Tag: Rating: Excellent Page 10 of 41

Whisky of the Week review and tasting notes for whiskies that I rated as Excellent. Excellent means that after tasting the whisky, I want to pour a second and third glass. It is whisky that I want to keep on drinking and when the bottle is finished, I will buy another one. Rating: Excellent

Yellow Spot 12 year old Irish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/04/2022

In Irish Whiskey

Green, Yellow, Red, Blue; you can be forgiven if you thought today was another edition of the Johnnie Walker range. But today, I am looking at an Irish whiskey. Yellow Spot 12 year old Irish whiskey is the second addition to the ‘Spot’ range of Irish whiskies.

Mitchell devised a simple colour-coding scheme for identifying casks, using spots of coloured paint on each cask in the warehouse to track the age of the whiskey in each barrel. Blue Spot was 7 years old, Green Spot was 10 years old, Yellow Spot was 12 years old, and Red Spot whiskey was 15 years old.

The name stuck, and today the ‘Spot’ range is produced specifically for Mitchell & Son of Dublin by Irish Distillers at the Midleton Distillery in Cork, Ireland. Yellow Spot whiskey is part of the Pernod Ricard brand portfolio.

Also Read: Jameson Whiskey

Green Spot was first released in 1933, followed by a few more Spot colours. However, the bonder’s style category whiskies disappeared when distillery bottled releases took over the market. Green Spot was the last to be discontinued in the 1950s.

Fortunately, Green Spot was reintroduced to the market in the early 2000s, and Yellow Spot whiskey followed in 2012

Yellow Spot is a single pot still Irish whiskey, matured in three types of cask: American Bourbon cask, Spanish Sherry butts and Spanish Malaga casks (a sweet fortified wine) for a sweeter flavour. It has been aged for at least 12 years.

Yellow Spot 12 year old Irish Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Light caramel.

NOSE: Fresh nectarines, dried fruit, wood, and barley heaps of fruity sweetness. Pepper and vanilla with caramel sweetness.

PALATE: Yummy! Fruit drizzled stone fruit with vanilla and anise mixed with red apples, wood and sherry notes. Hints of dark roast coffee and barley. Medium-bodied and inviting. Bits of fresh toast with melted butter. Lovely balance between the fruity sweetness, wood and spices.

Very drinkable and velvety smooth. Bits of citrus zest and black pepper. A few drops of water releases more wood and sweetness, but it does not need extra water. It is delicious just like that.

FINISH: Long, sweet, warming and wonderfully balanced. Fruity, sweetness and wood.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Every aspect of this Yellow Spot whiskey is just yummy. It is not the most complex whiskey, but very drinkable and delicious. When I tasted it, the words that came to mind were “accessible and inviting”.

The Yellow Spot 12 year old Irish whiskey is probably my favourite “Spot” so far. (I tried Green Spot at a whisky festival). It is available in SA and retail for around R930. Which is your favourite “Spot”?

Also Read: Bushmills 16 yo Whiskey

Compass Box No Name No 2 Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/28/2022

In Blended Malt Whisky

I tasted the Compass Box No Name No 1 and the Compass Box No Name No 2 blended malt Scotch whisky about 18 months ago and have not gotten around to capturing the tasting notes. Released in 2019, this is the second limited edition in the Compass Box No Name series. The third bottling in this series was released in 2021.

Like the Compass Box No Name No 1, the Compass Box No Name No 2 is a blended malt Scotch. It is made up of the following whisky:

– 75% from Caol Ila (Refill Sherry casks)
– 10.5% from Talisker (re-charred American oak hogshead)
– 13.5% Clynishlish (re-charred American oak hogshead)
– 0.5% Highland malt blend (French oak, heavy toast)

Also Read: Glenfiddich Gran Reserva 21 yo Whisky

Compass Box is a producer, bottler and marketer of a range of blended Scotch whiskies. It was founded in 2000 by American entrepreneur John Glaser, who was a former marketing director at Johnnie Walker. The Compass Box whiskies create quite a stir when they are released.

The bottlings have distinctive labels and provocative names. Some of my favourites include Hedonism and Spice Tree. Other releases include Peat Monster, Circus and The Spaniard.

Compass Box No Name No 2 Whisky Review

A total of 8,802 bottles were produced. The Compass Box whisky is non-chill-filtered, with natural colour.

REGION: Islay and Islands with some Highland

ABV: 48.9%

COLOUR: Honey hay

NOSE: Islay ocean breezes with peat, hints of salty fish, seaweed and smoke. Bits of honey sweetness and candy floss. There is tropical fruit in the background with red berries, oak and honey. Lovely and complex.

