Tastes

45 years old today—and this is how the day ended. Quietly sipping this Irish legend, catching up on messages from friends, letting it all sink in. Yellow Spot 12 opens gently—honey, orchard fruit, a soft sweetness that feels just right for the moment. Then it deepens. Vanilla, ripe peach, a touch of spice… layered, balanced, no rush to get anywhere. The finish lingers, warm and steady. The kind that makes you pause for a second longer than usual. Simple. Reflective. Well-earned. Here’s to the next chapter.

Tart, sweet, nuts honey and cherry

🥃 My Clynelish 14 Journey 🥃 The first nose meets me with honey and caramel, warm and familiar — the bourbon cask speaking clearly. Beneath it, a soft glow of orange zest, more mellow than lemon, like oils pressed gently from the peel. On the palate it spreads oily and full, clinging to the glass and to the tongue alike. Yet it carries a lightness, a freshness, that keeps it from feeling heavy. The spice here is not wood or cinnamon but the lively spark of citrus itself — a brightness that tingles without ever biting. With water, the whisky shifts. The orange steps forward, the honey stretches out, and the dram grows slimmer, lighter — a “skinnier dram,” reminding me of something like Compass Box Orchard House. It feels more open, more playful, though less deep. My lasting impression is that it is nice, smooth, and fresh. I can see why it appeals so widely: approachable, unchallenging, and never offensive. For me, it does not take me far from shore — not the grand adventure of Islay’s smoke or Campbeltown’s brine. Yet it remains a journey worth embarking on, especially for those new to whisky or those who prefer the lighter, straighter side of Scotch. ⸻ Tasting Notes • Nose: Light and delicate, offering a soft entry with subtle floral and aromatic cues of honey, caramel, and gentle orange. • Palate: Opens with gentle sweetness, balanced by citrus-driven spice. Vibrant notes of orange peel lift the profile, while smooth honey weaves through to round out the edges for a well-composed sip. • Finish: Subtle and short, leaving a lingering whisper of wax, sweetness, and spice.

The highlight of the night. This whisky has been crowned South Africa’s Best Grain Whisky, and after tasting it, it’s easy to see why. Daniel Nel explained how the arid Klein Karoo climate accelerates maturation, creating an intensity of flavour that typically takes much longer to develop elsewhere. The nose is rich with dark, brooding notes and layers of spice. On the palate, it’s smoky and sweet—an incredible balance that delivers depth and smoothness in equal measure. This isn’t just a good grain whisky; it rivals some of the world’s top single malts. In fact, this is what the likes of Dalmore Cigar Malt wish they could have achieved. I was completely blown away—this is a whisky that rewrites expectations. Kzn whisky at bellevue cafe on 7th May 2025