Three Ships 12 Year Old 2007 Master Distiller’s Private Collection

Three Ships is a South-African whisky from the Distell group. That explains the ABV, for they bottle Deanton, Bunnahabhain and Tobermory/Ledaig also at this strength, which makes chillfiltration superfluous. Next to this single malt, they also have Bain’s Cape Mountain Grain whisky. But this Three Ships is a single malt and the 12 years old is currently the flagship (see what I did there?) release.

Fresh, fruity and a bit candy-like nose with a lovely smoky edge. Yes, it contains peated malt, sourced in Scotland (30ppm). A hint of orange peel and even a light scent of stables. Then lots of orchard fruit and all kinds of berries. Very pleasant.

Wood dominates on the palate, but it certainly does not become oaky. Honey, vanilla and maple syrup, followed immediately by the peat smoke that is much more outspoken than on the nose. It gives this South-African single malt both weight and width, if you know what I mean. Some green and eathy notes follow – quite nice, actually – as do some dried apricots. A wonderful and rather unexpected salty note appears, but is soon swamped by a fresh touch of lemon zest. Good balance.

The finish is surprisingly long, smoky and sweet on honey and apples.

Moenie worrie nie (‘don’t worry, be happy!’ in the local language). Not all good whisky is made in Scotland. Case in point. Around 55 EUR and worth every cent.