Tag: Rating: Excellent Page 5 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

Belgian Owl Passion Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/24/2023

In Single Malt whisky

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the Belgian Owl Evolution whisky I tasted as part of a tasting pack. Evolution was John’s favourite of all five samples. My favourite was the Belgian Owl Passion single malt whisky.

You can read more about Belgian Owl in my previous blog post. I also captured my notes on Identity a couple of years ago. Today I want to look at Etienne Bouillon’s sustainable farming philosophy behind Belgian Owl. Etienne is passionate about Belgium and the soil and spent time with Jim McEwan at Bruichladdich distillery.

The focus is very much on the terroir; 2-eared spring barley is grown in the region around Hesbaye. Nature is left to take its course around the fields where the barley is grown. Water for the distillery comes straight from a 38 m deep well right next to the distillery.

There are two stills from the Caperdonich distillery installed at the distillery. Care is shown not only in the growing and distilling process but also in the choice of casks. Belgian Owl whisky is non-chill-filtered and without artificial colouring. Over the years, the care and attention to quality have been recognised with many awards.

The Belgian Owl Passion is an unseated single cask edition, and each bottling series is unique. Passion was aged for between 36 – 60 months in American white oak.

Belgian Owl Passion Whisky Review

COUNTRY: Belgium

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Bright gold

NOSE: Creamy condensed milk, baked pear drizzled with honey, oak with faint citrus hints. Warming and inviting.

PALATE: Banana and tropical fruit, bits of grilled pineapple, hints of wood and vanilla with shortbread creaminess. Big and bold with soft pepper and citrus. I finished my first glass without water. Just delicious and drinkable.

FINISH: Medium length with a creamy sweetness and black pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Just like the Identity, Passion has that distinctive Belgian Owl fruity sweetness balanced with soft spices that are the defining characteristic of this Belgian distillery. This sweeter dram suited my sweet palate very well.

Now I need to capture my tasting notes for the Belgian Owl Intense release. I also saw the new bottling from this distillery. They are gorgeous! I want to buy and finish a bottle just to have the beautiful bottle!

Sample disclosure: I received this whisky from the SA Belgian Owl team. The review and tasting notes are my own honest, fair and independent thoughts about the whisky.

Also Read: Bain’s 15 yo Whisky

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/10/2023

In Rye Whiskey

I have not had a rye whisky to review for such a long time. It is high time for something a bit more spicy and different, so today I look at the Sazerac Straight Rye whiskey. This whiskey is named after the Sazerac coffee house in New Orleans, which is deemed the birthplace of the famous Sazerac cocktail.

Rye whisky is slowly becoming more accessible in South Africa, and it is an excellent addition to the tasting range. During last months’ The Only Whisky Show, there were quite a few exciting rye releases available to taste including the Sagamore Spirit rye cask strength and the Double Oak.

Sazerac Rye is produced at the Buffalo Trace distillery. Other brands in the Buffalo Trace portfolio include WL Weller Bourbon, Eagle Rare Bourbon, Blanton’s Bourbon and Fireball Cinnamon.

The Sazerac Straight Rye is aged for around 6 years and the whiskey has a mash bill of over 51% rye. I love the old school bottle shape that stands out compared to the other standard bottles on my whiskey shelf.

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey Review

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: Dark gold with hints of red.

NOSE: Sweetness blended with a variety of spices. Bits of pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. Woody notes with red berries, vanilla and caramel. Big and bold but not overwhelming. It promises a rich warming experience.

PALATE: Woody notes with spices mixed with fruit flavours and rich toffee notes. Cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper heat from the rye with a vanilla and caramel creaminess. The fruit from the nose translates to the palate with notes of red berries. Medium body and not the most complex dram. Water tones down the spicy heat and makes it very drinkable.

FINISH: Medium length ending in pepper spice and caramel.

RATING: EXCELLENT

John loves rye whiskey, and this is no exception. He loves the spicier palate. I prefer something a bit sweeter, but when you tone down the spicy notes with a bit of water, the Sazerac Rye becomes very drinkable. Even for my sweet palate. It is warming and inviting, and I did not mind a second glass.

The Sazerace Straight Rye whiskey is not that expensive. I see you can pick it up from Amazon for around £35. An affordable and versatile bottle to add to your drinks cabinet.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Rittenhouse Rye whiskey and the Sazerac Straight Rye, and if you follow the link you can see how they differ. I have also tasted a Scottish Rye whisky, the Arbiki Highland Rye release. A different spice profile, but still enjoyable.

What is a Sazerac cocktail?

Of course, I also had to try a Sazerac Cocktail. There are many variations of the Sazerac cocktail, but this one on the Liquor.com is probably the most widely quoted recipe that I have seen. It includes rinsing your glass with a bit of absinthe before muddling the sugar water and the bitters together. This version uses both cognac and rye whiskey.

