Whisky comes out with all the bells and whistles over the festive season with gift packs galore and huge displays in every liquor store but it can all be a little overwhelming!
Rather than heading straight past it to the beers at the back, here’s a guide to deciphering the labels so that you can make an educated decision when you buy a bottle of the good stuff, whether it’s for a gift or simply to say cheers to surviving a challenging year.
Whisky is fascinating because of the craftsmanship that goes into it and then the impact of where it’s made on the liquid itself. There are a number of whisky-producing countries including Scotland, Ireland, America and Japan.
Japanese whisky is increasingly hard to come by for the same reasons as bourbon (made in America) – it’s in high demand and years ago, when the whisky was laid down to mature, no-one could’ve predicted its global popularity.
There are some excellent bourbons available in South Africa. Bourbon is more accessibly priced and sweeter in flavour than Scotch whisky, making it approachable for curious new whisky drinkers.
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon has a classic bourbon flavour profile (think brown sugar, toffee and vanilla) and it’s made at the world’s most awarded distillery and also one of America’s oldest, dating back to 1773.
Another country known for its whiskey-making prowess, is Ireland. Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled and unpeated, making it smooth and easy-drinking although not as sweet as bourbon.
Paddy Irish Whiskey is blended with triple distilled pot still, malt (barley) and grain whiskeys and is a classic example.
Scotch whisky, loved by traditionalists, is known for its complexity and layers of flavour, starting with the nose (what it smells like), the palate (what it tastes like), the mouthfeel and the finish (or aftertaste).
Knowing what flavours and aromas to look out for is part of appreciating it. The Sexton Irish Single Malt Whiskey is an interesting one as it has all the complexity of a single malt (made with only malted barley at one distillery), and the single malt’s oakiness is beautifully balanced with classically Irish sweetness, making it delicious neat or in a cocktail.
With so many whiskies (and whiskeys) to choose from, all of which offer a distinctly different drinking experience, there’s no reason not to give at least one a try this festive season.
The Prize
Win a hamper of Truman & Orange Whiskey consisting of:
1 x Buffalo Trace Bourbon Gift Pack
1 x Don Papa Rum Gift Pack
1 x bottle of Bannermans Whisky
1 x bottle of Paddy Whiskey + Highball glasses
Terms and Conditions
- Entries close 18 December
- The prize is not transferable nor redeemable for cash.
- The winner must be 18 years or older.
- The winner must reside in South Africa.
- Getaway‘s usual competition terms and conditions apply.
How to Enter
Simply fill out the form below
Picture: Supplied
