Tag: Speyside Whisky Page 2 of 14

Speyside is a “protected region” for Scotch Whisky distilling under UK Government legislation.According to Visit Scotland, this region includes the area between the Highlands to the west, Aberdeenshire in the east and extending north to the Cairngorms National Park. Speyside single malt whisky is single malt Scotch whiskies, distilled in Strathspey, the area around the River Spey in Moray and Badenoch and Strathspey, in northeastern Scotland.

GlenDronach Peated Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/07/2022

In Single Malt whisky

I have tried at least one GlenDronach each year for the last three years, and in 2022 I want to continue this streak. So this year, I chose a peated release from this typical sherry forward distillery; the GlenDronach Peated single malt Scotch whisky.

I love the GlenDronach 18 year old and rated it, Divine. It is a perfect example of all that is delicious in sherry forward whisky from Speyside. The GlenDronach 21 year old is good, but not as nice as the 18 year old. Other releases in the core range include the 12 year old and the GlenDronach 15 year old.

James Allardice founded the GlenDronach Distillery Company in Forgue, near Huntly. The distillery was damaged in a fire in 1837, and five years later, Allardice went bankrupt. It was bought and rebuilt, and various well-known companies owned the distillery during the following 120 years.

Also Read: Black Bottle Whisky

During the 60s, it passed on to William Teacher & Sons, and they expanded the production. In 1996 it was mothballed, and through a series of mergers and acquisitions, the distillery ended up with French Pernod Ricard in 2005. They sold it to the BenRiach Distilling Co. in 2008. In 2016, the distillery changed hands again, this time going to the US distiller Brown-Forman.

GlenDronach introduced the Peated edition in 2015. It is made using lightly peated barley. First matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The GlenDronach Peated is not chill-filtered and is a NAS release. The spirit is peated to around 25ppm. Similar to Paul John Bold and Talisker Skye.

GlenDronach Peated Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Dark amber

NOSE: Soft peat, toasted wood, oak spices and fruity sweetness. I was hoping for some of the sherry and fruity red notes to come through, but the fruit notes are more baked apple and orange flavours. Bits of raisins, vanilla and cinnamon.

PALATE: Soft, elegant peat with woody notes. Bits of honey sweetness, roasted pear, nuts and cinnamon. Chewy and bold but still drinkable. Oak spices and pepper.

Water softens the peat a bit and brings more malt to the front. Medium body but not as complex and smooth as the 18 yo. Again I was looking for the sherry notes, but it is negligible.

FINISH: Medium length with notes of smoky wood, oak spices and honey.

RATING: VERY GOOD

I was hoping that more of the delicious red Oloroso sherry notes would come through, but the fruit profile was more ripe green than red fruit. The peat is not the fishy, medicinal Islay peat, but a more heather and dried earth kind of peat.

I love the GlenDronach 12 year old and was hoping it would be a bit more of a sherry bomb integrated with peaty notes, similar to the Laphroaig PX cask, but the Peated is not that.

Not quite sherried enough and not quite the right peat. A Jack of all trades but a master of none comes to mind. It is a lovely release but doesn’t quite tick the sherry or peat boxes. I will stick to the unpeated releases from this distillery and pour me a glass of the Glendronach 12 year old.

The GlenDronach Peated single malt Scotch retail for around R 1 000 in South Africa and I have seen some recently at Bottega Whiskey.

Also Read: Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Whiskey

Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 yo Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/31/2022

In Whisky Comparison

Glenfiddich 12 vs glenlivet 12 yo single malt whisky comparison
Welcome back to another exciting instalment in my whisky comparison series. Last time, we delved into the world of Double Oaked bourbons, and this week, we’re diving into the heart of Speyside with two iconic 12 yo single malt whiskies.

It’s a showdown between two heavyweights of the whisky world – Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. So, let’s explore the Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 yo single malt Scotch whiskies and see how they stack up.

