Tag: Rating: Excellent Page 4 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

Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/17/2023

In Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey is exploding in South Africa. Even regular bottle shops have started to carry some rye whiskey. It is wonderful to see ow the category is growing. This spicy style whiskey adds an exciting new taste dimension compared to Scottish whisky or bourbon.

I try to taste as many rye releases as I can to expand my taste buds. I found this bottle of Bulleit Straight 95% American Rye whiskey locally and just had to try it. The first Bulleit bourbon was produced by Augustus Bulleit.

He wanted to create a bourbon with a unique flavour profile and experimented with varying recipes until he found a whiskey that he was happy with. He created his bourbon, and it was available until he died in 1860.

Years later, his great-great-grandson, Tom Bulleit dreamt of continuing his ancestor’s distilling tradition, and in 1987, he created a small batch bourbon, bearing the family name. The bottles are modelled on old fashioned medicine bottles, with distinctive raised lettering.

Also Read: Sazerac Rye

Seagram acquired Bulleit Bourbon in 1997, and the facilities were relocated to Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Today, Diageo owns the Bulleit brand. In March 2017, Diageo opened a new Bulleit distillery just east of Shelbyville in Shelby County, Kentucky.

Bulleit Rye American Frontier whiskey was introduced during March 2011. It is made with a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley and produced in small batches.

Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: Light golden caramel

NOSE: Sweet and fresh. Cherries and vanilla with hints of grain and toasted oak. Subtle spices with hints of cinnamon and cloves.

PALATE: Not as spicy as the Sazerac whiskey. More caramel sweetness followed by fresh fruit before the spicy notes hits. Overripe cherries, dry roasted peanuts and crunchy grain. Then follows the rye spice mixed with vanilla, cinnamon and hints of pepper and cloves.

Delicious. I finished my first glass without water and had to pour a second glass to see the impact of water. Water brings more orange notes forward.

FINISH: A spicy rye finish with cinnamon, allspice and vanilla. Medium length. Warming.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a delicious rye whiskey! Probably my favourite rye so far. Spiciness to let you know you are drinking rye, but enough sweetness and balance to make it easy drinking and inviting. I love it. Another great thing about this rye whiskey is the price. It is very affordable which makes it a great whiskey for cocktails. I see it retails on Amazon for around £35.

Now to go and play with this rye whiskey and make some cocktails. I think this Bulleit Rye will work really well in an Old Fashioned.

I found an article on the history of rye whiskey in America and more on the Bulleit Bourbon. Other rye releases that I have tasted include a Scottish Rye whisky, the Arbiki Highland Rye release. A different spice profile, but interesting nevertheless.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Bulleit Rye and the Woodford Reserve Rye to see what the differences are. I have also done a side by side comparison between the Bulleit Rye and Bulleit bourbon to see how the mash bill profile changes the taste.

Also Read: Michter’s Single Barrel Rye Whiskey

Dunville’s Three Crowns Sherry Finish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/19/2023

In Irish Whiskey

Today I try the last of the Dunville samples and it seems that I left the best for last. The remaining sample was the Dunville’s Three Crowns Sherry Finish blended Irish whiskey. The original Three Crowns brand was introduced in the 1830s and it was around for about 100 years before being discontinued.

I wrote about the history of the Three Crowns brand and the Echlinville distillery when I captured my tasting notes for the 12 yo PX Cask and the Three Crowns Peated whiskey and you can read all about it on those blog posts.

Also Read: Waterford Cooladine Edition 1.1 Whisky

This distillery is also not a stranger to winning awards. During March 23, Dunville’s won two major awards at the World Whiskies Awards in London. The Dunville’s 21 year old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish single malt was named Ireland’s Best single malt and the PX 20 year old Cask Strength, Cask 1644 won Ireland’s Best Single Cask whiskey award.

The Dunville’s Three Crowns Sherry Finish is a blended whiskey made up of a 4 year old single grain, 10 year old single malt and a 15 year old single malt finished in Oloroso casks.

Dunville’s Three Crowns Sherry Finish Irish Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV: 43,5%

COLOUR: Gold

NOSE: Yummy. Red orchard fruit sweetness with bits of malt, raisins, and brown sugar. A gentle floral note in the background with bits of vanilla and nutmeg.

PALATE: Creamy oak, sherry, orchid fruits, nutmeg, and hints of green pepper. A walnut note mixed with some malt and dried orange. Smooth, rich, and bold. Water softens the boldness and complexity. You don’t need to add any water.

FINISH: The finish has notes of drying oak, sherries fruits, vanilla, and pepper. Warming you from the inside out. Long and lingering.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Dunville’s Three Crowns Sherry Finish is a lovely release! Rich with a chewy mouthfeel that will be ideal for winter. Perfect for the sherry-finish whisky enthusiast. I enjoyed it more than the Peated and the 12 yo PX cask whiskey.

It is the bottle I will buy for myself and would encourage you to try. Serve it in a cognac glass on a winter’s evening next to a camel throne fire. A lovely sipping dram.

It is available in South Africa. I saw it at WhiskyShop and it retails for around R1100 as well as at Cutler Drinks.