PALATE: Drying ash, peat and wood smoke with fruity sweetness. Like tropical fruit salad in a wooden bowl next to a bonfire on the beach. Malty goodness, hints of dark chocolate, honey and pepper. Oak spices and salt with bits of orange peel and nuts.

Lovely. I nearly finished my glass before putting in a few drops of water. The water soothes the peat and ash to bring more fruit to the front. Medium body elegance with a beautiful symmetry between the peat and the fruit.

FINISH: Long and drying with pepper spice, peat and fruit.

RATING: EXCELLENT

I enjoyed No Name No. 1 (and this is a reminder that I still need to capture my tasting notes), but Compass Box No Name No 2 is my favourite. The Compass Box No Name 1 had a significant portion of Ardbeg and was quite bold.

In comparison, No 2 is softer, slightly more delicate and sophisticated. Don’t let this fool you. The Caol Ila and Talisker bring a rich fruit and peat experience that is delicious and very approachable.

No Name No 2 is still available, and I see that WhiskyBrother&Co still have some available. It retails for around R2300. This bottle will make a wonderful gift for the peat lover in your life.

Also Read: Tobermory 10 yo Whisky

Scottish Leader 12 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/28/2022

In Blended whisky

Towards the end of 2016, I was fortunate to attend the launch of a new whisky release in South Africa. The Scottish Leader 12 year old blended Scotch whisky has been a long-standing favourite in the East and lucky for us, have now reached the South African shores.

Scottish Leader is a well-known brand around the world. The Original and Signature releases are popular in South Africa, and now they have extended their South African presence with the 12 yo.

I love their other releases. The Scottish Leader Signature is a regular in my house and the Original pairs wonderfully with Royal Ashton cheese. It was launched in 1976 and is available in around 30 countries across the world. The lead blender for Scottish Leader is Dr Kirstie McCallum.

Also Read: My Favourite Margarita Recipe

She has travelled all the world on her whisky journey. She went from being a chemist in Glasgow to the Burn Stewart Global Brand Ambassador, and today she leads the team in blending Scottish Leader.

Kirstie is one the pioneering woman in whisky. She was one of the first women to become a whisky maker and was one of the youngest female blenders in Scotland. On one of her visits to South Africa, I was fortunate to meet her.

During October 2016, she was nominated and inducted as a Keeper of the Quaich. A phenomenal whisky woman. Her signature is all every bottle of Scottish Leader.

Scottish Leader 12 year old Whisky Review

The Scottish Leader 12 year old is a blend of unpeated Highland and Speyside malt and grain whiskies, matured in American Oak casks.

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Dark golden red

NOSE: Sweet sherry, rich with notes of vanilla marshmallow and fruits. A very faint hint of wood, nutmeg and cream. The addition of water seems to bring out more of the sweet toffee and butterscotch notes.

PALATE: Fruit, sticky toffee pudding, brandy-soaked apricots. A big mouth full and wonderfully complex. The addition of water makes the Scottish Leader smoother and rounder and a little bit easier drinking.

FINISH: Long and lingering with spicy and sweet notes perfectly balanced.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Not too many bottles made it to South Africa. So if you have not yet grabbed a bottle, do so quickly. It is affordable and delicious. A great blended 12 year old Scotch whisky. I see that Vinoteque still has a few available.

Other releases include the Scottish Leader Supreme and there is even a Sherry Cask finish.

Also Read: Ballantines 12 yo whisky

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/14/2022

In Bourbon whiskey

In the ever-evolving world of whiskey, a gem deserves the spotlight – Uncle Nearest 1856 whiskey. As I reminisce about the good old days before Covid, when whisky shows were still a part of our lives, I recall the moment I had the privilege of trying this relatively new whiskey release in South Africa.

The Uncle Nearest 1856 whiskey was a revelation with a unique and exciting taste that I rushed to buy a bottle. Fast forward to today, and whisky shows are still a distant dream, but it’s time we shed some light on this exceptional bottling.

The Uncle Nearest whiskey brand introduced its 1856 expression to the world in 2017, and it comes with a remarkable history that’s as rich as its flavour. This story begins with Nathan “Nearest” Green, an individual who was formerly enslaved but played a pivotal role in developing Jack Daniel’s whiskey and the iconic Lincoln County process, which involves charcoal filtration.

Nathan Green, also known as Uncle Nearest, served as the first master distiller at Jack Daniel’s distillery. His influence was so profound that his sons also found their place at the Jack Daniel’s distillery. Remarkably, today, Nearest Green’s great-great-granddaughter, Victoria Eady Butler, is the master blender for the whiskey that pays homage to his enduring legacy.

Currently, this Tennessee whiskey is sourced from two (unnamed) Tennessee distilleries. It is distilled based on a recipe credited to Uncle Nearest that dates back to the late 1800s.

