Tag: Rating: Very Good Page 2 of 21

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

Vat 69 Scotch Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/05/2024

In Blended whisky

In the expansive realm of whiskies, from limited editions to exclusive drams, I enjoy exploring budget-friendly options to find that affordable gem. Among the notable names that consistently top my Google search stats is Vat 69 Scotch whisky. So, let’s go and explore this well-known Scottish whisky.

Crafted by the Leith-born blender William Sanderson in 1882, Vat 69 is a blended Scotch whisky that has made its mark worldwide. In his quest for the perfect blend, Sanderson created 100 vats of uniquely blended whiskies.

Then, he asked a panel of friends and experts to taste each one of them. Slowly working their way through 100 casks must have been a daunting task. At the end of this tasting, Vat No. 69 that stood out as the winner.

The blend was well established by the time of Sanderson’s passing in 1908. It even accompanied Sir Ernest Shackleton on his 1914 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition for medicinal and celebratory purposes.

At the start, Glen Garioch formed the heart of the blend. Today, the recipe incorporates a blend of 40 malts and grains. It does not have an age statement.

Affordability is a defining trait, with Vat 69 retailing for around Rs 1000 in Mauritius and approximately R 185 in South Africa. It is available in the UK for around £30. Here in Mauritius, it is one of the most affordable global whiskies. In India it retails for around ₹ 1,856.

Emblazoned on the cap are the words’ Sans Dieu Rien,’ translating to ‘Without God, nothing.’ Vat 69 is part of the Diageo stable.

Also Read: Label 5 Whisky

Vat 69 Blended Whisky Review

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Light Gold

NOSE: Grain sweetness with a hint of alcohol on the nose, accompanied by toasted wood, caramel, and soft apple and pear notes.

PALATE: The palate surprises with creaminess, showcasing wood, cinnamon, grain sweetness, and hints of caramel apples and vanilla. Water tempers the sweetness, bringing forward black pepper and subtle ripe oranges.

FINISH: The finish echoes wood, pepper, and faint fruit notes.

RATING: VERY GOOD

While not the most intricate dram, Vat 69 Scotch whisky embraces simplicity with a ‘what you see is what you get’. The notes from the nose mirror the palate. Despite lacking in complex nuances, this whisky is very drinkable.

With a light body and abundant grain sweetness, it offers smoothness and remarkable value for money. Personally, I found it more enjoyable than the Johnnie Walker Red Label whisky, which, in comparison, had a slight alcohol burn, requiring a few extra drops of water to cool down.

This whisky is an excellent choice for cocktails. Whether crafting a Rob Roy or Rusty Nail, Vat 69 is the perfect pour, adding a touch of smooth sweetness to your next concoction.

Also Read: Scottish Leader Original Whisky

Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/20/2023

In Bourbon whiskey

As the year speeds to its end, I was going through my bottles to find something different to try. A distinctive bourbon shaped like a pot still immediately caught my attention, and I couldn’t resist trying it. A reasonably unknown bourbon in South Africa, the Willett Pot Still Reserve bourbon whiskey bottle has a unique shape which drew my eye.

The Willett Pot Still Reserve bourbon is a creation from the Willett Distillery, owned by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD). Although the name indicates distillers, they only started focusing on distilling whiskey (again) in 2012.

Distilling ran in the Willet’s blood. John David Willett (born 1841) had been the master distiller for the Moore, Willett & Frenke Distillery. From there, the company moved through various generations of Willett’s until the early 1980s, when the distillery closed down. Subsequently, the company shifted its focus to independent bottling.

Also Read: Slaughter House Whiskey

In 2008, the company initially introduced the Willett Pot Still Reserve bourbon whiskey as a single-barrel release. The first batches were sourced from an undisclosed distillery, and bourbon enthusiasts have speculated that it likely originated from the nearby Heaven Hill Distillery, with the liquid ageing for approximately 8-10 years.

A significant turning point occurred in 2012 when the Willett Distillery underwent a revamp and started producing its own spirit. The description on the bottle changed from single barrel to small batch in 2015. According to Willett, each small batch of their bourbon incorporates around 12 barrels, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product.

While Willett’s journey into producing their bourbon is clear, some mysteries still surround their mash bill and the extent to which they’ve fully transitioned to their own product. Online sources suggest that the mash bill comprises a mix of 65% corn, 20% wheat, and 15% malted barley.

