Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky

Bain's is a single grain whisky from South Africa, a first for the country. It is double-matured for a total of five years in first-fill bourbon casks.

Nose: vanilla, toffee apple, accents of cinnamon spice. Quite a lot of fresh oak. Warm and inviting. One could be forgiven for mistaking this for Canadian whisky.

Taste: medium-bodied, supple and silky, become thick and tangy in the middle before some gentle spice picks up. Wonderfully smooth, yet there is an oily richness to the taste and mouthfeel that makes it more rewarding than is first apparent. A subtle yet complex flavour development.

Finish: All oak here. Long-lasting and consistent with the flavour.

Balance: A well-made whisky that rewards patience in the drinker. May be too subtle for some Scotch and bourbon drinkers. Lovers of Canadian whisky should find it very nice.