During 2018 I attended the soft launch of the new Shackleton blended malt Scotch whisky in South Africa. The blended malt is a follow up to the Mackinlay’s The Enduring Spirit that came out a few years earlier. Where the Enduring Spirit was a limited edition firmly in the premium price class, the Shackleton blended malt is more readily available and way more affordable.
The launch evening was terrific. Master storyteller Rob Caskie narrated the history of Shackleton’s attempt to traverse Antarctica, via the South Pole. Without visual media, Rob sketched the history in fascinating detail.
He told us all about the problems experienced by the expedition, the conditions that the team had to endure, the different personalities of the team members and the interaction with each other.
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It is a story of courage, perseverance and endurance. It is the story that inspired Master Blender Richard Patterson to create a more accessible version of the first limited edition Mackinlay release. He wanted to capture the spirit of the original whisky commissioned by Shackleton.
Using the flavour profile of Shackleton’s favourite whisky, Patterson created a blended malt whisky comprising various Highland and Speyside single malts. It was launched as the Shackleton blended malt whisky.
The Shackleton blended malt Scotch whisky is aged in a combination of ex-bourbon American white oak barrels and Spanish Sherry butts. It is available at major retailers and sells for less than R500 in SA. It is part of the Whyte and Mackay stable.
Shackleton Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Review
ABV: 40%
COLOUR: Gold
NOSE: Sweetness balanced with notes of fruit, spices, smoke, and menthol. Faint peat in the background. The nose reminds me a bit of the Dalmore 15 yo.
PALATE: Rich and bold. Honey sweetness, malt, orchard fruit with warming cinnamon and vanilla balanced with dry oak and aniseed. Adding water makes the sweetness more rounded and complex. Easy drinking and smooth.
FINISH: Long and lingering with notes of sweetness and orange blossom.
RATING: EXCELLENT
What an enjoyable dram. And at the price point – this is a stand out malt! This bottle will not last long and will be replaced every time. This bottle is going with on my next hiking adventure.
After spending the day hiking in the beautiful Drakensberg, next to the fire, adding a few drops of fresh mountain water; it will just be perfect.
It is a whisky that works particularly well over ice. So it is also perfect for the sweltering SA summer we have been experiencing. On what adventure are you taking your Shackleton whisky?
Also Read: Dalmore Cigar Malt whisky
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