January 11 2019  |  Spirits & Tobacco

Distell unveils 15yo South African single grain whisky

By Mary Jane Pittilla



Only 3,600 bottles of Bain’s Founder’s Collection limited-edition 15yo single grain whisky are available


Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, the award-winning South African single grain whisky, has launched a limited-edition 15yo single grain whisky exclusive to duty free at O.R. Tambo International Airport. It is the oldest grain whisky sold in South Africa, according to brand owner Distell.

Only 3,600 bottles have been made available, with the first bottles sold on launch day – January 10 – signed by Founder Distiller, Andy Watts.

Crafted at the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, the 15yo whisky is the first of the Founder’s Collection series, showcasing the quality of South Africa’s grain whisky.

The whisky started its life as Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky and spent an additional 10 years maturing in older American oak to reveal new depths and layers of flavor and smoothness.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky was awarded the World’s Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 and 2018 World Whiskies Awards held in London, along with a host of gold and double gold medals at all the major international whisky competitions, Distell said.

It is the only whisky in the world to be made from 100% South African grain, and double matured first for three years in casks previously used for the maturation of bourbon before being revatted into a fresh set of ex-bourbon casks for double the extraction of flavor.

“Bottled at a strength of 52.5% abv, the whisky’s complexity and flavor driven profile shines through,” said Watts of the new 15yo variant.

Dark amber in color, soft floral notes combine with spice, tropical fruits, banana and teak aromas on the nose. Sweet butterscotch, raisins and banana loaf flavors coat the mouth with a complex, smooth and delicately lingering taste. The finish is warm and spicy with a smooth and silky mouthfeel.

This first in the Founder’s Collection series pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain who built the Bain’s Kloof Pass, one of his most spectacular mountain passes constructed across South Africa.

The tribute to Bain will continue over the next few years when the Founder’s Collection will see a number of limited release single grain whiskies launched, featuring the magnificent passes he built.

The whisky will be available until stocks last and retails at ZAR 950 (US$70).

REGION Gulf Africa
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