Tag: Rating: Good Page 1 of 8

Whisky of the Week review and tasting notes for whisky I rated Good. When the whisky is drinkable but forgettable. One of us sometimes doesn’t finish the glass. The bottle might be in my collection for a long long time. Rating: Good

Laphroaig Four Oak Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 06/17/2024

In Single Malt whisky

It feels like a peat focused year and this week is no exception. The spotlight this week is shining on the Laphroaig Four Oak Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Peated whiskies always seem to beckon me from the shelves when it comes time to choose, and this particular expression has certainly piqued my interest.

It’s a testament to the evolution of my palate as I explore the whisky landscape, or it’s simply John’s penchant for picking up peated gems on his travels.

Regardless, let’s dive into the realm of the Laphroaig Four Oak whisky release. Many whisky aficionados see Laphroaig as the essential Islay.

Nestled just outside Port Ellen, this distillery, founded in 1815 by Alexander and Donald Johnston, has etched its name in the annals of whisky history. Under the wing of the Beam Suntory Group since 2014, Laphroaig draws its water from Loch Laphroaig on the island’s southern coast.

The distinctive character of Laphroaig comes from its proximity to the ocean and the abundant moss-laden peat of its surroundings.

Laphroaig holds a prominent place in my collection, with the Laphroaig PX Cask reigning as one of my favourites.

The Laphroaig Four Oak was released for the travel retail market in 2016. The Four Oak is a combination of whisky matured in four different oak types, namely ex-bourbon barrels, 19th Century-style quarter casks, virgin American oak barrels and European oak hogsheads. It is a non-age statement release.

Laphroaig Four Oak Whisky Review

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Bright gold

REGION: Islay in Scotland

NOSE: Not as bold as I have come to expect from Laphroaig. There are notes of smoke and medicinal peat mixed with iodine, damp wood, caramel sweetness, hints of red berries and roasted nuts. There is a faint spiciness in the background combined with vanilla, dark roasted coffee beans and malt.

PALATE: The Laphroaig Four Oaks has notes of peat and ash with bits of tar and salty dry seaweed. Oak and a dried fish note mingle with a caramel sweetness, pepper, vanilla and sultanas: soft medicinal TCP and iodine.

Subdued vanilla, cardamom and nutmeg stand next to almonds, burnt coffee beans and salty Dutch drop (liquorice). It feels a bit unfinished, and adding water thins the Laphroaig out. It has a light mouthfeel with a slight alcohol heat. Nothing like the refined Laphroaig Quarter Cask or the bold and complex 10 year old release.

FINISH: The Laphroaig Four Oaks finish is drying burnt wood and pepper. Medium length with hints of iodine, peat and salted caramel. Bits of vanilla and hints of salty liquorice.

RATING: GOOD

This is probably my least favourite Laphroaig, with the exception of the Laphroaig Brodir. I might even call it boring. It lacks the bold medicinal peat, ash, and smoke that I came to expect from Laphroaig.

Water tones down the alcohol heat but also tones down any interesting notes. Don’t add water. It feels like a very young single malt whisky. A redeeming feature is the salty liquorice notes. It reminds me a bit of Dutch drop, which I love.

The Four Oak retail for around $72 in the USA or £ 61 in the UK. I am not sure it is worth it for a non-age-statement single malt Scotch that feels very young. For GBP 60, I would rather buy some Talisker or Caol Ila whisky.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Laphroaig 10 year old and the Quarter Cask whisky release to see how they differ.

Royal Challenge Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/25/2024

In Blended whisky

As a whisky enthusiast living in Mauritius, I relish stumbling upon unique whisky finds, especially those hailing from India. So when I encountered Royal Challenge whisky at Winners in Cascavelle, I knew I had to grab it.

Initially, the brand was crafted by Shaw Wallace and introduced to the Indian market in the early 1980s. United Spirits Ltd (USL), a Diageo group company, acquired Shaw Wallace in July 2005.

Royal Challenge is a grain-flavoured blended whisky with some Scotch and Indian malts. Approximately 12% of the blend is derived from this blend of Scotch and Indian whiskies matured in charred American oak casks. The rest is a neutral spirit distilled from molasses.

However, it’s important to note that Royal Challenge whisky, akin to many Indian “whiskies” (Indian-made foreign liquor), ventures into the realm of ambiguity. In essence, it is a rum blended with some whisky. It is not in line with the Scottish whisky regulations. In the United States, it is called “spirit whisky”.

Despite its unconventional origins, Royal Challenge whisky boasts a formidable presence in the global spirits market, with over 4.5 million cases sold annually. While it enjoys widespread popularity in India, it has also made waves in the USA, Canada, and the UK, showcasing its universal appeal.

