Tag: Rating: Good Page 4 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

Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/06/2020

In Irish Whiskey

In these trying times, savouring life’s little pleasures is essential. For many, that includes enjoying a glass of their favourite whiskey. Among the top choices in South Africa, right up there with Jack Daniel’s and Johnnie Walker, is the ever-popular Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey.

If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t sampled Jameson in a while, now’s the perfect moment to explore the intricacies of this quintessential Irish whiskey.

The Jameson name is synonymous with Irish whiskey, and with good reason. John Jameson, a Scottish lawyer, established the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin in 1780. The legacy didn’t stop with him; his four sons followed his distilling footsteps.

By the turn of the 19th century, Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey was renowned globally. But as with any great tale, world events took their toll on the Irish whiskey industry. The Irish War of Independence, subsequent trade wars, and Prohibition in the US all conspired to limit their access to the vast American market.

Also Read: Tullamore DEW Whiskey

During these challenges, Scottish distilleries embraced the column stills in the mid-19th century, revolutionising production. Unfortunately, the labour-intensive single pot still process that characterised Irish whiskey couldn’t keep pace with this innovative technique.

Fast forward to the 1960s, and a pivotal moment in Irish whiskey history occurred. Three of the four surviving Irish distilleries, namely Powers, Jameson, and the Cork Distillery Company, joined forces to create Irish Distillers.

Then, in the 1970s, they centralised production at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland. Today, the Jameson brand is owned by Pernod Ricard. This conglomerate boasts a comprehensive portfolio of Irish whiskey brands, including Redbreast, Green Spot, and Yellow Spot whiskey.

Other releases in the Jameson stable include the Jameson Caskmates IPA, and the Select Reserve. But let’s shift our focus to the main star: the Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey.

Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey Review

Jameson is a blend of pot still and grain whiskey. Like all Irish whiskey, it is triple distilled to give it the well-known Irish smoothness. The Jameson Irish whiskey is aged for 4 years in oak.

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV:43%

COLOUR: Gold

NOSE: The aromatic journey begins with freshly baked banana bread, tropical fruits, and spicy wood and caramel hints. It’s a delicious blend of grains with plums, pineapple, and banana. The complexity of these scents is both intriguing and delightful.

PALATE: Jameson Irish whiskey delivers a smooth experience. The medium body features subtle malt undertones, aniseed, vanilla, and traces of pepper notes. Although it’s less multifaceted than anticipated after the captivating nose, adding a splash of water can soften the pepper notes.

FINISH: The finish is relatively short, leaving a gentle combination of pepper and a touch of orange rind.

RATING: GOOD

Now, let’s talk about the experience. While the nose sets high expectations with its complexity and deliciousness, the taste doesn’t quite measure up. Jameson possesses the trademark Irish smoothness, but, in comparison to the Caskmate releases, it’s somewhat bland.

The world of Irish whiskey offers more exciting options. Still, it’s hard to deny that Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey excels in marketing, making it a recognisable choice. In my recent exploration of Irish whiskey, Teeling has captured my attention with its delicious releases.

Also, if I had to choose between Jameson and the Checkers Private Barrel Co. Irish whiskey release, the latter would be my preference. Nevertheless, Jameson triple distilled Irish whiskey is an affordable night-out option perfect for crafting cocktails. I’ll reserve my Jameson bottle for those cosy Irish coffees.

In South Africa the Jameson is priced for around R 360 and in India it costs around ₹ 3059.

To truly appreciate the distinction between Jameson and other brands, I did a side-by-side with Johnnie Walker Black Label. The contrast is remarkable, highlighting the unique character of each.

Additionally, I explored how Jameson stands up against Tullamore DEW whiskey, offering insight into the diversity of Irish whiskey options. This is also makes for a refreshing cocktail if you mix Jameson Irish whiskey and ginger ale.

Exploring the ever-expanding world of Irish whiskey is essential to finding the perfect match for your palate. So, as we navigate the challenges of this lockdown, take solace in the glass of Jameson and the world of flavours it offers.

Also Read: Pairing Whisky and Pizza

Glenglassaugh Revival Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/09/2020

In Single Malt whisky

Today I look at the Glenglassaugh Revival single malt Scotchwhisky. What a great name for a whisky release: Revival. I realised that this whisky comes with a unique story. The Glenglassaugh distillery is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery located in the Highland Region.

It sits on a hillside, not too far from the sea. A local entrepreneur James Moir and his two nephews established the distillery in 1875. Another distillery connected to a grocery store, like so many others.

Moir had an expanding grocery business and wanted to establish a distillery that would produce a whisky for his customers. The site was chosen due to its proximity to a clean water supply, the Glassaugh Springs and easy access to the nearby barley fields.

Highland Distillers bought the company in 1892. In 1960 it was rebuilt and upgraded to double the production capacity and to yield lighter spirit. However, during the economic downturn of 1986, this small remote distillery stopped production. But there was a light at the end of the still.