Sample disclosure: I received this whisky from the Truman & Orange team. The review and tasting notes are my own honest, fair and independent thoughts about the whiskey.

Also Read: Waterford The Cuvée Whisky

Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/12/2023

In Bourbon whiskey

In the bourbon world, few names carry the weight of tradition and history, like Bulleit bourbon Frontier whiskey. This remarkable spirit traces its roots back to a 150-year-old family recipe. The recipe was created by Augustus Bulleit, the great-great-grandfather of the brand’s founder, Tom Bulleit.

The story begins in the mid-19th century when Augustus crafted a distinctive rye whiskey, using a blend of 67% rye and 33% corn, right in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, between 1830 and 1860.

Tom Bulleit’s journey to resurrect this extraordinary family legacy was a winding one. He first served in the US Marine Corps and then pursued a career in law. Yet, the dream of recreating his ancestor’s recipe never left him.

In 1987, he took the plunge and created a small batch bourbon that would bear the iconic family name. To ensure it qualified as a true bourbon, the mash bill was adjusted to 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley.

One of the first things that capture your attention about Bulleit bourbon is its distinctive bottle shape. Modelled after antique medicine bottles, it features raised lettering and an askew label, reminiscent of how it might have appeared in the 1860s. In 1997, Seagram acquired the Bulleit brand, setting the stage for its continued journey.

Following various acquisitions, the Bulleit brand now rests under the ownership of Diageo, and its production takes place at the Kirin Brewing Company Four Roses distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

Related Article: Uncle Nearest 1856 whiskey

Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: Light amber

NOSE: Bulleit bourbon greets your senses with a spicy punch upfront, departing from the usual sweetness associated with traditional bourbons. In the background, hints of sticky toffee pudding and vanilla bean emerge. With time, a subtle caramel note weaves into the aromatic tapestry.

PALATE: This bourbon is a rich, chewy experience, brimming with spice that never overwhelms. Beyond the initial spice, you’ll discover notes of toffee caramel, vanilla, and a touch of wood. In the background is subtle hints of orange and freshly baked sugar biscuits.

Even when water is added, Bulleit bourbon maintains its frontier spirit, becoming smoother and slightly sweeter, all while retaining its robust character.

FINISH: The finish is delightful – long, lingering, and memorable. It stays with you well after you’ve savoured the last drop, boasting bold notes of mild spice and subtle hints of oak.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a lovely bourbon. The first sip brings spices and pepper, but on sip two, the toffee, vanilla and oak move forward. It has a lovely balance without any overwhelming elements.

Bulleit bourbon departs from the familiar sweetness found in traditional counterparts. Its uniqueness lies in its unparalleled flavour profile, making it a standout choice for those seeking something extraordinary.

Bulleit bourbon frontier whiskey is readily available in South Africa and is typically priced at around R 400. A great affordable bourbon whiskey. In the USA, you can find it for approximately $42. I have seen it on Amazon for around £32.

And if you’re intrigued by Bulleit bourbon whiskey, don’t miss the opportunity to explore its sibling, Bulleit Rye whiskey.

Side by Side Comparisons

I’ve undertaken a side-by-side comparison between Bulleit and Woodford Reserve bourbon, shedding light on their nuanced differences. In my final tasting experience of 2021, I set Bulleit bourbon alongside Buffalo Trace bourbon, aiming to determine which one captures my preference.

I have also done a side by side comparison between the Bulleit Rye and Bulleit bourbon to see how the mash bill profile changes the taste.

Also Read: Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye whiskey

Bisquit & Dubouché VS Cognac

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/29/2023

In Lifestyle

A fun change of pace today, I get to look at the Bisquit & Dubouché VS cognac from the Campari Group. I tried this cognac a few years ago when it was still part of the Distell stable. I used it in an apple cider cognac cocktail then. It was a nice enough cognac for cocktails, but I found it slightly too spicy.

Alexandre Bisquit (born 1799) came from a long line of distillers. He founded his distillery, ‘Maison Bisquit’, in 1819, and the brand has its home at the Château de Lignères by the banks of the Charente River.

Adrien Dubouché went into business with Alexandre Bisquit in 1846 after marrying his daughter. A great painter and bohemian at heart, his artistic flair perfectly matched Bisquit’s practical mind.

The company flourished and, in 1966, was acquired by Pernod Ricard. It was one of Winston Churchill and King George IV’s favourite cognacs. Distell bought it in 2009 and sold it to the Campari Group in 2017.

One of the most significant changes is the bottle design. From a round bottle with beige and gold labelling, the new bottle is rectangular with minimal labelling and a raised Griffen on the front. The Griffen is a legendary creature with the body and tail of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle and represents the strength of the Bisquit & Dubouché dynasty.

What is Cognac?

Cognac is a type of brandy named after the area of Cognac in France and includes the regions around Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaires.

Cognac production falls under the French-controlled designation of origin (AOC) classification, with production methods and naming required to meet specific legal requirements. Ugni blanc grapes are the most widely used.

