Tag: Rating: Excellent Page 6 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

Helden Hickory Wood Spirit

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/24/2022

In Single Malt whisky

On the 24th of September, South Africa celebrates Heritage Day. I was invited to the Whisky Shop’s Heritage Day celebrations and got the opportunity to try some proudly South African whisky. Except for Bain’s whisky, there was also Boplaas with their whisky and brandy, as well as the Helden Distillery with the Helden Hickory Wood single malt spirit.

I know that WhiskyBrother& Co have bottled a Young Single Malt from Helden distillery. And if the WhiskyBrother &Co team liked it enough to bottle something from here, I had to explore more of this Free States distillery.

The Helden Distillery is a South African whisky distillery situated in Parys in the Vredefort Dome. The Vredefort Dome is a UNESCO World Heritage area, the world’s largest meteor impact site. Helden is the Dutch word for “hero”.

Also Read: Benriach The Smoky Twelve Whisky

The Lead Distiller, Pieter van Helden was first exposed to the concept of distillation while at school. He went on to obtain a PhD in Chemistry. Pieter gradually matured from producing hobby-level fruit brandies (locally known as mampoer) to focusing on the art of whisky.

With a passion for Africa and innovation, the Helden Distillery was founded in 2018. They share premises with their brewing partner, the well-known The Dog & Fig Brewery. The focus is on combining sustainable African malted grains with innovative African wood maturation for their single malt and single grain spirits.

The Helden Hickory Wood spirit is a small batch single malt spirit is made from specially roasted South African malts and then distilled in a pot and column still. It is matured in toasted Hickory wood using AccelerAge technology.

Helden Hickory Wood Single Malt Spirit Review

The Helden Hickory Wood is about 5 months old. It is not chill-filtered and is a natural colour. Only 174 bottles were produced. I have bottle 20/174.

COUNTRY: South Africa

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Light Gold

NOSE: Caramel with ripe red grapes. A fruity sweetness with pepper and a floral note.

PALATE: Dry leather and wood with malt and fruity sweetness. Hints of nutmeg and cardamom mixed with cream and traces of toasted nuts. After standing for a few minutes, I get notes of fragrant tea roses. A medium body. A few drops of water makes it smooth and drinkable.

FINISH: Short finish with lemon pepper and wood. Floral notes with bits of rose and nutmeg.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Helden Hickory Wood single malt spirit is too young to be called a whisky, but it drinks smoother than a 3 yo dram. Interesting and different. This young malt explores and expands the boundaries of what whisky can be. It moves away from the older way of thinking about whisky and looks at embracing new taste experiences. A distillery worth celebrating.

When you combine passion, technology and innovation, you get something individual. And if you like unique wood finishes, the Helden range should get a place in your collection.

The Helden Hickory Wood spirit retail for around R 450 is available online from the distillery, WhiskyShop and WhiskyBrother &Co. If you visit Parys, it is worth booking a private Helden whisky tasting experience. That way, you can experience the whole range of whiskies and learn about the production process and brand.

More from the Helden Range

The Helden whisky range consists of the Innovate Range, Limited and Premium, and the Summer collection. The Innovate range includes Cherrywood, Hickory wood finish, and New Make spirits.

An African Bonfire whisky will be part of the Premium collection. This will be a sorghum malt-based whisky that is matured using indigenous African Camel Thorn wood. I have tasted a bit of this, and it is delicious. It is going to be perfect for a bushveld braai.

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

Rhino Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/10/2022

In Single Malt whisky

Today I look at a delicious whisky with a great cause. That is a win-win situation. A week ago, this bottle of Rhino whisky arrived. I love the design and packaging, and it comes with an extraordinary story.

Southern Africa is facing a poaching crisis. The killing of rhinos for their horns has reached unprecedented levels. In just a decade, more than 7,500 African rhinos have been killed in the mistaken belief that the horn can heal illness. The horn is mainly composed of keratin, the same protein found in hair and fingernails and holds no medicinal value.

Two friends were sitting around a campfire lamenting the rhino poaching crisis and the possible extinction of these magnificent animals. Tired of just talking, they decided to do something about it.

Also Read: Benriach The Smoky Twelve Whisky

Gerrit Wagener and Brin Kuchner (a qualified ranger) decided to create a whisky that would highlight the plight of the African rhino and give back to rhino conservation in Africa. They committed to donating 5% of all sales to rehabilitating orphaned baby rhinos at the Rhino Orphanage in the Limpopo province. And so Rhino whisky was born.

The Rhino whisky is a Scotch single malt whisky from an undisclosed distillery in Strathspey, the area around the River Spey in Northeastern Scotland. Rhino whisky is double matured in Rum Casks and bottled as a NAS release.

Rhino whisky retails for around R 590.00 and is available online via Takealot and WhiskyBrother & Co in South Africa and at a few select retailers.

Rhino Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Gold red

NOSE: Elegant tropical fruit sweetness with bits of baking spice and malt. Hints of cream and vanilla with a green undertone.

