Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky ~ 43% (Distell)

• Category: South African singe grain whisky
• Origin: The James Sedgwick Distillery
• Bottling: Distell; Bain’s
• ABV 43%
• Cost: £30

What they say:

A pioneer in its own right,  Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is South Africa’s first Single Grain whisky. Named after the pioneering pass builder, Andrew Geddes Bain, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is crafted at the foot of his awe-inspiring Bainskloof Pass.

Colour: Warm, golden amber.

Nose: Combination of toffee, floral and vanilla aromas.

Palate: A hint of spice softened by the sweet undertones of oak.

Finish: A warm and extended mouth-feel with an exceptionally smooth finish.

Discovering the Whisky: Enjoy Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky with a dash of water which opens up the wonderful flavours or with a few blocks of ice. Make sure you use bottled or filtered water since tap water can vary in quality, negatively affecting your tasting experience.

Food Pairings: Our whisky is well complemented by spicy foods and sweet-chilli cashew nuts.

Launched in 2009, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is an award-winning South African whisky crafted from local premium grain and cape mountain water.

What I say:

Continuing our virtual world tour of whiskies, we couldn’t resist following up our tasting of the Three Ships 10 Years Old from James Sedgwick Distillery in South Africa with the Bain’s Cape Mountain Single Grain Whisky from the very same distillery.

Colour:

Gold

Nose:

Delicate vanilla and coconut, a little acetone and ester belies its single grain nature, floral rose and violets and fruity tangerine

Taste:

Warm and light, delicate and silky, a little spiciness develops with brown sugar, apricots, cinnamon and ginger spice, and vanilla flavours reminiscent of crème anglais, vanilla slice pastries and crème brulee topped off with tangerine jelly and further woody sugars

Finish:

Relatively short, sweet and sour flavours persist with further tangerine and vanilla ice cream

Overall:

I may have to check my scores but I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the highest scoring and most enjoyable single grain whisky we have ever tried here at The Whiskyphiles. This really is a an amazing dram in which the grain spirit has pulled out a veritable feast of flavours from the wooden cask and delivers them in spoonfulls of vanilla and coconut cream with a little fruitiness on top. Simply stunning – this is the one single grain whisky I would happily buy or recommend – you must try this!

Score: 80/100

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