The Willett Pot Still Reserve bourbon whiskey is a non-age statement (NAS) release and is defined as a straight Kentucky bourbon, which means it must have aged for at least four years in new charred oak barrels. The distinctive pot-still-shaped bottle piqued my curiosity, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Whiskey Review

I have bottle 174 of 2101 from single barrel no. 4809. I assume that this is an older release and contain liquid from the unspecified distillery.

REGION: USA

ABV: 47%

COLOUR: Light amber

NOSE: The nose greets you with typical bourbon vanilla and cherry notes, accompanied by woody and spicy aromas. A delightful brown sugar sweetness intertwines with hints of dry orange blossoms, creating an inviting bouquet. While not the most complex, the nose is undeniably pleasant.

PALATE: As you take your first sip, the Willett bourbon reveals its spicy character with pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Dark brown sugar mingles with creamy oak and a herby undertone. Vanilla hides behind the cloves, with subtle citrus peel notes and ripe red cherries.

A tobacco-like chewiness lurks in the background. Adding a few drops of water tempers the spice and alcohol heat, allowing the brown sugar sweetness to come to the front.

FINISH: The medium-length finish leaves you with notes of oak, vanilla, and a touch of lemon pepper.

RATING: VERY GOOD

While it may lean towards the spicier side, it’s essential to remember that individual taste preferences vary. I found the Willet Pot Still Reserve bourbon whiskey slightly too spicy for my sweeter palate, while John thoroughly enjoyed its unique character.

It may not be the most complex bourbon, but it offers a smooth and drinkable experience. The bottle’s elaborate design adds a distinctive touch to my whiskey collection.

Also Read: How to pair whisky and cheese

Jack Daniels Apple Tennessee Whiskey Liqueur

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/10/2023

In Lifestyle

Today I look at the Jack Daniels Apple Tennessee whiskey liqueur. While travelling in Canada a couple of years ago, seeing all the flavoured whiskey liqueurs readily available was interesting.

There were whisky liqueurs from Crown Royal and Jim Beam with maple syrup and apple flavours. And later, I also spotted Bacon and Peanut Butter infused whiskey.

In South Africa, flavoured whiskey liqueur is less popular, and we have only been able to get honey and cinnamon flavoured. Both Jack Daniel’s Fire and Firewater (Fireball) liqueur is/was available. I have seen (and tasted) a locally made chilli-flavoured whisky a couple of years ago, but the less said about that, the better.

I was excited when I spotted Jack Daniel’s Apple Tennessee whiskey liqueur in a supermarket in Tamarin. The hubby just frowned.

Not strictly a whiskey at a 35% ABV with green apple flavouring added, but something fun to try nevertheless.

Jack Daniel’s brought out the Tennessee Honey in 2011 and followed that with the Tennessee Fire a few years later. I like the Honey release as a sipping liqueur in summer over ice; it is excellent for cocktails.

The Tennessee Apple Tennessee whiskey was released in 2019. It’s the standard Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 with tangy green apple.

Also Read: How to make a whisky bottle lamp

Jack Daniels Apple Tennessee Whiskey Liqueur Review

TYPE: Apple-flavoured liqueur

ABV: 35%

COLOUR: Golden mahogany

NOSE: Crispy fresh Granny Smith apples with bits of vanilla and oak. Quite sweet and not very complex.

PALATE: Fruity sweetness, vanilla and oak. The green apple is subdued on the palate. Hints of Old No 7 come through with bits of cherry and caramel. Smooth and easy drinking.

FINISH: Short and sweet with hints of white pepper.

RATING: VERY GOOD

Not the most complex drink, but it was not meant to be. The Tennessee Apple is a fun, light, delicious play on Jack Daniels and apples. If you love all things Jack, it is a great bottle to have on your drinks trolley and is perfect for a summer BBQ and cocktails.

I hope that it makes its way to South Africa at some stage. It retails for around Rs 2 500 in Mauritius, and I see it online for about $27 in the USA and around £29 on Amazon in the UK. But that is for a 1 L bottle. Now to try the Jack Fire as well.

Also Read: Shackleton Whisky

Ballantine’s Limited Edition Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/15/2023

In Blended whisky

One of the bottles that made it to the island with me is the Ballantine’s Limited Edition blended Scotch whisky. It is no secret that we are huge Ballantine’s whisky fans. This is the second bottle from the Ballantine’s range I am writing about this year. The first one was the Ballantine’s 7 year old Bourbon finish whisky.

I have several Ballantine’s releases in my collection and have written about some of the flavoursome releases I have tasted. The Ballantine’s Limited Edition whisky is a blend of Ballantine’s most exclusive Scotch whiskies. It has no age statement, and little information is available on the this Limited Edition.

