bannister 12 yo and vegetarian pizza
Topped with tomatoes, olives, green peppers or mushrooms a vegetarian pizza is delicate and requires a softer smoother dram. A big and bold peaty whisky will overwhelm the more delicate veggie notes.

However, you want something with enough body to stand up to oodles of cheese and to cut through the creaminess. I found that softer Speyside and Highland blends work well with a vegetarian pizza.

My favourite pairing was with the Hankey Bannister 12 yo whisky. The cheesy notes and tomato worked well with the oak and raisin notes of the Hankey. The pizza had not only the traditional tomato base but also fresh baby tomatoes that burst open when you bite.

This pizza paired nicely with the medium body  of the Hankey Bannister and created a great balance. But a Ballantine’s Finest whisky or a Famous Grouse blended Scotch whisky will also do the trick.

Meat lovers pizza and Irish Whiskey

Pizza and whisky pairing Jameson Cask Mates and meaty pizza
Known by many names, this pizza is topped with a variety of meat; smoky bacon, beef, chicken, ham or hot sausage. This meaty masterpiece calls for a big, bold dram. Something that will stand up to the smoky meat and rich cheese. I chose the Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Irish whiskey.

The rich, bold beer and spicy flavours worked with the cheese and meat and balanced each other out. Other options that will work is a Talisker 10 yo single malt whisky or a bold Highland Park whisky release.

Whatever your favourite, does not matter. There are no rules. Experiment and see what works for you. Make a fun evening out of it. Grab your favourite pizza, pour a few drams and have fun. Once you’ve found a flavour combination that works for you, debut it at your next grown-up pizza party.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black Label



Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra whisky side by side comparison
When it comes to whisky, few names evoke the same sense of timeless sophistication as Chivas Regal. This renowned brand has been synonymous with exquisite whisky experiences for generations, and today, I will dive into a captivating comparison between two of its releases: Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra blended Scotch whisky.

Before we delve into the delightful showdown between these two whiskies, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich heritage of the Chivas Brothers. Their story dates back to 1801, with the opening of a high-end grocery store in Aberdeen.

At this emporium, they catered to an affluent clientele, offering an array of luxury products like coffee, spices, and imported French brandy. In the cellar beneath this store, the brothers embarked on a tradition of blending and ageing whiskies, setting the stage for Chivas Regal’s legacy.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs An Oa Whisky

In response to their patrons’ demand for smoother, more decadent whisky, the brothers crafted their first proprietary blend, known as Royal Glen Dee. Another blend, Royal Strathythan, soon followed this. As the demand continued to soar, the brothers made a strategic move by acquiring the Strathisla distillery in Moray, Speyside.

Strathisla remains one of the key components of the Chivas Regal blend and stands as the spiritual home of this iconic brand. Notably, Strathisla Distillery is the oldest continuously operating distillery in Scotland, with its roots tracing back to 1786.

The Chivas Regal brand is part of the Pernod Ricard group.




Chivas Regal 12 year old Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 yo blended whisky with glass Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra whisky comparison
Chivas Brothers’ journey took them across the Atlantic as they created a whisky blend for export to the USA during the early 1900s. This whisky bore the name Chivas Regal. However, the production faced disruptions due to Prohibition and World War II.

After these turbulent times, Chivas Regal returned as Chivas Regal 12 year old blended whisky. Chivas Regal 12 year old Scotch is a blend of various malt and grain whiskies, each matured for a minimum of 12 years.

Chivas Regal Extra Whisky

Chivas Regal Extra with glass Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra whisky comparison

In 2014, Chivas introduced a new whisky to their portfolio, the Chivas Regal Extra blended Scotch whisky. This creation gracefully bridges the gap between the Chivas 12 year old and the Chivas 18 year old.

Chivas Extra distinguishes itself with the absence of an age statement. What sets it apart is a slightly higher percentage of sherry cask-aged whisky in the blend.

Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra Whisky 


Chivas Regal 12 yoChivas Regal Extra whisky
TypeBlended WhiskyBlended Whisky
ABV
43%43%
Colour
Golden wheat

Dark caramel with red tints

NoseSweet with notes of fresh red fruit, custard, fresh-cut flowers and hints of dry wood.  There is a green freshness on the nose that blend with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.Fruity sweetness mixed with cherries, pears, warming nutmeg and caramel.  Not overly sweet, but delicate and fresh.

PalateToasted oak, spice, malt and heaps of berry sweetness balanced with green notes.  Water softens the spicy notes and brings out more creamy toffee and malt. Medium body. Medium bodied whisky with notes of pears and cinnamon mixed with cherries, hints of dry oak and caramel.  Not overly sweet and water softens and smooths out the dram.
FinishMedium length that ends in notes of pepper spice and lemon rind with hints of fruity sweetness.