Nestled within the enchanting Speyside region, mere kilometres apart, these two releases are classics. I’ve enjoyed both of these gems over the years, and I can attest to their enduring appeal.

But have you ever wondered how they fare when pitted against each other? Well, today, we’re about to find out.

Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

The Glenfiddich 12 yo single malt whiskywith glass

First in the ring is Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt whisky an integral part of the renowned Glenfiddich core range. Known for its distinctive triangular-shaped bottles, Glenfiddich has earned its stripes as one of the world’s best-selling single malt brands.

The 12 year old expression is the youngest member of their permanent lineup. The Glenfiddich journey began in 1886 when William Grant founded the distillery, and remarkably, it remains in the Grant family’s hands.

Glenfiddich 12 undergoes maturation in a blend of Oloroso sherry and bourbon whisky casks. It’s the ideal companion for those embarking on their whisky exploration journey.

Glenlivet 12 year old Whisky

Glenlivet 12 yo single malt whisky with glass

Let’s shift our attention to Glenlivet 12 year old single malt Scotch, a whisky with a special place in my heart. It was the first single malt I had ever tasted, and its smooth, complex flavours left an indelible impression. Although it was briefly discontinued and replaced by the Founder’s Reserve, whisky enthusiasts can sigh relief as it has returned triumphantly to the scene.

The Glenlivet distillery in Moray, Scotland, draws its pure waters from Josie’s Well and nearby springs. Owned by Chivas Brothers, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, this distillery has a rich history that adds to the allure of Glenlivet 12 year old.

Glenlivet 12 year old, much like its competitor, matures gracefully in a blend of American and traditional oak casks.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs XR whisky

Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 year old Whisky

Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 yo Whisky Comparison

	Glenfiddich 12 yo	Glenlivet 12 yo
Price	$55	$54
Region	Speyside Whisky	Speyside Whisky
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Bright amber	Golden wheat
Nose	Fresh fruit, oak & honey. The addition of water releases more florals and faint spice in the nose	Sweet with tropical fruits, vanilla and cereals. There are hints of spice and grassy notes floating in the background
Palate	It is wonderfully rounded with woody notes, toffee and dried fruit coming through. A subtle hint of pear with a nutty creaminess.	Fruits, cinnamon and nutmeg that mix with the oak and barley notes. Apple, honey and summer fruit appear. Rich and delicious
Finish	Medium length. Notes of oak and spice. There is a lovely oily mouth feel at the end	Medium length and end in lots of fresh fruit, nuts and hints of lemon
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Not too complex, but balanced and smooth. Easy drinking	Certainly a perfectly fruity dram
You will like it if you are looking for…	A light fruity dram. Perfect for a first time single malt drinker	A bit more complexity but still light and fruity. Makes for a great gift
Pairs well with	Pear and ginger crumble or Japanese food	Goats cheese flavoured with Italian herbs, salmon sashimi and delicate seafood such as seared scallops or prawns

True to its Glenfiddich heritage, the 12 year old release boasts succulent pears intertwined with tantalizing vanilla spices and a nutty creaminess, creating a delightful palate. The Glenfiddich 12 year old whisky is versatile, perfect for crafting cocktails, sipping leisurely, or simply relishing life’s moments. It’s a crowd-pleaser through and through.

I have a soft spot for Glenlivet 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Holding that bottle in my hands floods me with nostalgic memories. Tropical fruit with cinnamon and honey balances perfectly with hints of lemon and grassy notes. Light and fruity with hints of black pepper.

Both of these whiskies are excellent. They offer consistent quality, making them easily approachable for whisky enthusiasts of all levels. And the best part? You can enjoy either of these drams for under R500.

Both of these whiskies are great choices. You can’t go wrong with either Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet 12 in your glass. They are two beacons of Speyside excellence, and whichever you choose, you’re in for a memorable whisky experience.

Also Read: Teeling Single Malt vs Single Grain Irish Whiskey

Rhino Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/10/2022

In Single Malt whisky

Today I look at a delicious whisky with a great cause. That is a win-win situation. A week ago, this bottle of Rhino whisky arrived. I love the design and packaging, and it comes with an extraordinary story.

