Whisky
is dear to my heart, so when I got an invite to attend the Bains Whisky tasting
and pairing hosted by Master Blender and founder distiller Andy Watts, I was
really excited.
Excited
because I will be learning more about this special “World’s Best Grain Whisky”
that people are talking about.
At
the event which was held at Little Havana restaurant in the Umhlanga Village, Watts shared the journey of this exquisite whisky at
various stages in its life cycle, drawn directly off the still as well as from the
barrels.
It’s no secret that today’s whisky world is becoming
more exciting with whisky innovations hitting a stride and people like Watts leading the pack.
Watts
fulfilled a demand for premium offerings by creating a whisky that could not be
replicated anywhere else in the world- and perfecting what is known today as
South Africa’s first single grain whisky.
Various stages of the Bains Single Grain Whisky in its life cycle. Picture: Buhle Mbonambi To me, whisky is whisky, but
there’s no doubt about the distinct differences between each kind of whisky.
What makes Bain’s Single Grain Whisky even more interesting really is that
it is a first of its kind here in South Africa.
Talking about innovation, during
his presentation Watts said they have become innovative in a way that they have
found creative ways to use home-grown raw material to their best advantage and
that they are constantly working towards the future and have some whiskies that
will bring enjoyment to people like us whisky lovers in a few year’s time.
Bains Single Grain Whisky’s life
cycle
- The first stage
the whisky was pure clear with no colour- just like spirit vodka with 43%
alcohol.
- At this stage the
whisky presents a lot of flavour and is very strong on the palate but once
mixed with water everything changes- the whisky becomes sweet, smooth and
gentle.
- On the second
stage the whisky presents more colour but even mixed with water it still
produced strong flavours on the nose but in a balanced way.
- The third stage
presented the casting process. In this process the liquid material is
usually poured into a mold, which contains a hollow cavity of the desired
shape, and then allowed to solidify. So at this stage all he wanted to do was
to achieve the sweetness and smoothness of the whisky. You can actually taste
and smell the fruit notes and spices of the whisky.
- And the fourth
stage was the final product of the whisky a delicious combination of honey,
toffee aromas and by adding water the whisky displays hints of vanilla and
light spice of course with a smooth finish- exactly the end result he wanted to
achieve.
I was introduced
to Bains whisky at the Whisky Live Festival mid last-year- I fell in love with
it, its superb grain whisky which is different from some of the scotch whiskies
I’ve had. It’s very light and smooth as mentioned, making a great whisky
introduction for the non-whisky drinkers.
Bains Single
Grain Whisky has been recognised and awarded in many events since it launched.
It has won awards like the Whiskies of the World Trophy, the highest honour at the International Spirits
Competition (ISC) that were held in London two years ago and has been recently awarded the title of World's Best Grain
Whisky with Watts also being awarded the title of global Icon of Whisky Master
Distiller or Master Blender for 2018.