PALATE: Freshly baked vanilla shortbread and toasted oak. Then comes the tropical fruit sweetness with overripe guava and hints of honey and floral notes. There are hints of cinnamon and black pepper in the background. Nice balance between the oaky spices and the sweetness. Medium body. A drop or two of water brings more spices to the front.

FINISH: Medium length with malt oiliness and vanilla.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Rhino whisky is an easy drinking and approachable dram. Perfect for a novice but well-rounded enough for a connoisseur to also enjoy. The whisky worked for my palate as I prefer sweeter drams. This is a delicious whisky and will make a great gift for the whisky lover in your life.

The Rhino Orphanage

The Rhino Orphanage, a non-profit organisation, is the world’s first rhino orphanage. The orphanage is a specialist, dedicated, a non-commercial centre that cares for orphaned and injured baby rhinos with the only aim of releasing them back into the wild.

Visit www.therhinoorphanage.co.za for more information.

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

Also Read: Clan Denny Islay Edition Whisky

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/26/2022

In Single Malt whisky

Time for a whisky from somewhere different. In celebration of World Whisky Day, let’s try a whisky from Taiwan. The Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique cask strength single malt whisky. On the 21^st of May, it was World Whisky Day. Dreamt up by Blair Bowman while studying at the University of Aberdeen, participants are encouraged to drink whisky on this day.

As if we need an excuse! It is a day to invite friends and neighbours over to try a few drams and celebrate the glorious ‘water of life’. It is about making whisky fun and enjoyable. Spreading the whisky word to people who have not tried it before. You should drink what you enjoy. Be it Scottish or bourbon, Irish or world whiskey – enjoy it and share it.

I have saved our last small bottle of Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique whisky for this special day. What better whisky to celebrate World Whisky Day with than a world whisky.

The King Car Group distils Kavalan. The whisky was named after the indigenous people who initially inhabited the area – the Kavalan people. Kavalan is the only dedicated single malt distillery in Taiwan. The distillery uses a similar production process as well as the same rules as Scottish whisky.

Kavalan had their stills made in Scotland, and they even have an Edinburgh-educated (Taiwanese) master blender – Ian Chang. Mr Lee, the distillery founder, is a big fan of classical music. There is a full-size concert hall at the Kavalan distillery. The Kavalan whiskies all have a musical connection like the Kavalan Concertmaster release.

The Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique cask strength single malt whisky was matured in used American oak wine barrels that have been toasted and charred again.

Related Article: Slyrs Whisky

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Whisky Review

COUNTRY: Taiwan

ABV: 57%

COLOUR: Ruby red amber colour.

NOSE: It almost looks like burnt caramel. Initially, the nose is sweet with hints of berries, cherries, fermented grapes and slight floral notes. Some vanilla and caramel are floating around. After a while, faint hints of oak and bitter chocolate emerge.

PALATE: It an almost sweet jam-like quality, followed by an unusual spiciness which lingers around for a long time, slowly dissipating away. There are notes of oak and fruit. It’s a rich mouth-filling dram that feels luxurious on the palate. The addition of water smooths the dram and takes away some of the alcohol heat. It makes the whisky easier on the palate.

FINISH: One of the highlights of this whisky.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Solist Vinho Barrique Cask is a rich complex bold, full-bodied whisky. It has complexity and flavour notes that complimented each other. Very well balanced. Now to find myself a proper full-sized bottle! It is a bit on the expensive side, but so worth it.

In South Africa, this release retails for around R 2 300. The Vinho Barrique whisky is big and bold; it lingers forever. What a beautiful dram. A bit expensive, but a dram I don’t mind paying extra for.

Also read: Macallan 10 yo Whisky

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/23/2022

In Blended whisky

All around the world, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky is seen as a globally acclaimed symbol of super-premium whisky excellence. Sipping on this blend in South Africa signifies that you’ve arrived and are living your best life.

As I’ve explored in my previous posts, the Johnnie Walker saga traces its origins back to a modest grocery shop in Ayrshire, Scotland. John “Johnnie” Walker’s vision laid the foundation. His grandsons, Alexander Walker II and George Walker, revolutionized the whisky industry by introducing the colour-based naming system.

This innovative approach commenced in 1909 with the iconic Johnnie Walker Red Label. It soon expanded to encompass a spectrum of colours.

Also Read: Aultmore 18 yo Whisky

Yet, among these illustrious blends, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky reigns supreme. This blend represents a harmonious marriage of 35 grain and malt whiskies, some aged for up to an astonishing 60 years. Master Distiller Jim Beveridge crafted this masterpiece to reflect the essence of early 19th-century whiskies.

But is it just the marketing that makes Johnnie Walker‘s Blue Label extraordinary? Let’s dive into the taste experience of this blended whisky.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Golden amber. It is a thick and oily whisky with long slow fingers on the inside of the glass.

