Tag: Rating: Excellent Page 8 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

The GlenDronach 12 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/25/2022

In Single Malt whisky

One of my favourite, affordable sherry bombs and I have never written about it; the GlenDronach 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Today I rectify this oversight. It is one of those classic drams that can so easily be overlooked.

The GlenDronach is a Highlands distillery. Whisky from this distillery has been used in various blends including Teacher’s and Ballantine’s whisky.

The Glendronach Core range consists of an Allardice 18 year old and the Parliament 21 year old whisky release. There is even a Glendronach Peated whisky release. GlenDronach distillery also has various limited edition releases as well as single cask releases.

However, today I it is the turn of the GlenDronach 12 year old whisky. Re-launched in 2009, it is entirely aged in PX and Oloroso casks. The 12 year old is not chill-filtered with no added colouring. There is also a 15 year old release as part of the core collection.

Since I last wrote about GlenDronach, various things happened. I wrote about the GlenDronach 16 year old and covered the history of this distillery. I have also tasted the GlenDronach 13 year old single cask release bottled especially for Whisky Brother. When I wrote both these to posts, the distillery was still part of the BenRiach Group.

During April 2016 GlenDronach Distillery was purchased by the Brown-Forman Corporation. The deal included the BenRiach and Glenglassaugh distilleries as well.

Also Read: The Glenrothes Robur Reserve whisky

The GlenDronach 12 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Highlands

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Rich golden amber

NOSE: Rich notes of sherry, toasted nuts, ripe red berries and fruit including raisins and ripe plums, toffee with creamy vanilla.

PALATE: Ripe cherries and berries, raisins balanced with butterscotch, wood spices and ginger with hints of malt. It is rich and full-bodied with a creamy mouthfeel. It is perfectly smooth and easy drinking with just a little bit of a peppery bite. Add water carefully; it only needs a few drops to release additional smoothness.

FINISH: Woody notes with a dry full cream sherry finish and hints of nuts.

RATING: EXCELLENT

It is a fantastic, underrated whisky. It retails for under R700 in South Africa and is readily available. So easy drinking and delicious. The GlenDronach 12 year old whisky is a fruity sweet dram with just the slightest hints of spice and pepper. The sweetness is not overwhelming; it is creamy, soft and inviting.

This 12 year old Scotch is the perfect dram for autumn; sitting on the patio, on a late autumn afternoon, just before sunset. When the colour of the trees around me has turned all the shades of red, orange and golden yellow, this golden amber GlenDronach is the perfect end to a busy day. In South Africa, the Glendronach 12 year old retails for around R 900.

Also Read: Kornog Whisky

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/15/2022

In Bourbon whiskey

I was captivated when I saw the bottle with its elegant floral adornments. There’s something enchanting about a distinctive bottle shape, especially when you can envision repurposing it once the contents are gone. The Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon whiskey takes bottle aesthetics to a new level.

Its unique, eye-catching design features a distinct shape and exquisite raised roses embedded in the glass.

The origin of the Four Roses brand has a touch of mystery surrounding it. Some sources suggest that Rufus Mathewson Rose was the brand’s founder and that it was likely named as a tribute to the Rose Family.

However, the version I find more enchanting is the romantic tale of Paul L Jones Jr falling head over heels for a charming Southern belle. Instead of proposing in person, he opted for a heartfelt letter.

Her response was equally poetic – she promised to wear a red rose to the local ball to signal her favourable response. To his delight, she wore not one but four red roses.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Sadly, the fact that Paul L Jones Jr never tied the knot hints at an untold twist in this love story. But let’s shift our focus to the liquid gold inside the bottle.

Four Roses employs a unique approach by using two different mash bills and five distinct yeast strains to craft ten distinctive bourbon recipes. The Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon whiskey boasts a mash bill consisting of 60% corn, 35% malted rye, and 5% malted barley, complemented by yeast blends that impart fruity, vanilla, and caramel notes.

Today, the Four Roses brand is owned by the Kirin Brewery Company. In addition to the Single Barrel, their portfolio features the classic Four Roses Bourbon and the Four Roses Small Batch bourbon.

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 50%

COLOUR: Dark reddish copper

NOSE: Fruity sweetness with some cinnamon, toffee, maple syrup, vanilla spice, hints of dark chocolate.Prepare to be greeted by a symphony of fruity sweetness intertwined with hints of cinnamon, toffee, maple syrup, vanilla spice, and subtle undertones of dark chocolate.

PALATE: Buckle up for a bold and spicy journey. While the fruity sweetness from the nose takes a step back, you’ll be hit with a robust burst of rye spices – think nutmeg, allspice, and cloves – with intriguing hints of dried fruit. Amidst it all, notes of bitter chocolate dance around toasted oak.

