Whisky of the Week

Meandering the world, one whisky at a time

Whisky of the Week Blog header 4 WOTWColour

Tag: William Grant and Sons Page 4 of 8

William Grant and 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.
Hendrick’s Gin
Reyka Vodka
Sailor Jerry Rum

The Balvenie 14 year old Caribbean Cask Whisky

By

On 03/13/2020

In Single Malt whisky

Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 yo whisky header
The Balvenie 14 year old Caribbean Cask single malt Scotch whisky; this is one of those bottles that I have to review before I finish it. When I find great chocolate I want to pair with whisky, this is often one of the first bottles I grab. Likewise, when looking for a whisky to pair with soft cheese, this bottle regularly comes to mind.

Only when looking back on my whisky and food posts and tasting notes, did I realize, just how much I relied on the Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 year old whisky for its fruity notes.

According to some research, the Balvenie Caribbean Cask Scotch whisky was launched to mark the 50th anniversary of David Stewart joining the Balvenie distillery. It has since become a permanent part of the Balvenie range.

Related Article: Glenkinchie 12 year old whisky

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask whisky has been matured in traditional oak casks for 14 years. Afterwards, it was finished in casks that previously held Malt Master David Stewart’s personal blend of select West Indian rum.

You can read more of the Balvenie distillery history in my blog on The Balvenie Doublewood, The Balvenie Portwood 1993 and the Balvenie Single Barrel whisky

I have paired the Balvenie Caribbean Cask with Lindt Excellence Blueberry Intense. The tartness of the blueberries cuts through the sweetness of the whisky. The dark chocolate compliments the toffee flavours of the whisky superbly. A great whisky chocolate pairing.

I have also paired it with a creamy South African Camembert. Another great pairing! This dram works well with a Brie cheese too.  A very versatile whisky! One I will certainly replace it when the bottle is empty. So below  my official tasting notes on this versatile whisky.



Balvenie 14 year old Caribbean Cask Whisky Review

Review and tasting notes The Balvenie Caribbean Cask single matl whisky with glass

REGION: Speyside

ABV:  43%.

COLOUR: It is golden wheat with flashes of ruby.

NOSE: Rich with sweet notes of ripe mango, pineapple and guava, toffee, Christmas cake and plump rum-soaked raisins. Hints of florals and malt intermingling with oak come to mind. Notes of fudge and lashings of spices.

PALATE: Without water, the fruitiness continues with mango and spicy notes, creamy caramel toffee and bits of oak, vanilla and ginger. There is a tipsy tart yumminess in the background. The Caribbean Cask has a creamy mouthfeel and is quite chewy.

Adding water brings more wood to the front and softens the spiciness. Water brings together all the symphony of notes in this whisky.

FINISH: Long and lingering, smooth and creamy. It stays around long after the glass is empty. Notes of light pectin and pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

This Scottish dram has me dreaming of a hammock strung between 2 palm trees with the ocean lapping softly at the nearby shore. It is memorable and evolves as you drink it. If you see one, grab it. It is a worthy addition to any collection.

Balvenie Golden Cask whisky, which is also a 14 year old and finished in rum. I did a side by side comparison between the Golden Cask, and I did a side by side comparison between these two beautiful drams.

Furthermore, I have done a side by side comparison between the Caribbean rum and the Balvenie Doublewood single malt releases. You can read all about how they differ.

Also read:  The Balvenie Peated Cask whisky



Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 yo Whisky

By

On 12/17/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 yo Whisky side by side comparison
Today I look at a comparison of 15 year old whiskies; two classic brands. These two brands go head to head all over the world. The Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 year old single malt Scotch whisky.

Both these single malt whiskies have iconic status worldwide. They are two of the most recognizable names in whisky. But what happens when you put them in a side by side comparison.

One from Speyside and one from the Scottish Highlands. Both spent time ageing in bourbon whiskey and sherry casks. Let’s start in Speyside.