Fruity sweetness with hints of spice.
My RatingVery GoodVery Good
Price


$37$43
Pairs well withHazelnut chocolates, fresh tropical fruit, coconut, tuna and chicken satay.Salami, smoked nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Caramelized apples.

When it comes to flavour, the Chivas 12 year old offers enticing notes of red fruit, fresh flowers, and toasted oak, with a well-balanced infusion of spices and creamy toffee.

In contrast, Chivas Extra showcases delightful flavours of cherries, pears, caramel, and dry oak, accented by subtle hints of spice.

The true magic unfolds when you taste these two side by side. Chivas Regal Extra’s sherry influence becomes notably pronounced, resulting in a smoother and more delicate profile. On the other hand, Chivas 12 boasts a spicier character, a more complex nose, and a longer finish, making it a favourite among many.

I took to Twitter to gauge the preferences of fellow whisky enthusiasts, and the overwhelming consensus favoured the Chivas 12 year old whisky, a sentiment shared by John as well.

Personally, I found myself captivated by the Chivas Extra, with its softer, sweeter, and more delicate notes. It provided the perfect warmth and comfort on a rainy afternoon.

As a parting thought, it’s worth mentioning that Chivas Regal has also expanded its lineup with Chivas XV blended whisky. Stay tuned as I plan to compare these three exceptional releases in the coming months.

Until then, savour the elegance and complexity of Chivas Regal’s offerings, a testament to the enduring legacy of this esteemed brand.

Chivas 12 yo vs Chivas Extra. Which one is your favourite?

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Also Read: Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon



Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black whisky side by side comparison
In the world of premium whisky, few names shine as brightly as Chivas Regal and Johnnie Walker Black Label. These 12 year old classics share a common origin, originating in grocery stores, and have garnered devoted followings worldwide. Today, I explore Chivas Regal 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label whiskies in the latest instalment of my comparison series.

This blog post is the next instalment of my comparison series. I have looked at quite a few comparisons this year, and it always amazes me how the differences stand out when you taste whiskies side by side. The top read comparison post this year has been the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve bourbon.

Today focuses on two iconic Scottish blends that have stood the test of time.




Chivas Regal 12 year old Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 yo blended whisky

Chivas Regal, a name steeped in tradition and nostalgia, traces its roots back to 1801 when a grocery store opened in Aberdeen. Catering to an affluent clientele, this establishment had a cellar that would become the birthplace of a blending tradition that would endure for centuries.

In the early 1900s, Chivas Brothers crafted a unique blend for export to the USA, ultimately named Chivas Regal. However, production faced interruptions due to prohibition and World War 2.

When the dust settled, Chivas Regal was reintroduced as the Chivas Regal 12 year old blended Scotch whisky. Over time it solidified its place in the pantheon of Scotch whiskies. The Strathilsa distillery serves as the spiritual home of Chivas, with a blend composed of various malt and grain whiskies, with a particular emphasis on Speyside releases.

Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 yo blended whisky header

Since 1909, Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky has consistently ranked among the best-selling whiskies globally. Renowned for its unwavering flavour profile and affordable pricing, this classic also traces its origins to a grocery store.

Now celebrating its 110th year, Johnnie Walker is one of the most widely distributed Scotch whisky brands globally. John Walker’s journey began in a grocery store, where he managed the wine and spirits segment. As whisky regulations relaxed, he embarked on blending and selling a variety of whiskies, ultimately labelling them with his own name.

However, his son and grandson truly transformed the brand into the iconic name we recognize today. Johnnie Walker Black Label is a blend of whiskies hailing from all corners of Scotland, from the smoky Islands to the sweeter Speyside, and featuring some Highland malts, all aged for at least 12 years.

Also Read: Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra whisky

Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky Comparison

Chivas Regal 12 yo whiskyJohnnie Walker Black Label

TypeBlended WhiskyBlended Whisky
ABV
43%43%
Colour
Golden wheat with hints of mahogany

Deep polished amber
NoseSweet with notes of fresh fruity and cherries, custard, fresh cut flowers and faint hint of dry wood.  There is a green freshness on the nose that blend with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.Faint smoke, red berries and tropical fruit, Christmas pudding with heaps of vanilla toffee and winter spice.
PalateToasted oak, spice, malt and heaps of berry sweetness balanced with green notes.  Water softens the spicy notes and brings out more creamy toffee and malt. Smooth and rich with smoke and peat perfectly balanced with fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt.  A creamy toffee sweetness with hints of spice and cereal.  You don't even need to add water, but water releases a bit more sweetness.
FinishMedium length that ends in notes of pepper spice and lemon rind with hints of sweetness.