NOSE: Layers of aromas unfold, first some oak and malt, followed by the subtle embrace of barley. Following this are hints of smoke and peat that dance in harmony, and as you explore further, faint suggestions of dark Christmas cake, spice, and dried fruit emerge. Should you add a touch of water, the nose reveals a bouquet of fresh flowers and delicate florals.

PALATE: Peat and old wood with toasted nuts and toffee. Without water, the palate offers a delightful hint of spice. However, a drop of water transforms the Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky into a more floral and sweeter symphony, balancing its flavours. The Blue Label presents an easily approachable yet complex enough profile with a velvety texture.

FINISH: A medium-length finish, leaving traces of spice, caramels, and oak in its wake. Gradually, notes of pepper and nutmeg emerge, with a touch of citrus adding depth to the finale.

RATING: EXCELLENT

While Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch undoubtedly stands as a remarkable whisky, it raises the question of whether its premium price tag aligns with its overall value. It is a well-balanced whisky, but the taste is not exceptionally remarkable or memorable.

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch in South Africa is typically priced around R2,500, making it quite expensive. You can pick it up from Amazon for around £165 in the UK.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, this iconic blue bottle stands out as a premium luxury.

Other Premium Category Comparisons

In my evaluation, other blends in the super-premium category have received higher ratings and might take precedence on my list.

I’ve compared the Johnnie Walker Blue Label and the Johnnie Walker XR whisky in a dedicated post to shed more light on the matter. The nuances between these two exceptional expressions are explored in-depth, providing further insights into the world of Johnnie Walker’s whiskies.

Another captivating side-by-side exploration awaits comparing Johnnie Walker Blue Label and the Black Label whisky. Playing with colour, I did a comparison between the Green Label and Blue Label as well.

Also Read: Chivas Royal Salute 21yo whisky

Bain’s Shiraz Cask 10 yo Single Grain Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/19/2022

In Grain Whisky

We went away on holiday, and I took some whisky with us. I have been loving the Bain’s 15 yo and was keen to try the Bain’s Shiraz Cask finish 10 yo single grain whisky.

We explored Mauritius, and the warm, tropical island was a great place to take a grain whisky to. The Bain’s Shiraz cask finish whisky is a new limited edition launched in 2020. It is available in travel retail and at the James Sedgwick distillery shop.

Like the standard Bain’s whisky, the Shiraz cask is a grain whisky double matured in ex-bourbon casks for about five years. Following its initial double maturation, this whisky was finished in ex-Shiraz American oak casks for five years.

A Shiraz finish is rarely selected as a whisky finish; however, it is not the first time that the James Sedgwick distillery has experimented with this type of cask. A couple of years ago, a Three Ships Shiraz cask finish whisky was released as part of their Masters Collection.

Looking online, I also found a High West Double Syrah Finish and the Mythology Syrah Finish whiskey. However, this is one of the only grain whisky releases aged in Shiraz, and that makes this genuinely unique.

Shiraz is a red wine cultivar with a distinct smoky flavour. In some parts of the world, it is referred to as Syrah. Shiraz wines generally have smoky, peppery, spicy and ripe plum and berry flavour.

I wrote down my tasting notes for this whisky on the beautiful island during our holiday and just captured them here to remind us of our fabulous trip.

Also Read: Bain’s 15 yo Sonically Matured whisky

Bain’s Shiraz Cask 10 yo Whisky Review

The Bain’s Shiraz Cask Finish is a single grain whisky bottled at cask strength, non-chill-filtered and natural in colour. I have bottle 4368 of 4650.

COUNTRY: South Africa

ABV: 63.5%

COLOUR: Golden red

NOSE: As I opened the bottle, the red wine nearly overpowers everything else. After the glass stood for a few minutes, the more traditional Bains tropical fruit and sweetness came through. Hints of oak, vanilla and red fruits with pepper.

PALATE: The first sip has loads of drying red wine and tannins. Big and bold and a bit overwhelming. The alcohol doesn’t burn, but you know you are drinking a high ABV dram.

After standing for a little while, the red wine notes wafted off and left ripe red fruits, spicy toffee, pineapples and vanilla. Hints of rum and raisin ice cream with a woody undertone. Water softens the alcohol but brings more red wine to the front.

FINISH: Long and lingering with notes of spice and tropical sweetness.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Smooth and delicious but not an easy drinking whisky. Well balanced and complex, this grain whisky is uniquely different. It is unlike anything I have tasted before.

Drinking the standard Bain’s whisky is like sitting around a dinner table with an old friend. You don’t have to dress up or fuss; you can kick back and talk about frivolous things the whole evening.

Sipping the Shiraz Cask is like sitting down for an hour with Albert Einstein. You dress formally, listen more than speak, and come away dazed but overwhelmed. The Shiraz Cask is a whisky to savour and appreciate.

It is not for the faint of heart or for a newbie. Let it breathe for 5 to 6 minutes before trying it. Andy Watts, the Master Distiller, has again shown his brilliance and his amazing skill. The whisky retail for R975, and I have bought mine online from the James Sedgwick shop.

Also Read: Three Ships 10 yo Whisky