Glenfiddich 15 year old Whisky

Review and Tasting notes Glenfiddich 15 yo Macallan 15 yo vs Glenfiddich 15 yo single malt whisky

The Glenfiddich is one of my favourite distilleries, and this release has a special place in my heart. I love the sweet fruity releases that consistently come from this Speyside distillery. Family-owned after all this time, everyone knows the classic triangular-shaped bottle of Glenfiddich.

The Glenfiddich 15 year old single malt Scotch whisky is matured in American bourbon, Portuguese sherry and virgin oak casks. The whisky is then mellowed in a handcrafted Oregon pine solera vat (that is always kept half full) before being married in Portuguese oak tuns.




The Macallan Fine Oak 15 year old Whisky

Review and Tasting notes Macallan 15 yo Macallan 15 yo vs Glenfiddich 15 yo single malt whisky

The Macallan Distillery started life as Elchies Distillery. The name changed, and it expanded as the demand for the product soared. Over time, the Macallan had become a premium brand and have some of the most expensive drams in the world. The Macallan is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Edrington Group.

The Macallan Fine Oak 15 year old is a single malt Scotch aged in a combination of bourbon oak casks as well as sherry casks.

Also Read: Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 year old Whisky

Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 yo Single Malt Whisky Comparison

Macallan 15 yo whisky
Glenfiddich 15 yo whisky
RegionHighland WhiskySpeyside Whisky
ABV
43%43%
Colour
Golden straw

Golden red
NoseOak and orange blossom sweetness. It is rich and rewarding and invites you to dive in.  There are faint hints of orange peel and honey.



Complex and rich with sweet sultanas, honey, stewed apple crumble with cream and caramel.  Bit of oak and vanilla combining with hints of sherry and fudge.
PalateFlorals, barley, vanilla sweetness mixed with some pepper spice and nutmeg.  Adding water smooths out the spiciness, but takes away some of the sweetness.  Faint hints of orange blossom and fruit float about.  I was expecting a lot more bourbon notes on the palate, but the bourbon notes are a very faint part of the vanilla sweetness.
There are notes of honey, oak, cinnamon and nutmeg spice, brandy-soaked fruitcake, hints of nuts perfectly balanced with more fruit and vanilla.  Water just smooths out this already delicious dram.
FinishMedium length and end in notes of oak, orange and spice.


Long and lingering with hints of malt, honey and cinnamon
My RatingExcellentExcellent
CommentsGreat all round, well-balanced smooth whisky. 
Rich, delicious, complex and easy drinking.
Price


$170$80
Pairs well withWensleydale cheese or soft buttery blue cheese.Duck, Grilled sirloin steak.

This side by side whisky comparison divided John and me. He loves the Macallan 15 year old, and I love the Glenfiddich 15 year old whisky.

The Macallan 15 year old bring notes of oak, florals, vanilla and orange blossom mixed with pepper and nutmeg. On the other side, the Glenfiddich 15 year old is brandy soaked fruit cake, nuts, oak and cinnamon.

The Macallan is bolder and more spice forward than the Glenfiddich. The Glenfiddich has a more elegant complexity with a nicer finish.

I love the creamy and soft fruity sweetness of the Glenfiddich, and it will probably be one of my all-time favourite drams. John loves the bolder, spicier notes balanced with the sweetness of the Macallan.

Looking at online ratings, it seems like more people prefer the Macallan compared to the Glenfiddich. The Glenfiddich 15 year old will always have a special place in my heart regardless. But for now, we are just going to sit back and enjoy these  two excellent whiskies.

Also Read: Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky



Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

By

On 08/26/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Singleton 12 yo vs Glenfiddich 12 yo single malt whisky side by side comparison
Today, I embark on a captivating journey, comparing Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt Scotch whiskies.  There are many distinctive flavours to enjoy in the world of Speyside whisky, a region renowned for its fruity, nutty, and honeyed sweetness.

Nestled within this whisky-rich landscape are two notable distilleries, located just a stone’s throw from each other and offering their own unique takes on the revered 12 year old single malt category.

These two remarkable spirits are separated by flavour and striking bottle designs: the iconic triangular flask of Glenfiddich stands in stark contrast to the hip flask-inspired elegance of Singleton.




