Whisky I've Drank: Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish

By Savage 

So last week i said the Whisky Guy would be reviewing another South African whisky and here we are. Perfect timing given that tomorrow (16 May) is World Whisky Day, a special day for anyone who appreciates the dedication, craftsmanship and passion it takes to create a premium whisky. Last time out was the first time we reviewed a Japanese whisky, but we once again we return to local shores and get to experience the award winning Three Ships Whisky. Not just any Three Ships Whisky though…the special release Bourbon Cask Finish. And i’ve got a bottle to give away to you fine folks so keep reading.

- The Three Ships Whisky Bourbon Cask Finish.

Not very distinguished looking, but in this case it’s all about the taste. Worth noting above the logo is a Gold Award.

The story behind Three Ships Whisky Bourbon Cask Finish:

Some bar ammo for you. The Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish is the first South African whisky where both the malt and grain components are distilled and matured in SA. After an initial maturation of three years the final blend is matured for a further six months in first fill ex-bourbon casks. It’s produced at the James Sedgwick distillery in Wellington.

What’s it taste like?

Nose: 

before i tell you about the Bourbon Cask Finish i must mention that i’ve tried the 5yr old and didn’t really take to the smokey bacon flavoured nose and palate. I expected the Bourbon Cask to be similar, but it was pleasantly surprised that they were not similar at all. The aromas from the Bourbon Cask had a much more noticible bourbon inspired honey and oak notes coming through. It’s lighter and has more floral and vanilla hints.

Palate: 

I’d be lying if i said that the bourbon cask finish isn’t exactly that…you can’t not notice the bourbon influence. Throw in some honey, vanilla, pepper and cinnamon tones and i was rather impressed with the overall taste. There are some biscuity flavours mixed with wood and fruit in the background.

Finish: 

More spicy after taste, but i think that’s the pepper and cinnamon coming through. Still leaves you with overall honey and vanilla leftovers and it’s no secret that those are my favourite.

Appearance and price: 

the look of the bottle is still a little low budget for me and doesn’t exactly give you impressions of history and that vintage feel, but i’m ok with that. Maybe it’s just the name that puts me off. At the end of the day though the taste is what sold me. And for the price it’s probably right up ther with the best value for for money whiskies i’ve tried so far. At only R155 at bottleshop.co.za it trumps many a whisky more than triple that price.

Overall score on the Life is Savage Whisky Index: i was thoroughly impressed and the Three Ships Bourbon Cask Whisky gets a very unexpected 8.7 out of 10 on the score sheet. I will keep buying it.