Peated whisky is a divisive topic—some adore it, while others find it overwhelming. When I started drinking whisky, I could not appreciate the heavily peated drams. But as I explored more, I began to appreciate the earthy, smoky complexity they offer.
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William Grant & Sons Ltd is an independent, family-owned Scottish company that distills Scotch whisky and other spirits. It was established in 1887 by William Grant, and is run by Grant’s descendants as of 2018. It is the largest of the handful of Scotch whisky distillers remaining in family ownership. The William Grant brands include: Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Kininvie, Grant’s, Monkey Shoulder, Aerstone, Clan MacGregor, Tullamore D.E.W.
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I have not had a glass of Balvenie in ages. The last time I had any Balvenie in my glass was when we did the Balvenie Golden Cask vs Caribbean Cask comparison, and the bottles were empty after that tasting. I looked at my whisky collection for something new to drink and saw the Balvenie 17 year old DoubleWood single malt Scotch whisky, so I grabbed it and am glad I did.
The first ever Balvenie I tried was the DoubleWood 12 year old, and I have found it to be a bit of a hit and miss. I have had an amazing bottle, and the bottle after that was just blah. Since then, I have tasted numerous Balvenie releases.
Balvenie is a Speyside distillery, part of the William Grant portfolio, together with Glenfiddich and Kininvie distillery.
Like its younger sibling, the Balvenie DoubleWood 17 year old single malt is matured in ex-bourbon casks before finishing in ex-Sherry Casks. The DoubleWood 12 year old was released in 1993 and was so popular that they added the DoubleWood 17 year old whisky to the portfolio in 2012. Sadly, Balvenie discontinued the DoubleWood 17 year old in 2021.
Other releases in the Balvenie range include the Caribbean Cask as well as the Balvenie Roasted Malt and the Balvenie Peated Cask whisky.
The Balvenie 17 year old Doublewood Whisky Review
REGION: Speyside
ABV: 43%
COLOUR: Old gold
NOSE: On the nose, this whisky is a pleasure to experience. It combines oak, nuts, vanilla, red fruits, and delicate orange blossom. The subtle hint of cinnamon sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while citrus notes provide a refreshing zing. After standing a bit, there is a tropical note in the background.
PALATE: The oak and fruits from the nose continue on the palate with bits of tart red apple and creamy grain. Cinnamon, cloves and vanilla mix with wood, dried fruit and almonds and are balanced with a toffee sweetness. The DoubleWood single malt has a medium body and is quite oily. Water takes away the sweetness and some of the complexity. It is better without water.
FINISH: The finish is medium long with notes of toffee sweetness, lingering creamy vanilla and a drying woody oakiness. Somewhere in the background is a milk chocolate note that makes me want to explore this dram again.
RATING: EXCELLENT
The combination between the fruity sweetness and the oak spices is well-balanced, contributing to a satisfying and well-rounded drinking experience. It is elegant and delicious. After 17 years in wood, I expected a bit more body on the Balvenie. However, the medium body makes it easy to drink.
If you see a bottle of this Balvenie Doublewood 17 year old Scotch whisky floating around, do yourself a favour and grab it. It is an enjoyable whisky experience you will be sorry to have missed.
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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
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
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.
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Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 year old Whisky
| 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.
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An intriguing name for a Scottish whisky – Monkey Shoulder blended malt Scotch whisky. The name stems from the shoulder strain (often temporary) that maltmen experienced due to the repetitive hand-turning of barley during the whisky-making process.
Monkey Shoulder whisky, crafted by Speyside legends William Grant & Sons, is a blended malt whisky that embodies the spirit of Scottish tradition and innovation.
This spirit is meticulously produced using malt from the company’s three prestigious Dufftown distilleries: Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, and Kininvie. All three malts are aged in first-fill bourbon casks before being expertly blended in small batches, with 27 casks coming together to create the magic.
I have tasted many Glenfiddich and Balvenie expressions. Kininvie is, however, not quite as well known. Kininvie, one of Scotland’s youngest distilleries, began its journey on July 4, 1990, nestled within the grounds of the Balvenie distillery.
While Kininvie boasts computer-controlled distillation, it notably lacks its own mash house. The age-old tradition of hand turning is still honoured by the Balvenie maltmen.
The bottle proudly displays three metal monkeys on its shoulder, symbolizing the three distilleries contributing to this exceptional blend.
Monkey Shoulder whisky has garnered critical acclaim, with Jim Murray awarding it an impressive 93 points in his Whisky Bible and a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirit Awards in 2013.