Singleton 12 year old Whisky

Singleton 12 yo vs Glenfiddich 12 yo Review and Tasting notes Singleton 12 yo whisky with glass
Our first stop is at the Dufftown Town Distillery, proudly situated in the heart of Speyside and under the ownership of Diageo.

Most of the malt whisky produced at this distillery finds its way into the blends, notably Bell’s whisky and Johnnie Walker releases. Only 5% of the spirit enjoys the limelight as single malt Scotch whisky.

Singleton 12 yo single malt whisky, a product of this Speyside establishment, undergoes maturation in a combination of American and European oak casks.

Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

Singleton 12 yo vs Glenfiddich 12 yo REview and Tasting notes The Glenfiddich 12 yo with glass
Now, let’s turn our attention to the triangular-shaped Glenfiddich bottle, which has earned its place as one of the world’s best-selling single malts. Glenfiddich pioneered packaging, introducing tubes and gift tins for its bottles, a tradition that continues to this day.

What sets Glenfiddich apart is not just its remarkable whisky but also its history of remaining family-owned. Founded in 1886 by William Grant in Dufftown, Scotland, nestled in the Glen of the River Fiddich, this distillery boasts a legacy that is both rich and enduring.

Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt  whisky matures in Oloroso sherry and bourbon whisky casks, further enhancing its distinctive character. The Glenfiddich retail for around £30 on Amazon.

Also Read: Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 yo whisky

Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 yo Single Malt Whisky Comparison

Singleton 12 yo
Glenfiddich 12 yo
RegionSpeyside WhiskySpeyside Whisky
ABV
43%43%
Colour
Deep polished copper
Bright amber
NoseSweet with caramel, toffee and vanilla mixed with malt.  Notes of rich fruit and sweet spice. 

 Fresh fruit, oak and honey. Floral notes with faint spices in the background.
PalateSpice, rich oak and toasted malt.  It is rich and nutty with a great mouth feel.  Heaps of sweet vanilla and hints of fruit dipped in dark chocolate. Well-balanced with the spicy and sweet in perfect harmony.
Creamy wood notes, toffee and dried fruit. Hint of pear and caramel. Cinnamon and nutmeg. Medium bodied whisky.
FinishMedium length. Notes of fruit, sweet cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.  There is an underlying layer of nutty toffee sweetness, which is delicious.

Medium length. Notes of oak and spice. Lovely oily mouth feel.
My RatingExcellentExcellent
CommentsEasy drinking and affordable. It has an underlying nutty complexity that is delicious.Great fruity whisky to start someone on his or her whisky journey. Not the most complex, but easy drinking, smooth and well balanced.
Price$41$54
Pairs well withCrispy pork belly or a soft cheese.A pear and ginger crumble.

Both of these 12 year old releases are accessible and affordable and essential additions to a whisky enthusiast’s collection.

The Glenfiddich brings notes of sweet pear, creamy oak and cinnamon. It has a lovely creamy mouthfeel and finishes in warming oak and spices.

The Singleton has toasted malt and toffee sweetness with nuts and vanilla. There is an abundance of ripe fruit and hints of dark chocolate.

The Singleton exhibits a bit more complexity than its Glenfiddich counterpart, while the Glenfiddich has a remarkable smoothness and an enticingly oily mouthfeel.

Choosing a favourite between these two magnificent offerings is a challenging task. So, I’ve chosen the path of least resistance and keep a bottle of each within easy reach in my home.

Yet, if I were to tip my hand, it’s worth noting that the Glenfiddich has graced my shelf more frequently than the Singleton, perhaps suggesting a subtle preference for the smooth and elegant charms of Glenfiddich.

But ultimately, the choice is yours to make, and exploring the flavours of Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old whiskies is an adventure well worth embarking upon.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Black vs Double Black Label



Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old Whisky

By

On 06/03/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 yo single malt whisky side by side comparison
In today’s exploration, we dive into the exciting realm of 18 year old whiskies, pitting two iconic releases against each other. It’s a showdown of Speyside elegance versus the bold Highland spice as we compare Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old single malt Scotch whiskies in the ultimate battle of flavours and craftsmanship.

