Wait. What? South African Whisky? Apart from the semi-well known Three Ships brand there is another brand? Apparently there is!

I got this bottle as a thank you from Gal Granov, of Whisky Israel fame, for pick-up and drop off at Schiphol for Maltstock. He couldn’t take it back home after opening it because of customs anyway so two birds with one stone!

Bains is distilled at the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, South Africa. The distillery has been around since 1886, which is quite a surprising while, to be honest. Brands like this have been collecting awards and the fame that goes with it for a few years now and James Sedgwick is not different with Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year in 2011 by Whisky Magazine.

Let’s see what they get the acclaim for with this grain whisky!

Sniff:
Loads of vanilla and gentle oak. There’s a hint of coconut as well. A certain grassy element is in the background that has a bit of a dryness to it. Pine needles and a bit of resin with shortbread too.

Sip:
Again the boat load of vanilla, which usually is the case in ‘rather young’ grain whisky. I presume it’s rather young since there is no age statement, but since the distillery has been around for 126 years it could be quite old too. Grass and coconut too with an almost rum like sweetness. Not syrupy, thank God. That would be nasty in combination with the rather sweet grain. I think to taste a tinge of salt as well. Nice!

Swallow:
The finish isn’t very long and gets very smooth and gentle right away. Grain spirit with a gin like quality remains after the vanilla and sweet oak are gone.

A very fun whisky that goes for easy drinking but has enough flavour to warrant further investigation. It is very consistent over the nose, palate and finish, which does make it a bit simple if you really sit down for it. However, for just of € 30 it’s damn good value for money!

Bains South African Whisky is available at Master of Malt!