Awesome.  Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, smoke, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice.


My RatingVery GoodDivine
CommentsIt is a smooth, easy drinking medium bodied dram.

Rich and rewarding. Full bodied.

Price


$37$40
Pairs well withHazelnut chocolates, fresh tropical fruit, coconut, tuna and chicken satay.A cheese platter or roasted pork.

In the face-off between these two whisky titans, Chivas Regal 12 and Johnnie Walker Black Label prove their mettle as enduring classics. While personal preference may sway towards one or the other, there’s no denying the distinct character of each.

The Chivas Regal 12 year old whisky stands tall, boasting bold flavours and a rich history that harks back to its grocery store origins. It is known for its fruity sweetness balanced with toasted oak, malt and toffee notes.   Spices, red berries and hints of green mingles with black pepper and lemon. Smooth and easy drinking, this blend offers consistent flavour.

On the other hand, the Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky offers a harmonious blend with a touch of peaty smokiness, making it a perennial favourite. Creamy toffee, oak, cereal and spices stand next to the peat in a perfect balance. Hints of vanilla and Christmas pudding mixed with pepper. Big and bold with a long finish.

The Black Label offers a bolder experience. The peat, toffee sweetness and spices complement each other perfectly. It is well-balanced and inviting. The Chivas Regal is softer with a more fruity sweetness and warming toasted oak notes that offer a smooth, more gentle experience. Perfect for someone who prefers a more fruit-forward drink.

There is a spot in my drinks cabinet for both these drams. In tribute to tradition and sentiment, a bottle of Chivas Regal 12 year old whisky will always have a place on my shelves, alongside the ever-enticing Johnnie Walker Black Label. Cheers to these two great classics!

Chivas Regal or Johnnie Walker Black? Which one is your favourite?

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Also Read:Chivas Regal 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky



Ballantine’s 30 year old Whisky

Ballantine's 30 yo Blended Whisky header
Time and again, this blend impresses me. I have yet to meet a bottle of Ballantine’s that I do not love. The Ballantine’s 17 yo and the Scapa Distillers Edition are divine whiskies. And today I am trying one of the older releases in my collection. The Ballantine’s 30 year old blended Scotch whisky. What a long time that is. A whole lifetime.

Imagine how the world changed from when the spirit first entered into the barrel until it was bottled. With the amazing improvements in technology we see today, this whisky was a youngster before cell phones. Now smartphones have more computing power than the first space ships. A lot has changed in the 30 years.

As with so many well-known blends today, Ballantine’s Scotch whisky can trace its heritage back to 1827, when George Ballantine set up a small grocery store in Edinburgh. He started supplying a range of whiskies to his customers. In 1865 George and his son Archibald opened a larger business in Glasgow.

Also Read: Auchentoshan American Oak Whisky

Here he concentrated on the wine and spirit trade, and he also began to create his own blends. These blends inspired additional demand and his second son George Jnr joined the business.

After George Snr’s passing, the sons sold the company to allow for more expansion, and after various owner changes, it ended up in the Pernod Ricard stable.

The Ballantine’s flavour is dependent on malts from Miltonduff, Scapa and Glenburgie and blended with many other single malts and single grains. The Ballantine’s 30 year old blended whisky has won a Gold at the International Spirits Challenge, and Jim Murray gave it 94 points.

Ballantine’s 30 year old Whisky Review

Review and tasting notes Ballantine's 30 yo Blended very old Scotch whisky with glassABV: 43%

COLOUR: Golden amber

NOSE: The nose explodes with richness and complexity. It has honey, Christmas cake, caramel, toffee dried oak, vanilla and sherry with faint hints of smoke. All wonderfully combined.

PALATE: Rich and full-bodied, it is super smooth. Bits of oak spice swirling around dried fruits and nuts. Dark chocolate and treacle lurk somewhere with suggestions of smoke. Each sip brings out different notes on the palette. The Ballantine’s 30 year old has a beautiful balance between spicy and sweet. Adding water softens the spices a bit, and it is better without water.

FINISH: This is probably the best finish I have had in a long, long time. It never ends! It’s just brilliant going on and on and slowly slipping away like a sunset but leaving a wonderful glow.

RATING: DIVINE

I love Ballantine’s whisky. There is something in the combination of spice and sweetness from the distilleries that Ballantine’s uses that just works on my palate. Over the last couple of years, this has become my favourite blended whisky range.

From the entry-level to this masterpiece, Ballantine’s consistently set an amazingly high bar for the craft of the whisky maker. And this bottle is no exception. Rich, complex and utterly delicious! Probably one of my favourite Ballantine’s bottles ever.

Also Read: Glenbrynth Bourbon Cask whisky


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