On 1 December 2012, Clyde hosted our last meeting for 2012. With the festive season upon us, we decided to focus on "budget friendly" whisky. Clyde gathered popular whisky's which retail around R200. We also added the bottle of Three Ships which we had recently won.
Hosted at the Club House in Clyde's complex, the night was rather chilly for December! But Clyde advised that whisky has medicinal purposes too and we would be fine!
Clyde started us off with Bushmills - our first Irish whisky. We had a debate as to whether we should lead with Irish or Scottish and it was decided that once you have Scottish, Irish doesn't taste the same. However, we do need to do some more research on this.
Bushmills - The oldest legal whisky in the world! Vanilla custard, stewed fruit and creme brulee on the nose. Distinctive oily coating on the pallette and linger notes of honey
Next up was The Black Grouse
The Black Grouse was very earthy on the nose and strong notes of lemon. Andrea was taken by the deep amber colour of the Grouse. Various descriptions of the taste included earhty, flora, light peat and chocolate. Light, long finish.
A well known whisky, Bells was next on the table
Bells has a rich golden colour. The nose is earthy with a definite forest and wood scent. The taste is nutty with hints of fortified wine and a linger of peat. The whisky disappears and doesn't hold. Much better as a cocktail ingredient than neat.
Back to the Irish with Jameson
We watched a video about Jameson whisky and the great fire - very interesting. Jameson has a floral and vanilla nose. A very smooth whisky with a spicy hint and sherry finish.
And finally, the South African made Three Ships 5yr old premium. The nose is also earthy and the taste is of honey, earthy and with a peat finish. A very enjoyable whisky.
The crowd were divided on their favourites. It was agreed that Bells was not a favourite. The Black Grouse and Jameson were two favourites for sure!
The night was finished off with a toast to Guy and the enjoyment of the whiskies.
More photos can be viewed here