The mash bill is not stated but contains at least 51% corn and a high rye percentage. It was aged in new, charred American oak barrels. Uncle Nearest 1856 is a blend of whiskey aged between 8 and 14 years.

The new Nearest Green distillery is currently in Phase 1. It is on a sprawling 270-acre horse farm in Shelbyville, on the route to Lynchburg. Founded by Fawn Weaver and owned by Grant Sidney Inc., this distillery ensures that Uncle Nearest’s legacy lives on.

Also Read: Crown Royal Deluxe Whisky

Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

COLOUR: Dark amber

ABV: 50%

NOSE: On the nose, there are scents of dried grass, vanilla, and peaches, all drizzled with a touch of maple syrup. There’s a subtle green note in the background, with hints of distant charcoal smoke and a medley of spices.

PALATE: The palate is bold and robust. Oats mingle with vanilla sugar and maple syrup, followed by the warmth of toasted wood, nutty undertones, and the freshness of green grass. As the journey continues, whispers of caramel appear before the spices steal the show.

Expect a gentle pepper heat infused with nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and faint traces of dark chocolate. While there’s a hint of alcohol heat, a drop of water opens up the spices, making the nutmeg and cinnamon more pronounced, all while soothing the alcohol heat.

This whiskey is an exquisite balance of smoothness and sweetness, making it an absolute pleasure to savour.

FINISH: The finish is medium-length, leaving you with lingering notes of vanilla, oak spices, and a delightful caramel sweetness.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a lovely dram. Big and bold, but still smooth and unique. I loved the toasted oak notes in this whiskey. Together with the maple sweetness and the vanilla, this created bits of magic on my palate. It reminded me of a little of my grandfather’s woodwork bench and the smell of him creating furniture. This is a great whiskey to use for a whiskey sour cocktail.

The Uncle Nearest works well with a Monterey Jack cheese. The fruitier whiskey pairs well with the gentle character of this cheese.

Even more compelling is that Uncle Nearest is a black-owned whiskey brand that pays tribute to the recipe created by the USA’s first black master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green. This delightful whiskey is, in every sense, a win-win, offering a piece of history in every sip.

Uncle Nearest doesn’t stop at the 1856 expression; it boasts a lineup of other brand variants. This includes Uncle Nearest 1820 Premium whiskey, Nathan Green 1870 Single Barrel, and Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch whiskey. Each one promises its own unique journey through flavour and history.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Rye vs Jack Daniel’s Rye

Scottish Leader Signature Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/07/2022

In Blended whisky

Time for a blended whisky again. This week I try the new Scottish Leader Signature blended Scotch whisky. Interestingly, South Africa, second only to Taiwan, is the most popular market for Scottish Leader whisky.

The brand is owned by Burn Stewart Distillers, which is part of the Distell Group Limited. The story of the Scottish Leader blend begins near the village of Doune in Perthshire, Scotland. On the banks of the River Teith is the Deanston Distillery, home to the Scottish Leader.

Related Article: Ballantine’s Finest whisky

Here the Scottish Leader’s secret recipe was created by Master Blenders, the Ross Brothers, in the late 19th century. Once a cotton mill, the Ross Brothers quickly realised that the site had ideal features to distil whisky; fresh Scottish air, a supply of crystal clear water and ample storage facilities to mature the whisky.

Distell relaunched the brand in 2014. The update gives it a new look and packaging. The brand team replaced the old logo of a deer with a soaring eagle. They also released the new Scottish Leader Signature expression to complement the existing Scottish Leader Original whisky.

Scottish Leader Signature Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: A dark copper colour. There are beautiful hits of red specs in the whisky. It is not a very oily whisky.

NOSE: Immediately brings sherry sweetness with fruit cake and raisins. There are notes of toffee, honey and bits of smoke. The Signature has quite a sweet nose. In the background, malts and green grass flirting around.

PALATE: Rich, smooth and spicier than expected. I was expecting quite a sweet palate after the sweet nose, but there were notes of oak, smoke, and cloves. Bits of citrus peel floating in the background. Adding some water allowed more oak to come out and made this Scottish Leader Signature whisky very smooth.

FINISH: Medium length and end in notes of spicy oak and citrus. It is a medium-bodied blended whisky. A great combination of sweetness, smoke and spice.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Signature release is an easy-drinking, smooth, affordable whisky to have in your cupboard. Not very complicated; however, at the price point, it is well worth it. It retails for around R 230 in South Africa.

I paired this Scottish Leader Signature whisky with a Brebirousse d’Argental cheese. WOW, what a great whisky cheese pairing.

Other releases from this brand include the Scottish Leader 12 yo and Scottish Leader Supreme whisky. There is even a Sherry Cask finish whisky.