Also Read: Mackmyra Svensk Rok Whisky

In 2008 an independent investment group bought the distillery from the Edrington Group (where it landed up) and started production again. They released some of the pre-1986 stock as exclusive releases and won various prices with their releases.

The first spirit distilled under the new ownership was bottled and released as Glenglassaugh during 2011. In 2013 the Benriach Distillery Company purchased the distillery.

That is why the name Revival is such a fitting name for this release. This distillery kept on coming back time and time again. The Glenglassaugh Revival single malt is the first single malt Scotch released from this distillery available for retail.

Glenglassaugh Revival Whisky Review

Revival has been matured in a mix of ex-red wine and fresh ex-bourbon casks and then finished for 6 months in ex-Oloroso sherry butts. It is a NAS release. It is not chill-filtered with no added colour.

REGION: Highland

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Amber gold with green hints

NOSE: Green grass, pine needles, caramel sweetness and fresh earth. Dry apricot with bits of butterscotch and vanilla. Quite sweet.

PALATE: Drying oak, citrus and pepper. The sweetness promised by the nose does not carry through to the taste. Bits of sawdust, cocoa powder and bitter lemon. Medium-bodied. Not very complex. Water brings more lemon pepper forward.

FINISH: Medium with bitter lemon and pepper.

RATING: GOOD

This Glenglassaught is a very dry whisky. John described it as licking an oak plank. I found it quite astringent. After a finish in sherry casks, I was expecting more sweetness and red fruits, but neither of us picked up any of these notes.

I am glad that I only have a small bottle because if it were a big bottle, it would still be standing in my whisky room in 10 years. It did not put me off tasting more from this distillery, and I will continue to explore the Glenglassaugh Evolution, and Glenglassaugh Torfa releases over the next couple of months.

Also Read: Maraska ABC Whisky

Teacher’s Blended Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 12/30/2019

In Blended whisky

Welcome back to the second instalment of my series on affordable drams. Today’s bottle is none other than Teacher’s blended Scotch whisky.

If you missed Part 1, where I delved into the world of budget-friendly drams, you might want to catch up here with the Jim Beam bourbon. But for now, let’s pour ourselves a dram and dive right into the world of Teacher’s whisky.

My first encounter with Teacher’s whisky was on one of our trips to India, where our friend consistently stocked up on this blend. It’s safe to say that Teacher’s whisky has quite the following in India, and for good reason. It’s affordable and trendy, making it a favourite among many whisky enthusiasts.

But what exactly is Teacher’s Highland Cream blended Scotch whisky? It’s one of the more affordable blends out there, and when I spotted it on the shelves of my local liquor store, I couldn’t resist giving it a try. At around R 170 (roughly $13 for our international friends) in South Africa, it definitely falls into the affordable category.
Also Read: Ballantine’s 7 yo Bourbon Finish Whisky

The story of Teacher’s whisky dates back to around 1830, when William Teacher founded it. He began selling his blends from his wife’s grocery store in Glasgow. It wasn’t until 1863 that he perfected the Teacher’s Highland Cream blend and the brand was officially registered in 1884. After William Teacher’s passing, his two sons, William Jr. and Adam, took the company’s reins.

To ensure a steady supply of high-quality malt whisky for Teacher’s Highland Cream, Adam Teacher founded the Ardmore distillery and acquired the Glendronach distillery. With time, Teacher’s Whisky and the Ardmore distillery attracted the attention of various buyers, leading to ownership changes.

In 2014, Beam Inc. acquired Ardmore, along with the Laphroaig distillery and the Teacher’s brand. Later on, Beam Inc. was purchased by Suntory, forming Beam Suntory. As for Glendronach, it found its way into the Brown-Forman portfolio.

The heart and soul of Teacher’s still emanate from the Ardmore distillery, known for its peat-smoked malt. The range includes the Teacher’s 50 year old to celebrate India’s 50-year independence, Teacher’s Origin to honour the founder, and Teacher’s 25 year old whisky.

Notably, Teacher’s blended whisky is renowned in India where the price is around ₹ 2,030 and it is exported to over 100 countries. Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the whisky itself:

Teacher’s Highland Cream Blended Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: When you give Teacher’s blended Scotch whisky a sniff, you’ll pick up hints of smoke, gentle earthy peat, raw alcohol, vanilla, and malty notes. The nose is subtle and not overly sophisticated.

PALATE: The palate packs more punch than the nose suggests, with notes of smoke, peat, and a touch of pepper. The fruity sweetness emerges after adding a bit of water, which also tames the raw alcohol notes but tempers the smoke and peat. It’s not the most complex of drinks, but it has its moments.

FINISH: The finish is long and spicy, with hints of pepper lingering on the palate.

