Three Ships 12 46.3%
Established in 1886 and located about an hour from Cape Town, the James Sedgwick Distillery is currently the only commercial whisky distillery in Africa. In addition to Three Ships, the distillery is also the home of South Africa’s first single grain whiskey, Bain’s Cape Mountain.
From Whisky Pioneer:
Three Ships Whisky 12-year-old is the first release in the Master Distiller’s Private Collection. It is a single malt that is natural in colour and un-chillfiltered.
Internationally awarded Three Ships Master Distiller, Andy Watts, distilled malted barley in copper pot stills in 2007 and matured the spirit for a minimum of 12 years in a special selection of older and younger American casks.
Although the warmer South African climate results in a much higher angel’s share, the accelerated interaction between the spirit, cask and atmosphere gave rise to this delicious single malt.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Old gold, forms a thin line before beading and falling as slow, viscous legs.
Nose: Herbal smoke, vanilla, cut grass, a hint of menthol cool.
Palate: Soft, oily mouthfeel. Honeyed cereal and orchard fruit are quickly followed by more of the herbal peat smoke. Gradually turns to more bitter notes, dark chocolate, dried orange peel, burnt toast, cardamom pods, a little ginger spice and a touch of tobacco leaf.
Finish: Lingering herbal smokiness together with the return of the grassy note from the nose. Slight oaky astringency appears very late.
Summary: Everything about this whisky, from the nose through to the finish, is intriguing and a real workout for the senses. The nose itself is really unusual, a slightly pungent mix of sweetness and herbal notes quite unlike any whisky I’ve tried before. The palate follows on in similar fashion, waves of sweetness, smoke and then bitterness keep the palate occupied. Add to that a smoky, grassy finish and you have a whisky that demands your full attention.
After the first sip I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this malt, and if I’m honest I’m still trying to decide how much I like it. What I do know however, is that by the last sip I wanted another dram to explore this one further.
If you would like more information on this whisky, or the James Sedgwick distillery, follow the link to the company website.