In Mauritius, acquiring a bottle won’t break the bank, with a reasonable price tag of Rs 1350. The retail price in Canada was around $29 and $23 in the USA. In the UK, it costs around 42 GBP and ₹ 974 in India.

The Royal Challenge whisky earned a Gold medal for ‘Best Indian Whisky – 2011’ at the International Whisky Competition. It does have added colour.

Also Read: Vat 69 Whisky

Royal Challenge Whisky Review

COUNTRY: India and Scotland

ABV: 42,8%

COLOUR: Antique gold

NOSE:Caramel and fruity sweetness with malt. A slight alcohol note, so let it stand for a minute or 2 for the alcohol to dissipate. Not the most complex nose, but bold nevertheless. My favourite part of the whisky.

PALATE: First taste brings caramel sweetness, malt, and black pepper. After I added a few drops of water, a bitter lemon note came forward and drowned out the malt and sweetness. Faint oak in the background.

FINISH: The finish is short. Without adding water the finish is sweeter. With the water, the finish becomes more bitter lemon and pepper.

RATING: GOOD

My personal tasting experience unveils a mixed verdict. I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either. Possessing a mild sweetness and devoid of any harsh alcohol burn, it serves as a versatile addition to cocktail creations.

I won’t use this in whisky-forward cocktails like an old-fashioned, but I might add this to a whisky mule or a peach smash as it is quite sweet. Just don’t add water.

Have you enjoyed sampling Royal Challenge whisky in your neck of the woods? Share your experiences and impressions with this spirit.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Red Label whisky

Tamnavulin Double Cask Single Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/25/2023

In Single Malt whisky

Today I look at the Tamnavulin Double Cask Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, produced at one of the younger Scottish whisky distilleries. The Tamnavulin distillery was built in 1966, mainly to supply the booming market for whisky to use in blends including Whyte & Mackay and Mackinlay’s.

Tamnavulin distillery was built on the remains of a wool mill, and Tamnavulin is a translation of the Gaelic for ‘mill on the hill’. The water used is from underground springs in the neighbouring hills.

The distillery changed hands a few times and spend some time closed. It ended up in the Emperador/ Whyte & Mackay stable together with Jura and Dalmore.

Also Read: Springbank 18 yo Whisky

In 2016, Tamnavulin was re-launched in the UK as a single malt brand. It marks the 50th anniversary of the distillery. The Tamnavulin range also includes a Sherry cask edition, a red wine cask edition as well as a Vintage Collection.

The Tamnavulin Double Cask single malt whisky is the first official release from the distillery in more than two decades! It is first matured in American oak barrels before a finishing period in sherry casks.

Tamnavulin Double Cask Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Amber gold.

NOSE: An unusual nose. It took me a while to identify the notes. Fermented grapes, wet moss with bits of caramel sweetness. Some alcohol notes floating around—something like mouldy bread in the background.

PALATE: Oak, pepper with bits of caramel, lemon and tobacco. Not a very complex whisky. Adding water renders it flat and one dimensional. Water brings the honey sweetness to the front and softens the oak and pepper notes.

FINISH: Drying oak and pectin.

RATING: GOOD

I have seen very positive reviews on this release, and I was excited to try it. However, it left me disappointed. I saw people mentioning flavours including chocolate mousse, brownies and marzipan. I am wondering if there is something wrong with my bottle.

According to the reviews, I could look forward to Christmas pudding and some fruit, but could not find any of these in my glass; I did not even want to finish my drink. Sadly, I think this bottle of Tamnavulin will be in my collection for quite some time.

It retails for an affordable £30 on Amazon, and perhaps I should go give some of the other expressions a try before judging to harshly.

Also Read: Glen Scotia Double Cask Whisky

1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/17/2023

In Bourbon whiskey

My second bourbon for this year – the 1792 Small Batch Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. These last couple of years, I have been lamenting the fact that the variety of bourbons available in South Africa is declining.

The bourbon selection was limited to Buffalo Trace, a few bottles of Bulleit bourbon, and some Wild Turkey and cheaper Jim Beam releases.

However, towards the middle of 2017, I started noticing a growth in variety in this category. New releases such as the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and the Jim Beam Double Oak bourbon started appearing. It was great to see.

These releases were quickly followed by more brands such as Blanton’s (what a perfect bourbon) and Sazerac Rye, and now you can even get Balcones in SA. On one of my shopping trips, I saw this beautiful-looking bottle of 1792 bourbon. I quickly added it to my collection. It looked fascinating, so I researched the distillery a bit more.

Also Read: Slate Blended Bourbon

The date 1792 refers to the year that Kentucky, until then a large county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, separated and became the 15th United State. A relatively unknown bourbon even in the USA, the 1792 Small Batch bourbon is distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by the Barton distillery.

The Sazerac Company of New Orleans owns the distillery and the brand. In 2013, Jim Murray gave the 1792 bourbon a remarkable 94.5% rating in his annual Whisky Bible. Now, let’s dive deeper into what makes the 1792 bourbon unique.

The 1792 Small Batch bourbon whiskey is a higher-rye bourbon, with about 20% of the mash bill comprising this grain. It’s an 8 yo bourbon, bottled at a robust 93.7 proof.

1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 46.9%

COLOUR: Dark polished amber

NOSE: On the nose you get notes of vanilla, brandied cherries, custard sweetness, and dry orange rind, with hints of fresh red apples and ripe plums. You’ll also detect a touch of oak and spiciness.

PALATE: Prepare for a spicy experience featuring pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and plenty of dry toasted oak. Faint hints of creme caramel, vanilla, and dry orange peel. The sweetness promised by the nose does not fully materialize on the palate, as it leans toward being very spicy with a few rough edges.

Medium body and not the most complex bourbon. Water brings out a bit more sweetness and tones down the alcohol bite but does nothing for the dry spiciness.

FINISH: The finish showcases dry orange peel, oak, and hints of vanilla.

RATING: GOOD

The 1792 Bourbon Small Batch whiskey is undoubtedly one of the spicier bourbons I’ve tasted in recent years. Its intense spice profile dominates the palate, overshadowing the fantastic fresh fruit and creme caramel notes from the nose.

It’s a glass that might challenge your taste buds, but it’s an adventure worth taking for those who appreciate a more spicy profile.

In a time when bourbon enthusiasts are seeking new and exciting expressions, the 1792 whiskey offers a distinctive profile that stands out in the ever-expanding world of bourbon.

The 1792 Small Batch bourbon is available online through Amazon and retail for around £43.

Also Read: Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon

The Chita Single Grain Japanese Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/10/2023

In Grain Whisky

I am expanding my grain tasting notes a bit today with The Chita single grain Japanese whisky. A grain whisky from Japan which had fans of Japanese whisky very excited. There has been lots of hype around Japanese whisky these last couple of years.

The prices of Japanese whisky has skyrocketed, and brands like Hakushu, Yamazaki and Hibiki are sold at premium prices.

There has also been a new focus on grain whiskies with grain releases coming from Japan, Scotland and of course South Africa’s own Bain’s whisky.

I received this bottle of The Chita single grain Japanese whisky as a gift from a friend of John’s. He could not believe that that I did not have a bottle in my collection and immediately went out and bought me one.

The Chita grain whisky is the primary grain component of many of the Suntory blended whiskies. Founded in 1972, Chita distillery is a Japanese whisky distillery located in the Chita district of the Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

Also Read: Milk & Honey Classic Whisky

The Chita distillery produces three types of grain whisky using corn through a continuous multiple column distillation process. The first two are blended whisky components that are used in blends.

Both in Suntory’s domestic market Kakubin and Suntory Old as well as high-end Hibiki respectively. The third type is the distillery’s flagship single grain release called “The Chita”.

Launched in 2015, the Chita is matured in three different kinds of casks: American ex-bourbon barrels, Spanish oak barrels and European oak wine barrels. It has no age statement.

The Chita Single Grain Japanese Whisky Review

COUNTRY: Japan

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Light autumn golden

NOSE: Honey sweetness, cereal, pineapple, mango and melon. Hints of soft spices and vanilla. Delicate and sweet with hints of tropical fruit.

PALATE: Vanilla sponge cake sweetness and oak with honey and tropical fruit. Hints of floral notes with toasted grains. Honey drizzled mango and pineapple. Medium body but not very complicated. Faint traces of cinnamon and cardamom. A few rough edges. Water smoothes out the sharp bits and brings even more fruity sweetness forward. Easy drinking.

FINISH: Medium length, with notes of lemon drops, vanilla and wood.

RATING: GOOD

Not the most complex whisky. Also, one of the sweetest drams I have had in a while. A bit too sweet perhaps. Take into account that I have a sweet tooth and love sweet things; it was a bit much even for me. I found it bland and uninspiring.

I might be biased, but this is not in the same class as my beloved Bain’s grain whisky. The Bain’s whisky is bolder and make you sit up and take notice. It has sweetness and tropical notes, but they are better balanced.

Compared to this Japanese release, the Bain’s is way more memorable. The Chita retail price in South Africa is around R1 300, which is rather steep. In the UK, I have seen this on Amazon for £60. The Bain’s whisky sells for only R300 (before Covid).

Suntory launched The Chita, especially for use in the Japanese highball cocktail market. It will undoubtedly make a good base for a cocktail.

What did you think of this Japanese grain release? Overhyped or best thing ever?

Also Read: Boplaas Single Grain Whisky