There’s no need to dilute this bourbon, as there’s no harsh alcohol burn, even at its high ABV. However, a drop of water works magic, coaxing forth more sweetness. The spices mellow, and the fruity sweetness takes centre stage, transforming the dark chocolate into luscious, chocolate-covered cherries.

FINISH: The finish is spicy with lingering oaky nuances.

RATING: EXCELLENT

This Single Barrel bourbon whiskey is delicious. Creamy and indulgent, it boasts a substantial body that leaves a lasting impression. There may be more budget-friendly options, retailing at around R700 at Whisky Brother.

Furthermore, its availability might be limited in South Africa. However, the experience it offers is well worth the investment. If you chance upon it, seize the opportunity to savour this gem.

Pairing this bold and spicy Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon whiskey with a perfectly aged steak is a culinary match made in heaven. Have you had the pleasure of enjoying this exquisite bourbon? Share your thoughts; we’d love your take on the Four Roses Single Barrel.

Also Read: Eagle Rare 10 yo Bourbon

Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey Review

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/11/2022

In Irish Whiskey

Today I look at something from Ireland, the Teeling Small Batch Irish whiskey. In 1782 Walter Teeling set up a craft distillery on Marrowbone Lane in the Liberties area of Dublin.

Little did he know that this was the start of a Teeling whiskey distilling tradition that will span more than 230 years. Dublin was traditionally the heart of the Irish whiskey industry.

But unfortunately, as the economy turned, Irish whiskey fell on hard times, and so did distilling in Dublin, and the last still ran dry in 1976. In 1987 John Teeling converted an older potato alcohol plant to a distillery.

Situated on the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, the Cooley Distillery company crafted Irish whiskey under a Teeling’s control. In 2012 Beam bought the Cooley Company, and again it looked like the end of the distilling tradition for the Teeling family.

But the distilling tradition is hard to get out of your blood and bones, and in 2012, the Teeling Whiskey Company started in Dublin.

It is only a stone’s throw from Walter Teelings’ old distillery. The latest generation of Teeling, namely Jack and Stephen, are carrying on the family’s tradition. It is also the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years. A distillery right in the heart of Dublin.

The opening of the Teeling Distillery brings the craft of distilling back into the very heart of Dublin city centre. The Teeling Whiskey Company aims to be Ireland’s leading independent Irish whiskey producer through a selection of unique handcrafted small batch Irish whiskeys.

In addition to the Teeling Small Batch Irish whiskey, there is also a single grain Irish whiskey and a single malt whiskey in their portfolio.

Related Article: Dunville’s Three Crowns Sherry Finish Whiskey

Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey Review

I bought the bottle of Teeling Small Batch Irish whiskey from my favourite whisky shop, WhiskyBrother in Hydepark. The Teeling Small Batch whiskey was finished for 6 months in Rum casks. It is not chill-filtered and bottled during May 2014.

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Quite a light colour. Golden wheat.

NOSE: Sweet with barley and grains. Grassy floral notes and fresh fruit salad are drifting around. Adding some water enhances the floral character of the Teeling Small Batch whiskey.

PALATE: Boiled sweets, condensed milk and apricots. There are hints of winter spice, like nutmeg and cinnamon, intermingling with some woody notes. The Small Batch is creamy and rich on the palate.

FINISH: Medium length and then comes back with notes of spice and creamy oak. Easy drinking and smooth.

RATING: EXCELLENT

This Teeling whiskey is one of the few drams that I would prefer without water. Nice and sweet with just the right balance of spiciness. It makes for a great addition to the collection, and I will look for more from this Dublin distillery. In South Africa, this Irish whiskey retails for around R490 and is readily available.

Now I need to go and find a nice creamy Irish cheese to pair it with. I tried it with a bit of vanilla ice cream, and it paired wonderfully.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Teeling Single Malt and Single Grain whiskey to understand the differences between them.

Also Read: Scottish Leader Signature Whisky

Benriach The Twelve Single Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/04/2022

In Single Malt whisky

A beautiful box arrived a week or three ago. It was an invitation to join Rowan Gibb, the Super Premium Whisky Ambassador, to taste some Benriach whisky now available in SA. The tasting pack included the Benriach The Twelve Speyside single Malt Scotch whisky as well as the Benriach Smoky Twelve whisky.

The Benriach distillery has many links with South Africa. John Duff, the original owner, travelled through South Africa with his family during the 1800 and visited Johannesburg during the gold rush. He wanted to start a distillery here, but that did not work out as planned.