John picked up this bottle in one of the whisky auctions, and we have had it in our collection for at least 5 years.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Whisky

The bottle comes in a beautiful blue box with wood insides, and the bottle is a striking blue colour. When the bottle is empty, I am keeping the empty bottle just because it is pretty. My Ballantine’s Limited Edition is release no: G25095.

The inside of the box states that “it carries the name Limited because only the best whiskies are used in its making, including the company’s own aged single malts from Miltonduff and Glenburgie.”

One of the reasons we enjoy Ballantine’s so much is the bold, memorable flavours from their releases. The Ballantine’s 17 year old and 17 year old Scapa Edition is on my list of best drams ever. The Limited Edition was quite expensive, and I have seen prices in excess of $150 online.

Ballantine’s Limited Edition Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Golden amber

NOSE: Subtle and elegant with rich red fruits, bits of oak, vanilla, and notes of honey sweetness. Dried cherries with soft spices and soft green notes. Really lovely.

PALATE: Smooth and rich with toffee notes and overripe pears and hints of black pepper and cinnamon. All notes are put together very elegantly. Bits of drying oak and vanilla with hints of lemon. Adding water releases notes of dark chocolate and leather and softens the pepper.

FINISH: Long and lingering with notes of drying oak, soft honey sweetness, and light pepper.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It’s a lovely dram. Easy drinking and well-balanced. The bottle will not last very long. However, it is not the bold and complex dram I expected from Ballantine’s. At the price point, I was hoping for something more memorable. Something special that holds our attention. However, at this price point there are more impressive blends and single malts out there.

For the serious Ballantine’s collector, it’s an interesting bottle to have to complete the collection. But rather buy the Ballantine’s 17 year old if you want to spoil yourself with something spectacular.

Also Read: GlenDronach Peated Whisky

Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Irish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 03/27/2023

In Irish Whiskey

In December ’22 I opened the first of my Dunville samples. The Dunville’s PX Cask 12 yo whiskey is a moreish sherry cask finish release that is smooth and enjoyable. The second sample I am trying is the Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Irishwhiskey.

Dunville’s started as a tea and spirits merchant company based in Belfast. However, it soon dropped the tea and became largely successful as an Irish whiskey blender. In 1869 it built its own distillery, the Royal Irish Distilleries.

When the last heir and chairman died in 1931, the company began to flounder, and in 1936 the brand was discontinued when Dunville & Co. was liquidated.

Also Read: Powers John’s Lane 12 yo Whiskey

In 2013, the Echlinville distillery acquired the Dunville’s name and in 2016, relaunch the famous Three Crowns expressions. Echlinville Distillery was the first Northern Irish distillery to be granted a distilling licence in almost 125 years.

Dunville’s Peated Three Crowns is a blended whiskey that was relaunched in 2016 after it was discontinued in the 1930s. The Three Crowns range include a Dunville’s 1808 and a Dunville’s Sherry finish whiskey.

There are not many peated Irish whiskey expressions available. The Three Crowns Peated whiskey is made up of a single grain whiskey, a 10 yo single malt, and a 15 yo Oloroso finished single malt. All these have been married together in a peated cask.

Dunville’s Peated Three Crowns Irish Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV: 43,5%

COLOUR:Pale gold

NOSE: The Three Crowns Peated has a lovely nose with notes of wood, stewed fruit sweetness, vanilla, and hints of honey. Light smoke mixed with a rich, buttery sweetness. Delicious.

PALATE: Earthy peat with oak, light smoke, and spices. The stewed fruity sweetness from the nose is more muted with a delicate baked apple sweetness and hints of vanilla. A bit of alcohol heat. The peat is drying with green heathery notes and there are hints of cloves in the background.

Adding a few drops of water brings peppercorns forward and the sweetness disappear. Water also dulls the delicious nose.

FINISH: Long and lingering. The whiskey ends with notes of pepper, orange and faint hints of drying peat.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The peat on the nose was so delicate that I could easily have missed it. It is only when you taste the whiskey that the peaty notes come through. The nose is lovely. Rich, sweet, and inviting. The sweet notes from the nose don’t quite carry over to the palate.

The Dunnville’s Three Crowns Peated Irish whiskey is better without water. Water increases the peppery intensity and washes out the sweetness.

It is available in South Africa and retail for around R1 000. I have also seen it at Master of Malt for around £40.

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

Also Read: Reisetbauer 12 yo Whisky