Whisky of the Week review and tasting notes for whisky I rated Very Good. When the dram is enjoyable and memorable, and we don’t mind having another glass later in the week. This is bottles I might use for cocktails and the occasional afternoon sipper. Rating: Very Good
Every month, WhiskyBrother & Co publish their top 5 sellers for the month. It is always interesting to see the old favourites (Glenmorangie, Ardbeg and Glendronach) share space with newcomers. The June the list had an exciting surprise. A South African whisky aged in Brandy Casks – Boplaas single grain whisky.
Last year November, Iain Stirling was in the country to showcase the Arbiki Highland Rye single grain Scotch whisky. Iain Stirling is a founder and director of Arbiki Distillery. I had some other responsibilities, so I did not get to meet him.
I had to pick up a gift in Pretoria the other day, and as I was a bit early, I stopped at the closest shopping centre for a cup of coffee. While strolling around looking for the best coffee place, I walked into a Checkers Liquor store, and much to my surprise, saw a bottle of single malt that I have not noticed before. It was a Highland Queen Majesty single malt Scotch whisky, and it retailed for around R200.
My never-ending quest to find affordable, drinkable whisky. Finding well priced blended whiskies is relatively easy. There are plenty of them around, and some of them are quite good. However, single malt whisky is a different story. There are not too many new single malts available at a reasonable price in South Africa.
When you hear the name Chivas, it brings to mind consistent quality. For me, it reminds me of my father. His favourite was the Chivas Regal 12 yo whisky. The old staple blended Scotch whisky that you can find everywhere.
Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary on the 1st of July. I was fortunate to be in Canada during these celebrations, and it was wonderful to raise a glass (or 2) in celebration. One of the glasses we raised was filled with JP Wiser’s Deluxe blended Canadian Rye whisky. I spent quite a bit of time rummaging through Canadian liquor stores during our trip.