Our whisky
tasting experience
Our whisky
Whiskey Production Process
Whiskey is typically made from malted barley, corn, rye, or wheat. The process can vary slightly depending on the type of whiskey, but it generally follows these steps:
1. Malting: Barley or other grains are soaked in water and allowed to germinate. After a few days, the grain is dried in a kiln to stop the germination process. This malting step produces enzymes that convert the grain’s starches into fermentable sugars.
2. Mashing: The malted grain is ground into a coarse flour (grist) and mixed with hot water in a large container called a mash tun. The heat activates the enzymes, breaking down the starches into sugars, resulting in a sugary liquid called “wort.”
3. Fermentation: The wort is transferred to a fermentation vessel, where yeast is added. Over several days, the yeast converts the sugars into alcohol, producing a liquid known as “wash” with an alcohol content of about 6-8%.
4. Distillation: The wash is heated in copper pot stills, where the alcohol evaporates and is collected. It is distilled twice (or three times in some cases like Irish whiskey) to increase the alcohol content and purify the spirit. The distillation process also imparts certain flavours to the whiskey.
5. Aging: The distilled spirit is transferred to oak barrels for aging. During this period (often several years), the whiskey absorbs flavours from the wood and undergoes oxidation, which softens and mellows the spirit. The aging process is crucial to the final flavour profile of the whiskey.
6. Bottling: After aging, the whiskey is filtered and sometimes diluted with water before being bottled and sold.
The difference between “whisky” and “whiskey” primarily comes down to geography and tradition. Here’s a fun fact about the two spellings:
- Whisky: This spelling is typically used for spirits produced in Scotland, Canada, and Japan. The Scottish version emphasizes the tradition and heritage of Scotch whisky, which is known for its distinct flavors influenced by the region’s unique production methods and ingredients.
- Whiskey: This spelling is generally used for spirits made in Ireland and the United States. The Irish and American whiskey often undergo different distillation processes and aging techniques, leading to variations in flavor and character. The inclusion of the “e” in “whiskey” is believed to differentiate these products and reflect their origins.
Fun Fact
The variation in spelling is thought to have originated in the 19th century when distillers in Ireland started adding the “e” to signify their product’s distinction from Scotch whisky. Some suggest it was also a marketing tactic to create a unique identity for Irish whiskey as it gained popularity globally .
Whisky & Homemade chocolate truffle pairing
R210
Per Person
4 Whiskies Paired with Homemade Chocolate Truffles Served with 200ml Still Water
Glenmorangie 10-Year-Old | Dark Mint Chocolate Truffle
The Glenlivet 12-Year-Old | Orange and Chocolate Truffle
Jameson Select Reserve | Dark Chocolate Mouse Truffle
Johnnie Walker Black Label | Death by Chocolate Truffle
Origin:
Boplaas is a family-owned distillery located in Calitzdorp, South Africa, in the Klein Karoo region. The Nel family has been crafting fine spirits and wines for six generations, and the distillery has gained a reputation for its high-quality whiskies and brandies.
Unique Features:
Boplaas is known for its unique barrel aging process. They produce whiskey that has been aged in barrels previously used to mature their award-winning port and brandies. The Single Grain Whiskey (Brandy Cask Finish), for example, picks up intricate flavours from the brandy casks, creating a distinctively smooth and fruity whiskey with rich complexity.
Boplaas small batch single grain whisky tasting
R130
Per Person
Served with 200ml Tonic
Untutored tasting | Allows you taste each of the Boplaas Whiskies at your own leisure
Boplaas Single Grain Whisky (Brandy Cask Finish)
Boplaas 6 Year Single Grain Whiskey (Tawny Port Cask Finish)
Boplaas Single Cask 8 Year Old Whisky (Virgin Cask Finish)
Glenmorangie’s Core Rande Tasting
R400
Per Person
Served with 200ml Still Water
Untutored tasting | Allows you to taste each of the Glenmorangie’s Whiskies s at your own leisure
Glenmorangie “The Original” 10-Year-Old
Glenmorangie Lasanta, 12 Years Old, The Sherry Cask Finish
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or
Glenmorangie 18 Year Old
Origin:
Glenmorangie is a Scottish whisky distillery located in the Highlands, founded in 1843 by William Matheson. The name “Glenmorangie” translates to “Valley of Tranquility,” highlighting the serene and scenic surroundings of the distillery.
Unique Features:
Glenmorangie is known for its tall copper stills—the tallest in Scotland—which create a light and delicate spirit. The brand is also known for pioneering the art of wood finishing, where whisky is aged in different types of casks, such as sherry or port, to develop unique flavours. Their 10-year-old “The Original” is the flagship expression, renowned for its citrus, vanilla, and honey notes, while whiskies like the Lasanta are finished in sherry casks for a richer, deeper flavour profile.