He went back to Scotland and, in 1898, built two distilleries next to each other in the Elgin region of Speyside. The other distillery was the Longmorn distillery. The Benriach distillery shut down during the Pattison crash, and only the malting floor remained active.

In 1965 the distillery was reopened by Glenlivet Distillers and, over the years, changed hands various times. In 2004 the Benriach distillery was bought by a consortium formed by two South Africans and Scottish whisky expert Billy Walker.

Also Read: Teerenpeli Whisky

The consortium expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of the Glendronach distillery in 2008 and the Glenglassaugh distillery in 2013. In 2016 the consortium sold all three of these distilleries to Brown-Forman.

Brown Forman appointed Dr Rachel Barry as the Master Distiller, and she has been refreshing the core range’s branding and structure. The look of the bottles and branding is reminiscent of the more classic branding from the early years.

Today let’s look at the Benriach The Twelve single malt whisky. In a week or two, I will also publish my tasting notes for the Benriach The Smoky Twelve whisky.

The Benriach The Twelve whisky was launched in 2020 as part of BenRiach’s new core range of single malts. It combines whisky matured in sherry casks, bourbon barrels and port casks for at least 12 years. Dr Barry then married the whisky from each cask together to create a sherry-rich single malt.

Benriach The Twelve Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Golden bronze

NOSE: Rich and sweet with notes of red fruits, sherry and cherries. Something fresh in the background reminds me of fresh summer meadow flowers and green apples. There are hints of cocoa and honey in the background.

PALATE: Sweet with toffee apples, summer fruit salad and fresh cream, chocolate-coated cherries and pepper. Bits of wood and tropical fruit floating around. Warming chilli spiciness balances out the sweetness. Water softens the fruity notes and takes away a bit of the complexity.

FINISH: Long and lingering with fruity sweetness and soft pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

A rich sherry forward dram perfect for summer. Perfect as a pre-dinner sipping drink. The Benriach The Twelve is bold and memorable.

The Benriach The Twelve Scotch whisky is an excellent addition to any whisky drinker’s cupboard. The new branding is clean and classic and does credit to the spirit in the bottle.

It is available in South Africa and rentals for around R500. That is an excellent price for a 12 yo single malt from this innovative distillery.

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

Also Read: Kavalan Solist Ex-Bourbon Cask Whisky

Label 5 Blended Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/27/2022

In Blended whisky

Time for an affordable blended whisky again, the Label 5 blended Scotch whisky. My track record with affordable blended whisky this year has not been too good. Since the start of the year, I have tasted five different affordable blends, and I liked only one of them.

The Scottish Leader 12 yo blended whisky is a well-loved staple in my house. The other blends I tasted was less satisfying. Hopefully, this Label 5 blended whisky will add a bit of quality to my affordable whisky list.

The Label 5 Classic Black blended Scotch whisky is produced in the heart of the Scottish Speyside region, between Glasgow and Edinburgh, at the Starlaw Grain Distillery. Label 5 consists of grain blended with some Speyside malts, including Glen Moray.

The Label 5 brand is owned by French company La Martiniquaise and has been one of the biggest selling whiskies in France. It has also picked up several awards at the various prestigious whisky competitions. My bottle had quite a few round gold labels stuck to it.

Frenchman Jean Cayard established La Martiniquaise in 1934 as a rum importer and domestic distribution company, and in 1969, Cayard began dabbling in Scotch whisky with the launch of the Label 5 blend. The Master Blender behind Label 5 is the passionate Graham Coull from Glen Moray.

Also Read: Black & White Whisky

Label 5 Blended Scotch Whisky Review

It is available in over 100 countries. The Label 5 range also includes a 12 year old, the Extra Rare 18 year old, and Label 5 Gold Heritage Scotch whisky.

ABV: 43%

COLOUR:Vibrant gold

NOSE: Sweet with notes of vanilla, malt and faint hints of green fruits. Not the most complex nose but delightful and inviting.

PALATE: Malt, hints of oak, spicy with cinnamon and ginger with hints of honey, fruit. A bit of a hard edge to the palate that softens when you add water. Not as sweet as I expected. Medium body and easy drinking.

FINISH: Ginger and lemon zest with hints of toffee. Medium length.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Label 5 whisky was not as sweet as I expected. I was probably hoping for more of the Glen Moray to come through. Not a bad drink, though. Smooth and easy drinking and at the price point, a great dram. It is an affordable whisky at about £29 on Amazon.

I love the Glen Moray single malts. The Glen Moray Elgin Classic is a favourite when I want to relax.

I get envious every time I see whisky friends open another interesting expression on Twitter. Like Mark’s review of the Glen Moray Chardonnay Cask. I wish we could get a wider variety of Glen Moray in SA.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Premier Whisky