Let’s make one thing clear from the start – this isn’t about crowning a winner, and choosing a favourite would be akin to picking a favourite child.

Both of these drams are exceptional in their own right, and today, we’re delving deep into their distinctions and uncovering their unique taste profiles. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the captivating world of Glenfiddich versus Glenmorangie whisky.

Glenmorangie 18 year old Whisky

Review and tasting notes for the Glenmorangie 18 yo single malt whisky with glass
Our journey begins in the Highlands, in Tain, Ross-shire, Scotland, where Glenmorangie proudly stands as a towering icon. Literally, with the tallest stills in Scotland. The Glenmorangie 18 year old single malt whisky is a testament to their dedication to craft and tradition.

This Highland gem matures in bourbon casks, with some Sherry casks added. The process unfolds over 15 years in standard oak casks, after which approximately 30% of the liquid embarks on a three-year adventure in Spanish Oloroso casks.

Once both components reach the ripe age of 18, they are masterfully blended. This exquisite whisky is in the Glenmorangie Prestige Expressions collection, alongside the Signet and the 25 year old release.




Glenfiddich 18 year old Whisky

Tasting notes for the Glenfiddich 18 yo Single Malt Whisky with glass
Heading south to Dufftown in the Speyside region of Scotland, we find Glenfiddich. This distillery has been delighting whisky enthusiasts since its establishment in 1886. What sets Glenfiddich apart is its continued dedication to family ownership, a rarity in the industry.

Glenfiddich’s 18 year old single malt whisky, a part of their Core range, blends Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks. The result is a harmonious marriage of flavours that tantalize the palate.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 yo Whisky

Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old Whisky

Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 Whisky Comparison

Glenfiddich 18 yoGlenmorangie 18 yo
RegionSpeyside Whisky
Highland Whisky
ABV
43%43%
Colour
Rich gold

Light golden amber
NoseOak and fresh apple notes are intertwined with barley and cereals. There is a definite sweetness of dried fruits and hints of toffee in the background. 
Toffee sweet, rich and creamy.  Creme Brule, honey with hints of spice and oak.  An abundance of fresh fruit, dried pear and fruits of the forest. 
PalateNotes of oak, barley and cereal.  An extraordinary smooth whisky.  Fruit cake and Christmas pudding with warming cinnamon and roast nuts. Multi-layered.
Big and bold.  Thick and syrupy with lots of spice and oak.  Fresh fruit, pears and rich heather honey.  It is rich and complex with a big fruit and spice kick.
FinishA lingering spicy finish with mild nuts and toffee.  Long and lingering with hints of butter, chocolate and citrus peel. 
My RatingExcellentExcellent
CommentsWonderfully complex but still easy drinking.Well-balanced and smooth.
You will like it if you are looking for…Something sweeter with winter fruits and nut notes. Summer fruits with a spicy kick that is bold and warming.
Price$132$140
Pairs well withBrebirousse d’Argental cheese, Cassoulet, freshly baked apple pie with ice cream
Coffee and dark chocolate macaroons, aged gouda cheese

The Glenmorangie 18 year old is big and bold with notes of fruity sweetness, hints of warming spices and a creamy texture. Notes of toffee, dried pear and creamy oak mix with cinnamon and chocolate.

The Glenfiddich 18 year old also has fruity notes, but there are more cereals, baked pudding and nuts on the palate. Oak and fresh apples balanced with Christmas spices and fruit cake.

The Glenmorangie is more spicy and fruit-forward than the Glenfiddich. The Glenmorangie has a creamier texture, but the Glenfiddich is more complex. The Glenfiddich showcases more of the creamy nuts and oak mixed with cereals that you don’t get in the Glenmorangie.

When it comes to ratings on platforms like Whizzky, it appears that the Glenmorangie might have a slight edge over Glenfiddich. However, remember that whisky appreciation is highly subjective, and personal taste plays a significant role.

I suspect many connoisseurs would agree to a place for both of these remarkable whiskies in my whisky room.