RATING: GOOD

According to some research, Jim Murray, the whisky guru, loves this blend and rated it a 90 in his Whisky Bible. However, personal preferences vary, and after a busy day or two, I found that Teacher’s whisky didn’t tickle my taste buds the way I’d hoped. I revisited it a few days later, but it still didn’t win me over.

Considering the price point, I wasn’t expecting the most complex of whiskies. Still, for my palate, Teacher’s has a bit too much of that raw alcohol edge. It’s a one-glass wonder, and I might not even finish the glass I poured.

Update: I decided to have fun over the weekend and conducted a taste-off between Teacher’s and Ballantine’s Finest whisky, both budget-friendly blends. Stay tuned for the results; it made for an enjoyable afternoon of exploration on the patio.

What budget blend should I try next?

Also Read: Grant’s Sherry Cask Edition whisky

Loch Lomond Original Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/22/2019

In Single Malt whisky

I have tried many of the releases from Loch Lomond, but have not written about the entry-level release; the Loch Lomond Original single malt Scotch whisky. So today I write about the last Loch Lomond mini from my stash that I have tasted but not yet captured.

The Loch Lomond story is captured in my post on Loch Lomond Signature as well as on Loch Lomond Single Grain. It is a very versatile distillery; producing both malt and grain whisky and they have a big brand portfolio including Inchmurrin and Inchmoan.

Also Read: Loch Lomond Buitenverwachten 6 year old Whisky

From their range, I prefer the Glen Scotia releases. In the future, I hope to try some of the other brands within their portfolio.

The Loch Lomond Original whisky is a peated single malt aged in American oak and has no age statement. It retails for around R850 in SA.

Loch Lomond Original Whisky Review

REGION: Highland

ABV: 43 %

COLOUR: Golden with green hints.

NOSE: Caramel, tropical fruit and toasted oak. There is a fresh green note to the nose like fresh-cut hay and green grass. Soft peaty hints with bits of roasted nuts and cereal.

PALATE: Green notes mixed with honey sweetness and vanilla. Green grass and fresh herbs mixed with fruity notes. Cereal and hints of bitter chocolate mixed with pepper and ginger and in the background delicate peat and smoke.

A bit of an alcohol burn. It needs some water to soften the heat and water brings more nuttiness, and lemon pepper balanced with caramel sweetness. However, the water softens the peat and smoke. Not very complex.

FINISH: Short finish ending in pepper and lemon peel.

RATING: GOOD

A bit young, with some raw sharp edges. Not very complex, and not the cheapest of single malts. The nose is the better part of the dram, but the vibrancy of the nose does not carry to the palate.

This is not my favourite of the Loch Lomond range. However, the subsequent releases does get better and more interesting and complex. Looking back at some of the releases I have tried, my favourite is still the Glen Scotia Victoriana whisky.

Also Read: Paul John Mars Orbiter Whisky

Signature Rare Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/08/2019

In Blended whisky

My hubby travels a lot. He goes all over the world, but quite frequently into Africa. About two years ago, he was flying back from Mozambique and dropped me a message from Maputo Airport.It was a photo of a Signature Rare Aged whisky.

I have never seen or heard about this brand in South Africa, so the bottle was relegated to the back of the cupboard. But I kept on noticing it. It has a unique shape, and this week I decided, we can just as well taste it.

Also Read: Royal Challenge Whisky

I started doing some research on the Signature Rare Aged whisky. I found that it was a blend of Islay, Highland and Indian whisky. Master Blender Caroline Martin put this blend together. It is part of United Spirits Ltd in India and is owned by Diageo.

Launched in 1994 and is known for its iconic octagonal green-coloured bottles. The Signature Premier grain whisky is also available.

I am not sure how this bottle landed in Maputo Airport, and I have not seen it again. But it is part of Diageo, so it might not be all bad…

Signature Rare Aged Whisky Review

COUNTRY: India

ABV: 42.8%

COLOUR: Golden

NOSE: Very subtle with notes of sweetness, fruit, oak, and caramel. Green notes, menthol with a faint acid bitterness.

PALATE: The Signature whisky has a few alcohol notes when tasting it for the first time. There are notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, and molasses sweetness. I am battling to get the Highland and Islay notes in this release. Hints of green grass and juniper. Water softens the alcohol notes but also tones down all the other notes.

FINISH: Short ending in sweet caramel

RATING: GOOD

Not the most complex dram. It is a bit one dimensional and inoffensive. Indeed not the worst whisky I have tried, but rather subtle and a bit unsophisticated.

Looking back at drams I did not enjoy at all; the Signature is slightly better than the Galloway Single Grain and the Schoonspruit 2010 Single Barrel whiskey.

I think it will work nicely in tall drink cocktails as an alcohol base from which to build on. I have seen this release here in Mauritius as well. Have you tried this release? Your thoughts?

Also Read: Paul John Nirvana Whisky