This is a cocktail that I can drink regularly and will be making a more regular appearance on my cocktail trolley.

Ardbeg Uigeadail Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/24/2023

In Single Malt whisky

In December 2013, I got some time to catch up on some of my blog posts. I initially tasted this Ardbeg Uigeadail Islay single malt Scotch whisky during July 2013.

My first introduction to Ardbeg was on Ardbeg Day 2013 when I wandered past Marc’s Whiskybrother Shop in Hydepark and tasted the Ardbeg 10 yo whisky.

Both me and John fell in love with it and walked out with our first bottle. Ardbeg has become one of my favourite distilleries, and my collection has since grown to a few more bottles, including expressions like Uigeadail and Corryvreckan.

I acquired the Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky on an online auction. The name Uigeadail derives from the Scotch Gaelic for ‘Dark and Mysterious Place’ and is named for the Loch from where Ardbeg draws its peat-laden waters.

Most of the standard Ardbeg releases is peated to about 50 ppm and the Ardbeg Uigeadai is a NAS release.

Also Read: Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa whisky

This expression marries the traditional smoky notes of Ardbeg with the sweet raisiny notes of old ex-Sherry casks. This release was launched 10 years ago and has won awards ever since. The Ardbeg distillery is part of the Louis Vuitton stable together with Glenmorangie distillery.

In 2009, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named Ardbeg Uigeadail ‘World Whisky of the Year’ – in praise of its “utter silky brilliance” and “complexity on a level only a handful of distilleries in the world can even dream of reaching.”

The 80,000 strong Ardbeg Committee also voted Ardbeg Uigeadail as their favourite Ardbeg. I was thrilled to get it and excitedly looked forward to tasting it.

Ardbeg Uigeadail Islay Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 54.2%.

COLOUR: Light amber. It’s a beautifully oily whisky, leaving delightful fingers on the inside of the glass. On the addition of water, it goes slightly milky – just beautiful.

NOSE: Nosing is unforgettable. Peat hits you like a wet cloth in the face. Smoke, iodine and medicinal notes follow soon after. You know you are dealing with an Ardbeg! Raisins, hints of honey and spice follow in the background. It’s complex and sophisticated.

PALATE: On tasting the Uigeadail, you are struck by how big a mouthful this whisky is. Peat and smoke fill your mouth. Notes of sherry and Christmas cake come through.

FINISH: Something else! The finish is long and lingering. Starting with raisins and honey, it ends with notes of pepper and espresso. Along the way, it evolves in complexity and richness and continues long after you have swallowed.

Its warmth seems to expand throughout your body. It is unforgettable. The Ardbeg Uigeadail is one of Johns favourites and a whisky he goes back to time and time again.

RATING: EXCELLENT

There is a perfect balance between the smoke and peat and the sweetness that the sherry casks bring. Complex, big and bold that stays in your memory long after the glass is empty, I know people how don’t like peat can find an Uigeadail overwhelming.

It is not a whisky for firs time whisky drinkers. In South Africa, it retails for around R1 100. The Ardbeg Uigeadail is one of the finest whiskies that you can lay your hands on if you love the Islay style.

This is a great whisky to experiment with in terms of side by side comparisons. I have tried the Uigeadail compared to the Corryvreckan single malt, the Ardbeg An Oa as well as the Lagavulin 16 year old whisky. All fun experiments that highlight the strong point of this Islay dram.

Uigeadail and Food Pairings

Pairing this whisky with food will be interesting. I can imagine fresh oysters and a glass of Uigeadail. When I get my hands on some fresh oysters topped up with a drop of lemon juice and a dash of Tabasco, I am trying it.

The Ardbeg Uigeadail also pair well with salmon sashimi. The saltiness of the fish and the soya should complement the smoky, peaty finish of the whisky. On the cheese front, a strongly flavoured cheese will do well with this peaty whisky.

I paired this peaty release with some Lindt Lindor dark 60% chocolate, and it makes for a delicious combination.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 yo Whisky

Johnnie Walker Double Black Blended Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/19/2022

In Blended whisky

Time for a Johnnie Walker Double Black whisky. Black – a timeless colour that resonates with elegance and sophistication. Henry Ford once famously quipped, “A customer can have a car painted any colour he wants as long as it’s black.” His reasoning? Cost-effectiveness, as black was the only colour available in the quick-drying paint of his time.

Coco Chanel echoed the sentiments, declaring, “Women think of all colours except the absence of colour. I have said that black has it all. Its beauty is absolute. It is perfect harmony.” Black, it seems, stirs profound emotions.

In the realm of colour psychology, black signifies power and refinement. It’s a hue shrouded in mystery, denoting strength and authority. Black exudes formality, elegance, and prestige. So, it’s no surprise that Johnnie Walker chose to double down on black when crafting their exquisite Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch whisky.