Southern Africa is facing a poaching crisis. The killing of rhinos for their horns has reached unprecedented levels. In just a decade, more than 7,500 African rhinos have been killed in the mistaken belief that the horn can heal illness. The horn is mainly composed of keratin, the same protein found in hair and fingernails and holds no medicinal value.

Two friends were sitting around a campfire lamenting the rhino poaching crisis and the possible extinction of these magnificent animals. Tired of just talking, they decided to do something about it.

Also Read: Benriach The Smoky Twelve Whisky

Gerrit Wagener and Brin Kuchner (a qualified ranger) decided to create a whisky that would highlight the plight of the African rhino and give back to rhino conservation in Africa. They committed to donating 5% of all sales to rehabilitating orphaned baby rhinos at the Rhino Orphanage in the Limpopo province. And so Rhino whisky was born.

The Rhino whisky is a Scotch single malt whisky from an undisclosed distillery in Strathspey, the area around the River Spey in Northeastern Scotland. Rhino whisky is double matured in Rum Casks and bottled as a NAS release.

Rhino whisky retails for around R 590.00 and is available online via Takealot and WhiskyBrother & Co in South Africa and at a few select retailers.

Rhino Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Gold red

NOSE: Elegant tropical fruit sweetness with bits of baking spice and malt. Hints of cream and vanilla with a green undertone.

PALATE: Freshly baked vanilla shortbread and toasted oak. Then comes the tropical fruit sweetness with overripe guava and hints of honey and floral notes. There are hints of cinnamon and black pepper in the background. Nice balance between the oaky spices and the sweetness. Medium body. A drop or two of water brings more spices to the front.

FINISH: Medium length with malt oiliness and vanilla.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Rhino whisky is an easy drinking and approachable dram. Perfect for a novice but well-rounded enough for a connoisseur to also enjoy. The whisky worked for my palate as I prefer sweeter drams. This is a delicious whisky and will make a great gift for the whisky lover in your life.

The Rhino Orphanage

The Rhino Orphanage, a non-profit organisation, is the world’s first rhino orphanage. The orphanage is a specialist, dedicated, a non-commercial centre that cares for orphaned and injured baby rhinos with the only aim of releasing them back into the wild.

Visit www.therhinoorphanage.co.za for more information.

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

Also Read: Clan Denny Islay Edition Whisky

Benriach The Smoky Twelve Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/05/2022

In Single Malt whisky

My previous post featuring Benriach was looking at the Benraich The Twelve whisky. Today I explore further and look at the Benriach The Smoky Twelve single malt Scotch whisky. I got to taste both these drams as part of a Benriach tasting in June.

One of the things I enjoy about Benriach whisky is the links with South Africa. John Duff travelled through South Africa before he opened Benriach in Scotland.

During June, my whisky friend Paul S tweeted about some more Benriach South Africa connections. He posted about the Benriach Cape of Storms 12 year old and 16 year old whisky released exclusively for the South African market at Whisky Live in 2007.

Benriach Cape of Storms was a limited release special bottling created to celebrate the launch of BenRiach into South Africa.

Going to be doing a series next…12 days of BenRiach, presenting some of my favourite whiskies from one of my favourite distilleries…1️⃣
First up are the Cape of Storms 12yo & 16yo. These were released exclusively for the South African market at Whisky Live in 2007… pic.twitter.com/d8VJ9CSFoS

— P.S.Whisky (@pswhisky) June 8, 2022

The casks were shipped to South Africa, where they were left to mature for another three years before bottling. SWA rules stipulate that Scotch whisky must be matured in Scotland, which meant that the extra three years of maturation in South Africa did not count towards the age statement.

There were 225 bottles of the Benriach 12 year old and 195 bottles of the Benriach 16 year old released. Both bottles were packaged in wooden crates. The crates for the Benriach 16 year old were made from staves of old BenRiach oak casks.