So, whether you lean toward the fruity nature of Speyside or the robust spices of the Highlands, one thing is for sure. In the Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old whisky showdown, everyone’s a winner. Cheers to exploring these stellar 18 year old masterpieces.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label vs Gold Label whisky



Spicy Moscow Mule Cocktail

By

On 01/30/2019

In Cocktails

Spicy Lemongrass Moscow Mule with Fitch & Leeds spicy ginger beer and Reyka vodka header
During November a fun press drop arrived. A pirate crate filled with treasure. The treasure includes some delicious Sailor Jerry rum, candied ginger pieces and the new Fitch & Leeds spicy ginger beer.

I have made a few great cocktails with the rum and the spicy ginger beer.  You can see some of it over on our YouTube Channel ‘Sipping Slowly’. However, the star of the show was the Fitch & Leeds spicy ginger beer.

I wanted to try a few different cocktails with this ginger beer. Ginger always works well with whisky, and I played around with a few whisky and ginger cocktails. But in the end, I decided to try one of the most iconic cocktails that require ginger beer – the Moscow Mule cocktail.

What is a Moscow Mule Cocktail?

A standard Moscow mule is made with vodka, spicy ginger beer and lime juice, garnished with a slice of lime and fresh mint leaves. The Moscow mule is traditionally served in a copper mug.

Spicy Lemongrass Moscow Mule with Reyka vodka

Where is a Moscow Mule from?

Not from Russia or Moscow. Moscow is most probably in honour of the vodka used. It was, according to research, created in a bar during 1941 in Los Angeles by a bartender who wanted to clean out some old stock. He made a few cocktails for the bar owner and his friend.

The friend was John Martin, the head of the company that just purchased the Smirnoff distillery. The bar owner’s girlfriend had just inherited a business that made copper goods. Put 1 and 1 together,  and you get an easy vodka cocktail in a copper mug; a match made in heaven.

Spicy Lemongrass Moscow Mule with Fitch & Leeds spicy ginger beer and Reyka vodka top view

Why the Fitch & Leeds Spicy Ginger Beer?

The Fitch & Leeds spicy ginger beer was specifically made as a mixer for cocktails.  It is well balanced to not overwhelm the spirit component, but bold enough to add great taste.

I did a bit of research on what other flavours will work well with spicy ginger, as I wanted to enhance the spicy ginger beer notes. For me, the spicy ginger beer needed to be the star of the show. Lemongrass pairs wonderfully with ginger and add an exotic spin on a classic taste.

So I played around and came up with a spicy lemongrass Moscow mule. Keeping close to the original but adding a hint of lemongrass zing  via a simple syrup.

I don’t have a copper mug, but I used my trusted steel travel mug. It keeps the cold just as nicely.

Also Read: Mint Julep Cocktail




Spicy Moscow Mule Cocktail

Spicy Lemongrass Moscow Mule with Fitch & Leeds spicy ginger beer and Reyka vodka

  • 1 bottle of Fitch & Leeds spicy ginger beer 200 ml (or your favourite ginger beer)
  • 120 ml vodka ( I used the Reyka vodka from Iceland)
  • 60 ml lemongrass simple syrup (see below)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 slices of lime
  • 4 mint springs
  • 2 lemongrass stalks
  • ice

Divide the vodka, lemongrass simple syrup and lime juice into 2 mugs or tall glasses and stir. Fill up with ice. Pour the Fitch and Leeds spicy ginger beer over and add a stalk of lemongrass, some mint and a slice of lemon on top. (makes 2 cups)

Lemongrass Simple Syrup
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 cup of water
  • 3 lemongrass stalks crushed slightly
  • thumbs size piece of fresh ginger roughly chopped

Combined the water and sugar and heat up slowly until the sugar is dissolved. Add the lemongrass and the ginger and continuously stir over low heat for about 30 minutes. Take it off the heat and let it cool down and infuse for a couple of hours. When cold, remove the lemongrass stalks and the ginger and store in the fridge until required.

Also Read: Whiskey Sour Cocktail



Page 4 of 8

Previous

Next

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén