Next Meeting: 6 July 2013

Our next whisky night will be hosted by Derek. The details are:

Date: Saturday 6 July

Time: 19h00

Place: Fourways, JHB

Cost: R220pp

Tasting: Derek has a surprise in store for us. Plus we will enjoying whiskies from previous tastings.

RSVP by 25 June. Payment to be received by 1 July.

Kilchoman: Machir Bay 2012

Frankly, I am young impressional whiskey drinker in love with the new, the novel and so I am a bit naive. This makes me and the Kilchoman Machir Bay 2012 a perfect pairing for this review. Kilchoman (R540) is a young distillery in the Islay Region, so you I decided to try and match it with it's obvious competitor, Laphroaig 10 year (R490). These whiskey's price range is in the same whiskey neighbourhood. Let's call them my com-peat-ing neighbours and I'm new guy in the neighbourhood. The question is whose house will I frequent?

So first to visit is the unknown next door: Kilchoman. What a surprise. This unknown (the whiskey is has a mixture of 60% 3 years, 35% 4 years and 5% 5 years whiskey) is not only new, but so complex. At first our unknown neighbour can seem a bit crude, I'd admit but spend some time with it, let it sit in your glass and then you'll start to appreciate its full potential. As a friend of mine, who has been a whiskey drinker for several years, said after letting in sit in his glass for a while: 'Potential I see for this one, I think'. (Ok, he is a weird crossbreed of Star Wars nerd and Whiskey nerd).

Now for my other neighbour's visit, the old friend that convinced me to move to peak-town in the first place, Laphroaig 10 year. I love this friend of mine. He always tells the same old jokes. He has that warmth of "you've known me for a while." I feel like time collapses into these peaty arms of his. Yet I immediately notice he is a bit more peaty than my new neighbour. A bit less energetic maybe? I'll still visit him, but might do more things with my new friend. Then again, Kilchoman and I has something in common: we're both new, novel and so a bit naive on our new journey.

Sadly I have to say that my new neighbour Kilchoman is a bit scarce. It is difficult to get hold of him. In South Africa the best availability is Whiskey Brothers in Hyde Park Mall. Go there, you won't we disappointed. Even if he's scarce I'm going with the new guy.

Ps. For technical detail concerning Kilchoman Machir Bay 2012 check out: http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/kilchoman/kilchoman-machir-bay-2012-whisky/

And Laphroaig 10 years:
http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/laphroaig-10-year-old-35cl-whisky/?srh=1

Nosing whisky

 

When we had the whisky talk with Marc he focused on learning to smell to assist in recognising the "nose" of a whisky. This stuck with us and we are now focused on smelling as much as we can. We're even playing around with a special tasting focused on the concept.

Credit

We have realised that nosing is part talent and part skill. Some are born with the talent and they are able to make a living of this, while the rest of us need to master the skill.

When most of us pick up a glass of whisky we get a deep whiff of alcohol. We need to learn to take that second breath and to pick up the scents underneath the alcohol. We received a very good tip to "taste with your mouth open" allowing you to breathe in the smell and help you to identify the smell.

A nose can detect over 35 000 different smells and can recognise a smell when diluted to one part in a million. Your tongue picks up four tastes - salt, sweet, bitter and sour. So let's give the schnoze some credit here!

Let's accept that the nose of a whisky is up for interpreation. I may smell caramelised sugar and you may smell burnt toffee - similar? It all depends on your experience of the smell before. It's important to find a common ground. If I smell sugar and you smell wood, we're missing something.

To smell whisky, make sure you use a glass that enhances this experience. You're looking for a tulip shaped glass as opposed to the standard tumbler. The shape helps channel the aromas.

Then, get your nose into the glass and take a good long breathe. For beginners, it's recommended to start with one short breathe to get used to the alcohol. The second breathe is the deep one where you try to pick up the aromas. But the first few breathes are important

Identify the first notes - maybe smoky? toffee? caramel? The nose links to the brain, so it is important to concentrate and to get your thinker involved. The nose will pick up the scent but the brain needs to name it.

If you're new at this, don't overthink the smells. Trust your first instinct. If you smell toast it's ok to say toast. We're not asking for burnt toast or buttery toast. That will come in time. If it smells like Christmas to you, think about what that means. Do you think or roaring fires (smoky) or do you associate Christmas with spice (cloves, cinnamon) or mince pies (stewed fruit)?

The easy notes are the obvious ones - look for them when you're starting out - peat, smoke, fuit, vanilla, oak.
Once you're comfortable with these you can look more specific aromas within this range.

Enjoy learning about smells, the scents, the aromas that lie within whisky.

 

 

 



If you have tips for beginners, please share them here

30 April: Whisky Tasting with Whisky Brother

30 April an enthusiastic mix of club members and new comers, met up at Hyde Park Shopping Centre at Whisky Brother Shop. The aim of the tasting was to introduce us to whisky and to go through the basics of producing whisky.

Marc is knowledgable and provides an informal environment for learning more about the spirit we so enjoy. Facts and processes are explained and then illustrated through tasting of various whiskies. Questions at any stage are encouraged and answered well.

As a club we have discussed the distillation process and the differences in Scoth whisky (single malt, blended etc) but it was refreshing to have someone who has seen it explain it to us. One can't learn everything from Wikipedia.

Whisky is complex and Marc carefully broke down the various stages that the product goes through to finally reach the golden liquid we drink so often. We never understood the various factors that influence the colour, flavour and nose and Marc opened our eyes to all these factors. He carefully explained each aspect and made us appreciate whisky and it's flavours even more.

Marc selected 6 whiskies for us to taste. The notes below are based on memories of the night and hopefully the list is correct!

To start with, Marc let us taste South Africa's Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky. Floral, vanilla and toffee nose and sweet with a hint of spice on the palate.

Clan Denny "Islay" was our second whisky and consists of single malts from 5 distilleries on Islay. As the island is famous for, the nose has an obvious earth and peat hit softened by a vaniall and salt combination. The palate delivers on the smokiness but adds a spicy vanilla finish. A long finish, some found that the whisky lighter when water was added

Next up was Compassbox's Great King Street Artisan's Blend. What was interesting is that the exact breakdown of the whisky and wood is available. We all thought Marc was impressive when he revealed the percentages! A sweet, citrus nose with definite "apple pie" descriptions and a hint of hay. The palate is soft with spicey tropical fruits, vanilla, almonds and creme brulee coming together for a nicely balanced finish.

The Glendronach "Original" 12 year old was next. A sweet and creamy vanilla nose with stewed fruits and Christmas cake hints, the Glendronach is a single malt matured in sherry casks. The palate is silky-smooth and full of sweet fruits and oak and sherry tones.

Marc then shared a rather special whisky in our eyes - the Balvenie 15year Single Barrel Cask. This whisky is bottled from a single cask and each bottle bears the cask number, cask fill date, bottling date and bottle number. This note taker missed the cask we tasted from. That means that the tasting notes won't be accurate and irrelevant. We certainly enjoyed it and loved the concept.

The final whisky for the night was Lagavulin 16year old. This whisky is a single malt that is finished in mature sherry barrels. The nose is a mix of roasted nuts, cinammon and caramelised sugar. On the palate the rich toffee combines with a sweet smokiness to create a lingering finish.

Marc has frequent tasting at the shop and is also available for groups, corporates or just 8 enthusiastic whisky drinkers! Visit his site here and sign up for the newsletter.

Thanks again for hosting us and for teaching us so much!

The Gold Route - Johnnie Walker Explorer's Club Collection

This is atreat for our travelling whisky fans! Inspired by the richness of Latin America, Johnnie Walker have released a limited edition, traveller's only, whisky called The Gold Route.
Not available in stores, the Explorer's Club editions are only available at Duty Free Stores worldwide. And duty free means 1litre bottles (recommended retail price is $95)

With a colour described as Inca Amber Gold, the blend was inspired by the travels of the Walker family through Central and South America. Balanced with the traditional smokiness are tropical fruit flavours. The blend was matured in American oak casks with a nose of banana, mango and pitaya.


Let us know your thoughts if you are lucky enough to pick up a bottle during your travels

Next meeting 30 April 2013

Date: 30 April  2013

Time: 19h00

Place: Whisky Brother Shop

Cost: R220per person (5 whisky tastings)

Marc is taking us through whisky in Scotland - the process and the regions. An amazing tasting for anyone who wants to learn more.

Kindly RSVP to whiskyclubjhb@gmail.com - space is limited to 9 people only.

Happy International Whisky Day

www.internationalwhiskyday.org

 

Hope you have chosed a special dram to celebrate with!

Next Meeting 23 February 2013

Date: 23 February 2013

Time: 19h00

Place: Whisky Brother Shop

Cost: R220per person (5 whisky tastings)

Marc is taking us through whisky in Scotland - the process and the regions. An amazing tasting for anyone who wants to learn more.

Kindly RSVP to whiskyclubjhb@gmail.com - space is limited to 9 people only.

January 2013: Bourbon

 

Andrea and Dylan hosted a Bourbon tasting on 26 January 2013. We were impresssed at the selection that they were able to gather for us. Bourbon in SA can extend past JAck Daniels and Jim Beam.

 

On the table were cheese platters with strong and smokey cheeses, meant to compliment the bourbon experience. It was a great idea to have some snacks as it turned out to be a long day for many.

 

Dylan talked us through the Bourbon process and had a useful diagram to show us. We had a debatate as to why Jack Daniel's wasn't a bourbon. In the end Wikipedia settled the debate - Jack Daniels have chosen not to be called a bourbon.

 

We started off with Evan Williams - On the nose it's strong notes of leather polish, toffee, golden syrup and vanilla. A sharp taste that warms as it lingers, a strong vanilla and toffee flavour. Over ice the sweetness mellow.s

 

Jim Beam - the most well known of our tasting had a strong straw nose. We were taken back to the farm with notes of fresh cut hay interlaced with vanilla tones. A strong spciy starter with a sweet vanilla linger. 

Buffalo trace - On the nose it's strong sherry and oak with a vanilla and mint finish. Mixed reviews from the club as the tasted the heavy winter spices and stewed fruit. Interesting development in the flavour as we paired Buffalo Trace with the cheese

 

 Eagle Rare 10yr old - the most popular bottle in terms of looks - more modern and less manly. A nose described as "Christmas" (brandy pudding, stewed fruit, spice) with hints of leather and orange. The flavour of orange marmalade and spicy citrus develops as you sip and opens up with ice.

 Blanton's Gold - starts with an almost acetone nose but transforms into a floral, fruity nose. The first taste is of burnt sugar and toffee. With ice and left to unfold, it grows into an oaky flavour.

The best whisky shop in SA

Next time you're shopping for whisky why not skip your local liquor store and treat yourself to a special whisky shopping experience. Whisky Brother opened in Hyde Park shopping centre in December 2012. We popped in to visit and to see the array of whiskies available. That said, you can can purchase whisky, whiskey and bourbon!

Marc knows his whisky stuff. HE has a real passion for the amber liquid and that cannot be beaten. His enthusiasm is contagious and we spent over 30minutes just discussing whisky. We had to force ourselves to leave in fear of attacking Marc with two many questions.

Marc offered us a dram for tasting and we tried a few. We ended up walking away with a bottle of Old Pulteney - a delicious crisp whisky from Scotlands Northern most distillery. Highly recommended

Go on, let your whisky senses go on a journey to this amazing speciality store. We would be visiting more often but temptation is just too much for our wallets.

Next Meeting: 26 January 2013

Welcome 2013! May this be a year of good whisky!

 

Date: 26 January 2013

Time: 19h00

Place: Dylan & Andrea's - Joburg North (address to be sent on confirmation of attending)

Cost: R200pp

Tasting: The Swartz's are being mysterious - more will be revealed!

Kindly please send your email address to whiskyclubjhb@gmail.com to receive formal invitation.

 

Please note that only once payment has been received will your attendance be confirmed. No payment, no confirmation. Please RSVP before Friday 18 January. Payment to be received no later than Friday 25 January.

November/December Event: Whisky under R200

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

Photos: Whisky under R200

All set - tasting notes, glass, crackers and ice

The tasting range

Bushmills

Tasting

Lots of discussion around Famous Grouse and The Black Grouse

Excellent notes

Observing the colour

Pouring a smaple

Maybe a bit more?

The tilting glasses became a talking point too!

Give that man a Bells

The tasting table

Jameson time

Watching the Jameson video

Enjoying a dram

Three Ships 5yr

Plenty to discuss and drink

Enjoying whisky!

Next meeting: 1 December

Date: 1 December 2012

Time: 19h00

Place: Kerrin & Clyde's (address to be sent on confirmation of attending)

Cost: R200pp

Tasting: The goal is to taste a selection of whiskies that retail for under R200

 

Kindly please send your email address to whiskyclubjhb@gmail.com to receive formal invitation.

RSVP and payment no later than 29 November 2012

October Event: Johnnie Walker

On 27 October, after Western Province beat the Sharks, we gathered to begin our Johnnie Walker tasting night. Despite the cold weather with unseasonal wind and rain, 8 of us braved the outdoors to sit down and begin enjoying one of the world's most popular blends.

After a brief introduction to Johnnie Walker, the history and the story of how it all began, Richard led us in a tasting. As this was our first official tasting, we also learnt the recommended way to taste whisky.

Our personal notes from the tasting:
Red Label - vanilla is strong on the nose, definite smoky undertone and a lingering spice.
Black Label - In terms of colour, more gold than the red, and the nose is distinctly citrus. Picked up a sherry flavour along with a long smoky finish
Green Label - The smokiness of the Green is lighter, the entire whisky just softer. Floral notes on the nose.
Platinum - Sweeter than the rest of the range. A sublte smoky flavour with hints of "Christmas"

Swing - Darker in colour and very similar to a bourbon. A sherry flavour is stronger than the Johnnie Walker distinct smokiness.

What was interesting to note was the distinctive smoky flavour that carries through all the Johnnie Walker whiskies. The history of the bottle design and label arrangement was interesting. By contract, the Swing bottle caused a lot of discussion (and was played with). The bottle is able to rock back and forth - designed to be enjoyed on a ship!

We also watched the Johnnie Walker "Man who walked around the world" video. 

Interesting was going back to Red Label after enjoying the entire range. It was concluded that you definitely cannot go back after having tried Green & Platinum.

The favourites?

Red Label remains a classic and Black Label will always be enjoyed. Swing was not very popular. As for the most populat whisky? It's a tie between Green and Platinum.

A fan of Johnnie Walker? Why not join The Striding Man Society

See more photos under the photo gallery.

This post and the event are in no way affiliated to Johnnie Walker. The opinions are our own and we purchased the whisky with our own money.

Photos: Johnnie Walker Tasting 27 October

All lined up - Red, Black, Green and Platinum

Very serious - tasting notes

Adding a little water to open the whisky

Popular blend - Green Label

Tasting with focus

Some laughs too

Johnnie Walker Swing

Tasting complete - now we enjoy

Kerrin decideds between Green & Platinum

Very official

Terri

Watching the video "The man who walked around the wolrd"

Cheers to Guy