But back to the current dram in my glass: The Smoky Twelve single malt whisky. It is part of the core range together with The Twelve, Benriach The Ten and The Smoky Ten. All four of these core expressions are made up of different cask types.

BenRiach The Smoky Twelve Whisky Review

The Smoky Twelve single malt Scotch is created from a combination of unpeated and peated spirit, and matured for at least twelve years in bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks. The whisky from each cask was then married together.

According to Rowan, it is peated to about 35 ppm, which is similar to the Lagavulin 16 year old whisky. The peat used is from Caledonia.

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Burnished gold

NOSE: Heaps of oranges, smoky peaches and roasted almonds. A smattering of peat, vanilla and cloves is mixed with raisins and red fruit. Banana bread baking in the oven.

PALATE: Sweet red berries dipped in dark chocolate, peaty goodness, orange peel, brown sugar and toasted oak. Oranges and vanilla with BBQ smoky notes. A simply satisfying mix between the fruity sweetness and smoke. Hints of nuts and warming oak spice and the peaty notes are green and heathery. I finished my glass without water. Just a few drops allow more sweetness through.

FINISH: Long and lingering with nuts, black pepper and soft smoke.

RATING: EXCELLENT

What a lovely dram. Rich, smoky with sweet fruity notes balanced with green earthy peaty notes. The Benriach Smoky Twelve is perfect for autumn days next to the BBQ. The spice, sweetness and peat balance is perfect, and the peat is inviting but not overwhelming. Adding water takes away a bit of the complexity.

I can drink this without water every day in winter. Another point in its favour is the price range. It is readily available and retails for around R700 in South Africa.

This dram also made it onto my favourite peated whisky list. You can read this article all the other peated drams that also made it onto the list.

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: KWV 12 yo Brandy

Glen Moray Elgin Classic Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/29/2022

In Single Malt whisky

My bottle of Glen Moray Elgin Classic single malt Scotch whisky was a gift from my brother-in-law. I have seen this whisky around, but have never tried it. After receiving it, I left it on the shelf.

It stood there at the back on the shelf until I needed a whisky for a cheese tasting and the Glen Moray popped up when I was doing research.I tried it with a creamy Lancashire cheese and loved not only the pairing but also the whisky.

The Glen Moray Distillery is a Speyside distillery situated on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin. Glen Moray started life as West Brewery and converted into a distillery in 1897.

Also read: Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

It closed in 1910 and was bought by the owners of the Glenmorangie Distillery around 1920. The Glenmorangie Company sold Glen Moray to La Martiniquaise in 2008. La Martiniquaise uses part of the whisky from Glen Moray in the Label 5 blended whisky.

The Glen Moray Elgin Classic whisky is aged for an estimated 8 years and aged in oak casks.

Glen Moray Elgin Classic Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: It has the colour of light straw.

NOSE: Delicate with hints of malty sweetness, vanilla and oak floating about. Fresh cut flowers, grass and green apples seem to pop about. Whispers of condensed milk and cinnamon biscuits come in the second wave.

PALATE: Matches the nose as it is soft and delicate initially. The second sipping brings notes of spice balanced with fruity sweetness. There are notes of oak and mild hints of citrus also. The Glen Moray Elgin Classic whisky has the perfect balance between sweet and spicy.

It is a very easy drinking dram. The sense of lightness remains the whole way through, which is quite impressive. As my bottle is 40%, ABV, it does not need too much water. A few drops release more of the malty goodness.

FINISH: Medium length and delicate.

RATING: EXCELLENT

It is smooth, drinkable and probably the perfect summer sipping dram. It seems like my brother-in-law has good taste in whisky. This single malt will probably not last long, and I can find some stock in South Africa and Liquor City. And at R310 a bottle, it is a bargain!

Liquor City imported some Cask finish releases from Glen Moray, and I have taste the Port Cask Finish. It is delicious!

Also Read: Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX whisky