The brandy must be twice distilled in copper pot stills and aged in French oak barrels from Limousin or Tronçais. The resulting spirit is called eau-de-vie, which translates to ‘water of life. Cognac matures similarly to whisky, and most cognacs spend considerably longer “on the wood” than the minimum legal requirement.

Also Read: Remy Martin XO Cognac

What Types of Cognac are there?

Cognac does not have an age statement displayed on the bottle like whisky has, but it is classified based on age and quality. There are various categories, three of which we see regularly in SA and one that is rare.

Cognac VS: means “very special”. A VS cognac is aged for a minimum of two years. This means that the youngest liquid used to create the blend was aged in French Limousin oak barrels for at least two years. A VS cognac is ideal for making cocktails and mixed drinks.

Cognac VSOP: means “very superior old pale”. A VSOP cognac was aged for at least four years in French Limousin oak barrels, sometimes longer. It can be blended with older releases to create the taste the blender requires.

Cognac XO: means ‘extra old’ and describes a cognac consisting of spirits that have been aged in French Limousin oak barrels for a minimum of ten years. It used to be around six years, but in 2018 the standard was updated to ten years.

Cognac XXO: means “extra, extra old and this is a new category that was officially added to the description of cognac ages in 2018. To qualify in the category XXO, the cognac must age for at least fourteen years in French oak barrels.

If you spot a cognac with XO and Hors d’Age (meaning beyond age) on the label, the cognac in the bottle is at least thirty years old but can be even older. Some are up to a hundred years old. These are the most rare cognacs around. And the price will obviously reflect this as well.

Bisquit & Dubouche VS Cognac Review

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Radiant gold

NOSE: Light and elegant with notes of wood and fresh fruit. Soft oak spices and sweetness.

PALATE: New wood, vanilla, red fruits and cinnamon. Subtle, soft and accessible. Hints of pear, brown sugar and floral notes with a light peppery bite. A few drops of water open up the fruity sweetness.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Bisquit & Dubouché VS is not the most complex cognac but it never claimed to be. A lovely entry-level introduction to cognac that is smooth and well-balanced. I rate a bottle on how long it will be in my collection, and this bottle will be finished quite quickly.

It is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks but will work just as well in a cognac-forward cocktail. The Bisquit & Dubouché cognac collection includes a Bisquit & Dubouché VSOP and a XO cognac. The range is available in Pick n Pay, Checkers and TOPS liquor stores. The VS retails for R540.

Sample disclosure: I received this cognac from the PR company supporting the Campari Group in South Africa. The review and tasting notes are my own honest, fair and independent thoughts about the cognac.

Jack Daniel’s Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/01/2023

In Rye Whiskey

Today I look at another Rye release, Jack Daniel’s Rye whiskey. What a roller coaster we have had in South Africa with covid and lock down. When SA went into lock down level 5 in March 2020, the sale of alcohol was banned. A whole industry came to a sudden standstill.

Three months later, SA moved to lock down level 2 and liquor sales were allowed again. Items stuck in port was permitted entry and wine farms and distilleries started operating again.

South Africa’s covid figures increased substantially, and then one Sunday evening, the President suddenly banned alcohol sales again. All plans I had to try new drams came to a grinding halt. But the long wait is over, and I can try some new releases again.

Just before lock down, I saw some social media posts about Jack Daniel’s rye becoming available in SA. But I could not find a bottle at the time. However, now that I can shop again, I found a bottle and I was fortunate to have a chat to Bradley Watson about this release on IGTV.

The Jack Daniel’s Rye whisky was released in September 2017 as a new addition to the standard Jack Daniel’s lineup. Jack Daniel’s Rye is produced using a mash bill of 70% rye,18% corn and 12% malted barley.

It follows the same Lincoln County Process that makes Tennessee whiskey unique. It is a NAS release, and it also has a really good ABV.

Also Read: Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve bourbon

Jack Daniel’s Rye Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: Light amber

NOSE: Tropical banana, hints of dark chocolate and toasted oak. Cinnamon and sweetness.

PALATE: Freshly baked banana bread, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Drying cinnamon and nutmeg with hints of chocolate sweetness. Bits of oily wood and vanilla.

FINISH: Black pepper and spicy cinnamon and oak spices.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Jack Daniel’s Rye Tennessee whiskey has a medium body and an oily mouthfeel. The oak spices and cinnamon is captured by the oily wood for a warming finish. Not the most complex whiskey, but very drinkable. It reminds me of a traditional bourbon blended with a shot of grain whisky and a shot of more conventional rye.

It has the tropical fruit notes of grain whisky, balanced with the spicy rye notes with bits of bourbon vanilla and oak. However, it is softer and more refined than more traditional rye releases that I have tried in the past. Delicious and unique.

It is now widely available in South Africa and retails for around R320. I have seen it on Amazon for around £29. This makes it a great whiskey for cocktails. Affordable and a great taste.

Bradley mentioned that it would work wonderfully in a boulevardier cocktail and also a Bloody Mary. The best food pairing is with steak or with dark chocolate. That is a pairing I can get excited about. If you have not tried this yet, go out and grab a bottle. I did a side by side comparison between the Rye and Old No 7 to see how they differ and you can read it by following the link.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey