Tag: Rating: Excellent Page 29 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

Now and again, I manage to get my hands on a single cask bottling release. Be it via WhiskyBrother and one of their special single cask bottlings or when friends travel. The Whisky Brother releases are legendary, and I am waiting with bated breath for what is coming out from them this year.

Back to today’s tasting; at the end of 2016, John came home with this bottle of Port Charlotte 10 year old Special Reserve Private Cask Scotch whisky bottling. It is a 10 yo release matured in Sherry casks. John received it as a gift from one of his colleagues. FC knows how much we love whisky and arranged this bottle for us.

Bruichladdich is situated on the beautiful Islay and is known for 3 different styles of whisky. They are bottled as follows: Bruichladdich is the unpeated release, Port Charlotte is peated to a hefty 40 ppm, and Octomore, the heavyweight, peated to an enormous 131 ppm. Bruichladdich is owned by Remy Cointreau.

The Village of Port Charlotte lies just south of Bruichladdich close to the shore of Loch Indaal. There stand the ruins of LochinDaal Distillery that was in operation from 1829 to 1929. The Port Charlotte brand pays tribute to this now silent distillery.

I invited Emily from the Whizzky App to join me on Twiter, to taste this limited release. Emily loves whisky as much as I do, and it is a great privilege to share a dram with such a special lady in the whisky industry.

Also Read: Armorik Millesime 2002 whisky

Port Charlotte 10 year old Whisky Review

The Port Charlotte Special Reserve is a 10 year old single malt whisky aged in a sherry cask. This bottle is from Cask no 852, and it was distilled 15th October 2003 and bottled 5th March 2014.

REGION: Islay

ABV: 50%

COLOUR: Dark golden syrup colour

NOSE: Peat, sherry, smoke, salt and ash. Dark chocolate and after adding water, there are notes of smoky bacon with cranberry sauce.

PALATE: Ash, earthy peat, Lindt Orange Intense and Salted Caramel chocolate, sherry, vanilla, halva. After adding water to soften the alcohol, there are more sweet noes with hints of cinnamon and liquorice.

I am getting glazed, candied fruit peel and surprisingly less peat than the nose led me to believe @ @WhiskyoftheWeek #WhizzkyPeat #WOTW

— Whizzky (@WhizzkyApp) February 3, 2017

FINISH: Long and lingering with notes of ash, citrus, smoke and earthy peat. Quite spicy

RATING: EXCELLENT

Took a breather & am left feeling like I can taste the inside of my fireplace. In a good way. The best way. @WhiskyoftheWeek #WhizzkyPeat

— Whizzky (@WhizzkyApp) February 3, 2017

An enjoyable, rich, bold and complex dram. The Port Charlotte is not for the faint-hearted. You need to spend some time to appreciate the peat notes. This Port Charlotte is the perfect marriage between the peat and the sherry. Two different elements that work together as an excellent team.

Also Read: Laphroaig PX Cask whisky

Eagle Rare 10 year old Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/30/2017

In Bourbon whiskey

In 2017, as I ventured into the world of bourbons, I was eager to kick off the year with a bang, following the delicious memories of Makers Mark from the previous year. The Makers Mark release quickly became one of my all-time favourites. Could I find some bourbon this year to beat my expectations? Enter Eagle Rare 10 year old Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey.

2016 was a year of bourbon exploration, but I was somewhat underwhelmed. Few of the bourbons I sampled managed to truly impress my palate. I have a sweet tooth, and I’m drawn to those delectable toasted oak and vanilla notes that bourbon offers.

The variety of bourbons available in South Africa is relatively small, and it often feels like the selection is shrinking. Sure, you can hunt down some high-priced bottles online, but they aren’t always accessible to the everyday bourbon enthusiast.

Then I found the Eagle Rare 10 year old Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey. This release hails from the respected Buffalo Trace distillery. While it used to proudly bear the “10-year-old Single Barrel” label, the newer bottles have omitted this detail due to a transition from hand filling to machine filling.

This transition introduced the possibility of some bottles containing whiskey from more than one barrel, prompting the removal of the “Single Barrel” designation.

So, what’s the deal with Eagle Rare 10 year old? It’s aged for a decade in charred new oak barrels and bottled at a respectable 45% ABV.

This bourbon has garnered many accolades at renowned spirits competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the World Whiskies Awards. My bottle still features the 10 year old and Single Barrel labels, evoking a sense of tradition.

Notably, the Scotch Noob points out in his review that the mash bill of Eagle Rare 10 is quite similar to Buffalo Trace. It’s like an older, more discerning sibling of Buffalo Trace, thanks to meticulous barrel selection.

Also Read: Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon

Eagle Rare 10 year old Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV:45%

COLOUR: Polished amber

NOSE: The nose enchants with vanilla, toffee sweetness, hints of brandy pudding, freshly cut flowers, and subtle notes of toasted oak and pepper.

PALATE: While the nose promises vanilla and oaky sweetness, the palate surprises with a malty spiciness. Think chilli peppers, nuttiness, creamy cocoa, and traces of toasted oak and mint leaves. A few drops of water work wonders, mellowing the pepper and revealing more cinnamon. This isn’t an overly sweet bourbon. However, it has a good balance and is complex enough to be thoroughly enjoyable.

FINISH: The finish is medium length, culminating in peppery and oaky notes.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Eagle Rare is indeed an intriguing bourbon whiskey; not as sweet as I anticipated, but it compensates with a satisfying hint of chili heat. The rest of the bourbon experience remains intact—vanilla and toasted oak enveloped in a rich, creamy body.

As a curious experiment, I paired this bourbon with some KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) to see how it would complement the flavours. You can follow the link if you’re interested in discovering which bourbon works best with your fried chicken fix.

This release is the perfect companion to a creamy Gouda cheese. It is gentle enough to not overwhelm the buttery cheese while spicy enough to create interest.

Also Read: Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

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

Checkers Private Barrel Co No 41 Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/07/2016

In Single Malt whisky

One of the hardest things to do is to build a whisky collection on a budget. With an increase in demand and a hunger for unique and aged whisky, prices have been going through the roof and distilleries are releasing NAS versions at crazy prices.

With the Rand playing yo-yo against all major currencies (Nene-gate, State Capture report and Brexit), getting my hands on quality, affordable whisky has become harder and harder.

I have found budget blends and bourbons, but the big challenge has been single malts. Then I landed up at a Checkers lunch close to Hein Herbst (SA’s own MaltDoc), and he told me about the Checkers Private Barrel Co no 41 single malt Scotch whisky.

I have tried a few of the Checkers Private Barrel Co releases before. I have the Glen Grant 17 yo in my collection and tasted the Glendronach 20 yo, and a few others and they are delicious. These releases are, however, not in the budget category, i.e. under R 750. But, during 2014, Checkers released a whisky that doesn’t have a distillery listed at around R 230.

The concept works similar to the Checkers Odd Bins wine and champagne range. Odd Bins work on the idea that Checkers source top-class wine and champagne (and now whisky) from well-known wineries and distilleries and then bottle them under a unique bin number, not revealing where the whisky was sourced.

By not revealing the distillery, Checkers can sell the whisky at a fraction of the cost. It does have an age statement and full tasting notes on the bottle.

I was somewhat sceptical about an ‘Odd Bins’ whisky range, but MaltDoc assured me that he got a whole case of the Barrel 41 as it is so good. Barrel 39 is sold out, but Barrel 41 is still available, and I managed to grab a bottle.

It was bottled in 2015, and only 3 000 were released. If I was to wager a guess, the whisky in the Checkers Private Barrel Co No 41 single malt is from a Speyside distillery close to the Highlands border. Checkers, however, are keeping quiet on the origin.

Also Read: Michel Couvreur Peaty Whisky

Checkers Private Barrel Co No 41 Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Dark yellow gold

NOSE: On the initial nose there’s a lot of toffee sweetness with a little bit of spice. There is an element of sherry in the nose as well as summer fruits. It is followed by marshmallow and malty goodness floating about.

PALATE: The Private Barrel Co No 41 is bursting with fruity flavour mixed with creamy, buttery fudge, toffee sweetness and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Hints of candied fruits. I finished my first glass without water and then had to pour a second glass to see the impact of water on the dram. The addition of water certainly brings out a lot more smoothness and brings some floral notes to the front.

FINISH: A strong point to this particular release is a long and lingering finish. It is probably one of the longest finishes that I have experienced in a long time. The addition of water seems to improve the finish. The Private Barrel Co No 41 ends in notes of spice and toffee sweetness, perfectly balanced.

RATING: EXCELLENT

When Hein said that he bought a case of the Barrel No 41, I must honestly say, I thought he was overreacting. Can it be that good? But it is! It is delicious, smooth and easy drinking.

Well done Checkers team for choosing this delightful release and bringing it to us at an affordable price point. I am looking forward to many more Private Barrel Co. whisky releases.

The Private Barrel Coo released a James Sedgwick Distillery 6 yo Fino Cask during 2018 as well as a Private Barrel Co No 108. It is a 3 yo Irish whiskey release, and you can read all about it too.

Also Read: Nikka Miyagikyo whisky

Glendronach 13 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/24/2016

In Single Malt whisky

A small little whisky shop in Hydepark, Johannesburg, has become the Johannesburg whisky community’s central point. Since they opened their doors in 2012, WhiskyBrother has brought an incredible whisky variety to Johannesburg. Their whisky tastings are also legendary!

Every year around this time, WhiskyBrother brings out an exclusive release, which is no different this year. Some of the WhiskyBrother’s earlier releases include the Arran WB Private Cask and the 15 yo Glenlivet. All exceptionally delicious!

This year, they had the opportunity to select a Glendronach cask, and after much tasting and choosing, Marc and Neil chose the Glendronach 13 year old single cask Scotch whisky.

Glendronach has consistently been one of the WhiskyBrother shop’s top-selling whiskies, so it made for a natural fit. The GlenDronach 13 yo single cask whisky is matured in a second fill Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon.

The Glendronach distillery is a Highland whisky distillery located near Forgue in Scotland, owned by the BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd.

James Allardes founded the distillery in 1826 and it was only the second distillery to apply for a license to legally produce whisky under the Excise Act of 1823.

The distillery was bought and sold a few times, and the sherry characteristics changed. Subsequent owners each brought their own cask and wood philosophy. In 2008, when the BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd bought the distillery, they returned to the original GlenDronach character. The new owners relaunched the old core range of 12 year old, 15 year old and 18 year old, along with several single cask bottlings.<

So once again, the Glendonach is proudly known as the Sherry Cask Connoisseurs. Back to their original roots of heavily sherried drams. All new Glendronach releases are unpeated.

Also Read: Glenglassaugh Evolution Whisky

Glendronach 13 year old Whisky Review

This bottle was distilled in March 2003, and bottled in April 2016; the cask yielded 519 bottles. Each bottle is individually numbered and bottled at cask strength.

REGION: Highlands

ABV: 54.1%

COLOUR: A light amber-gold colour with hints of yellow sunshine.

NOSE: Rich and complex, heavy with brandy-soaked raisins, rich Christmas pudding, toffee, cherries and candied fruits. After a bit of time, some spice and woody notes come through.

PALATE: A very surprising palate! The toffee and Christmas pudding sweetness I was expecting was not there. Instead, the warming spices came through. Cinnamon, pepper and nutmeg intertwined with oak and cherries.

I expected a typical sherry PX Cask taste, but this Glendronach is anything but regular. Adding water softens the cask strength and makes the whisky smoother.

FINISH: An unusual finish that ends in notes of pepper, cinnamon and citrus fruit. Long and lingering.

RATING: EXCELLENT

It is an unusual release. I can understand why the WhiskyBrother team chose this particular cask. If you are expecting the more traditional Glendronach sherry taste, this whisky is not it. This Glendronach 13 year old is big and bold.

Warming spices with cherries. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, something interesting for someone interesting, this is the bottle you want.

Best of all, you don’t have to be in Johannesburg to get your hands on this release. You can order it online from WhiskyBrother right here. This Glendronach 13 yowhisky is going to be perfect for winter. The spicy character will probably also pair well with food.

I poured a bit of the Glendronach 12 year old straight after, to compare. Interesting how one more year in a cask can make such a difference. From the fruity sweet 12 year old whisky to the spicy, rich 13 year old. All in the space of an extra 12 months.

Well Done WhiskyBrother Team! I have also captured the tasting notes for the Glendronach 16 yo release and the Glendronach 12 yo .

Also Read: Craigellachie 13 yo Whisky

Meandering the world, one whisky at a time

Tag: Rating: Excellent Page 29 of 41

Port Charlotte Special Reserve 10 year old Whisky

Port Charlotte 10 year old Whisky Review

Eagle Rare 10 year old Bourbon Whiskey

Eagle Rare 10 year old Bourbon Whiskey Review

Three Ships 5 year old Whisky

The James Sedgwick Distillery Tour

Three Ships 5 year old Whisky Review

Checkers Private Barrel Co No 41 Whisky

Checkers Private Barrel Co No 41 Whisky Review

Glendronach 13 year old Whisky

Glendronach 13 year old Whisky Review