Approximately 10% of my whisky collection comprises bottles from The Balvenie and Glenfiddich distilleries, making Monkey Shoulder blended malt a fitting addition to my lineup.
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Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Review
REGION: Speyide
ABV: 43%
COLOUR: Dark golden. It is a very thick and oily whisky.
NOSE: The nose has notes of bourbon sweetness, fruitcake, toffee, and vanilla notes; this whisky offers an exquisite drinking experience. Oak and cereals float past, and with the addition of a bit of water, there are hints of fresh cut-flowers.
PALATE: On the palate, Monkey Shoulder delights with a creamy texture and subtle notes of barley, cereals, spices, honey sweetness, and vanilla. It’s an easy-drinking whisky that will leave you yearning for a second glass.
FINISH: The finish is medium long, leaving a beautiful, warming sensation with hints of spice and caramelized nuts.
RATING: EXCELLENT
The Monkey Shoulder blended malt Scotch whisky is an outstanding standalone spirit and an excellent base for crafting cocktails. As the holiday season approaches, it will undoubtedly find a prominent place on my cocktail menu.
I’ve even acquired the Kininvie 17 year old expression, completing my trio of distilleries contributing to this fine dram’s magic.
I played around with a chocolate pairing. I found that Monkey Shoulder whisky proved a robust and versatile companion, beautifully complementing the sweet indulgence of Caramello chocolate.
Cheers to the perfect blend of tradition and innovation in every sip of Monkey Shoulder whisky!
The Monkey Shoulder is available around the world and the price is around R450 in South Africa, £24 in the UK and ₹ 3,990 in India.
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Like the vibrant green spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day, Tullamore DEW Irish whiskey proudly wears its distinctive green label. This Irish whiskey is one of the quintessential choices to pay homage to this cherished Irish celebration.
Tullamore DEW, a well-known Irish whiskey brand, is owned by William Grant & Sons. They also own the Glenfiddich and Balvenie distilleries. The Tullamore distillery traces back to 1829 when Michael Molloy founded the distillery in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland. Following Molloy’s passing, the distillery found itself in the capable hands of the Daly family.
Interestingly, it was during the tenure of Daniel E. Williams as General Manager that the iconic DEW initials came into play, derived from his name. Quite the revelation, as many of us might have assumed it stood for dew, that glistening morning moisture on exposed surfaces.
This rich tapestry of Irish whiskey heritage continued to evolve, with the brand changing hands several times, ultimately being acquired by William Grant in 2010. Like the shamrock with its three leaves, Tullamore DEW’s distillation process also unfolds in threes.
The whiskey undergoes triple distillation, blending, and cask maturation. These casks include traditional refill, ex-bourbon, and ex-sherry casks, each imparting its unique character to the final product.
As for the tasting experience, let’s dive into the flavours of Tullamore DEW Irish whiskey:
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Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey Review
Looking at my tasting notes, this is only the 3rd Irish whiskey that I have tasted in the last 4 years.
COUNTRY: Ireland
ABV: 43%
COLOUR: A dark amber.
NOSE: A blend of vanilla and caramel greets the senses, accompanied by subtle notes of fresh flowers, butterscotch, and hints of citrus, reminiscent of subtropical fruits. In the backdrop, a delicate interplay of spice, moss, and wood adds depth. After adding water, the spice and wood elements take centre stage.
PALATE: Abundant notes of spice and oak dominate, intermingling with touches of grapefruit and lemon rind. A subtle toffee sweetness and hints of malt dance in the background, but the peppery spice starts to overwhelm. A drop of water tempers some of the whiskey’s fiery aspects, offering a smoother experience.
FINISH: Rather short and end in spicy notes.
RATING: VERY GOOD
My experience with Irish whiskies may be limited, but I anticipated a smoother, more approachable whiskey. Surprisingly, the spiciness of Tullamore DEW Irish whiskey takes centre stage, eclipsing other flavour notes. The spice and the oak nearly drown out the sweetness.
Due to the spicy nature, it pairs wonderfully with cheese, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this Irish classic. I indulged in some Tullamore DEW alongside some Irish Dubliner cheese. The synergy between the whiskey and cheese was nothing short of lovely.
Tullamore DEW amplified the vanilla sweetness of the cheese while the cheese softened the peppery notes. The cheese lent its creamy texture to the whiskey, enhancing the woody undertones for a harmonious duet on the palate.
As a bonus, I conducted a lively side-by-side comparison between Tullamore DEW and Jameson whiskey to uncover their distinctive charms.
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