Also Read: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black

Introduced by Diageo around 2011, Johnnie Walker Double Black elevates the iconic flavours of its predecessor, Johnnie Walker Black, to a whole new level. The maestro behind this transformation is Diageo Master Blender Jim Beveridge, who envisioned a darker, smokier interpretation of the beloved Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky.

Beveridge oversaw the maturation of Double Black in heavily charred oak casks. A higher proportion of Scottish West Coast and Island whiskies were blended into the mix, intensifying the already remarkable Johnnie Walker Black flavours. And thus, the Double Black blended Scotch was born, devoid of any age statement.

Johnnie Walker Double Black Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Amber with a little bit of red and copper floating around.

NOSE: On the initial nosing, you get a feeling of richness, complexity and luxury. There are notes of smoke, sherry-soaked Christmas pudding, red berry fruits, and a medley of nuts. Hints of vanilla intertwine with delicate, malty nuances.

PALATE: The journey continues with a burst of peppery spices, swiftly followed by waves of smoke and oak. It’s a robust, mouth-filling experience marked by a buttery richness in flavour. Subtle peat notes harmonize beautifully with the embrace of malt and honey sweetness.

With a few drops of water, the Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch whisky becomes sweeter, smoother, and more approachable, albeit losing a fraction of its intricacy.

FINISH: The grand finale unfolds gradually, leaving you with lingering notes of pepper, malt, and citrus. Without water, the finish is undeniably superior. The addition of water releases a touch of citrus bitterness in the finish.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Johnnie Walker Double Black blended Scotch whisky is that quintessential blend you can confidently request anywhere. It unfailingly delivers delight, turning even the dreariest of days into moments of joy. This dram is bold and audacious, a testament to Johnnie Walker’s commitment to quality. It’s a whisky worth stocking up on!

For those curious souls, I embarked on a side-by-side comparison between the classic Johnnie Black Label and the enigmatic Double Black. Is Double Black indeed double the delight?

Meanwhile, in Mauritius, I stumbled upon a release I didn’t see in South Africa, the Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry finish whisky, and embarked on a flavour adventure, capturing intriguing tasting notes for this distinctive release.

Also Read: Milk & Honey Elements Peated Whisky

Dunville’s PX Cask 12 year old Irish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/05/2022

In Irish Whiskey

An Irish whiskey for me to try today. Dunville Irish whiskey is relatively new to South Africa, and I have not yet tasted anything from this Northern Ireland-based distillery. I received three different Danville samples from Truman & Orange, and I loved the packaging on this Dunville’s PX Cask 12 year old single malt Irish whiskey, so I decided to try it first.

The Dunville Company initially began as a tea and spirits merchant company based in Belfast, founded by John Dumville. He soon ditched the tea portion and became successful as an Irish whiskey blender, and in 1869 built his own distillery, the Royal Irish Distilleries. The distillery occupied an impressive four-storey red-brick building and was amongst the most modern in Ireland.

Prohibition in the USA caused Dunville to lose access to its most important market. And when the last heir and chairman of Dunville, Robert Lambart Dunville, died in 1931, the company was liquidated.

Also Read: Teeling Small Batch Whiskey

In 2013, almost 80 years after the last Dunville’s spirits was distilled, the Echlinville distillery revived the Dunville’s brand and began distilling it at their farm distillery in the Ards Peninsula. Before they began distilling their own, they purchased spirits elsewhere and finished them in their own warehouse.

Dunville’s core range features the Dunville’s PX 12 year old single malt, Dunville’s Three Crowns Vintage blend and Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated – one of only a small handful of peated Irish whiskeys.

The Dunville’s PX 12 year old whiskey from Dunville’s Very Rare range has been matured exclusively in Pedro Ximénez casks.

Dunville’s PX Cask 12 year old Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Reddish gold

NOSE: Fresh-cut grass and pine needles with elegant pepper and bits of oak. Sultanas and sherry notes with a creamy undertone. Lovely and inviting.

PALATE: Baking spice and oak with dry fruit sweetness. Vanilla and hints of Christmas cake mixed with baked Granny Smith apples, lemon peel and black pepper. Medium body with a bit of alcohol heat.

The sherry comes through soft and elegant, and not overwhelming. It is lovely without water. Water softens the alcohol heat but also brings more pepper and pectin spice to the front.

FINISH: Medium length with drying oak and soft sherry and pepper notes.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Dunville’s PX cask 12 year old single malt is smooth and delicious, and very drinkable. Complex enough to entice without losing the accessibility of Irish whiskey.

The Dunville’s range is brought to South Africa by Truman & Orange, a premium drinks company seeking to bring greater choice to the South African spirits landscape. They also have Highland Park, Sexton whisky and The Naked Range in their portfolio.

The Dunville’s whiskey range is available at WhiskyShop and Whiskybrother&Co and also online at Cutlerdrinks. They are also available via Amazon and retail for around £85.

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: Teeling Single Malt Whiskey