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5 Whisky Recipes That Will Knock Your Socks Off

Do you like whisky? Do you like trying new things? If so, then you're going to love this blog post. In it, we will be discussing five unique whisky recipes that are sure to knock your socks off. These recipes are perfect for whisky lovers who want to experience something new and exciting. We'll talk about the different types of whisky that can be used in each recipe, and provide some tips on how to make each one. So, if you're ready to try something new, keep reading!

Recipe No. 1: The Sandy V

While the “Old Fashioned” is a classic, we think it’s time to retire the Don Draper staple and spice it up with our own, fresh, Summer whisky cocktail. This recipe uses bitters, ginger ale and a simple orange garnish. Serve in a tumbler with plenty of ice.

Ingredients:

Method:

To make this drink, fill your glass with ice and stir in an everyday whisky or bourbon (we think our very own Bain’s Single Grain works beautifully). Top up with a quality ginger ale and add a couple dashes of bitters. Garnish with an orange slice, put your feet up and enjoy!

Recipe No. 2: The Smoking Granny (or Gogo’s Mutie)

Forget the Whisky Sour, this smoky, sharp cocktail will pummel your tastebuds and leave you feeling warm and breathless. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, sour and smoke for any occasion. 

Ingredients:

Method:

Start by slicing the apple into quarters and juicing. Place a large ice-block in a tumbler, add a tot of peated whisky (we recommend a Laphroaig or Ardbeg) and mix in the simple syrup. Pour in the apple juice (there should be a nice layer of foam on the top) and garnish with a couple of mint leaves.

Recipe No. 3: The Tipsy Sponge

It’s no secret that whisky pairs beautifully with anything sweet. So why not add it to your under-dressed dessert? Swop the custard for a sweet, sherry-matured dram and you’ve officially levelled-up your after-dinner treat. The options are endless.

Ingredients:

Method:

Add the ice-cream to your bowl of hot pudding. When the ice-cream starts to melt, pour the whisky (we recommend a big splash of Naked Malt, Tamnavulin or GlenDronach 12) over the contents, making sure it soaks into that sponge. Top with strawberries and a sprinkling of almonds.

Recipe No. 4: The Godfather

The Godfather is one of the most popular whisky cocktail recipes. After a delicious meal, enjoy this easy yet elegant whisky and amaretto cocktail. Serve with plenty of ice and an orange peel spiral.

Ingredients:

Method:

Pour the whisky and amaretto into a mixing glass or jug, then add a large handful of ice. Stir with a long-handled spoon until the outside of the glass feels really cold, then taste to check the dilution. Fill a tumbler or rocks glass halfway with ice and strain the cocktail over it. Drop in either the orange peel strip or create a twist (trim ragged edges from it, wrap around a skewer, and after holding for a few seconds, drop it into the drink).

Recipe No. 5: Lynchburg Lemonade

The Lynchburg Lemonade is named after Lynchburg, Tennessee, the hometown of the Jack Daniel's Distillery. The Lynchburg Lemonade is a whisky-based cocktail that is perfect for summertime. This recipe combines whisky, lemon juice, and triple sec to create a refreshing and delicious drink.

Ingredients:

Method:

Combine the whisky, triple sec, and lemon juice. Mix well and pour into a glass filled with ice. Top off with lemon-lime soda and garnish with a few lemon slices.

In Conclusion

Whisky is a complex drink that can be enjoyed in many different ways. These five whisky recipes will give you a taste of the many different flavours and combinations that whisky can offer. Whether you are looking for a refreshing cocktail for summer or need a unique tasting experience, these recipes will not disappoint. Cheers!

If you're interested in learning more about whisky and the different ways you and your friends can enjoy it, we recommend booking an online or in-person whisky tasting session with The Whisky Rebellion!

5 Surprising Facts About Whisky

Whisky is a complex drink that has been around for centuries. It has a long and storied history,  filled with many interesting facts and anecdotes. In this post, we will discuss five surprising facts about whisky and provide information about how you can book your own whisky tasting experience!

Fact #1: Whisky is made from grain

Did you know that whisky is made from grain? In fact, it is made from a variety of different cereal grains, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Each style of whisky has its own unique flavour profile, which is determined in part by the type of grain used to make it. 

Barley is the most common type of grain used to make whisky. It is responsible for giving the whisky its characteristic flavour and aroma. 

Corn is the next most common type of grain used in whisky production. It is typically used to add sweetness and body. 

Rye and wheat are less common grains used in whisky production. They are often used to add spice or fruitiness to the flavour profile of a particular whisky. 

Fact #2: Whisky is aged in oak barrels

Whisky is typically aged in oak barrels. Through a natural maturation process, the barrel imparts flavour and complexity while mellowing the harsher elements of the spirit. The longer that whisky is aged, the more its flavour will be influenced by the barrel. 

Oak barrels are the most common type of barrel used to mature and age whisky. They are made from a variety of different types of oak, including American white oak, French Limousin oak, and  European sherry casks. Each type of oak imparts its own unique flavour to the whisky. 

Fact #3: Whisky was once used as currency

Whisky was once used as currency in Scotland and Ireland. This was because whisky was one of the few popular products that those countries had in abundance. In fact, there are records of whisky being used as currency as far back as the 16th century! 

Whisky was also used as currency in the American colonial era when there was a shortage of coinage. Whisky was also used to barter for goods and services. 

Fact #4: Whisky is a healthy drink

Whisky has many health benefits. In moderation, it has been shown to reduce stress, improve heart health, and even help to prevent diseases.  

Whisky is also a good source of antioxidants. These are important for preventing cell damage and reducing the risk of diseases such as cancer. 

Fact #5: Whisky is the global drink of choice

Whisky is the most popular type of alcohol spirit in the world. It helps that it is produced in many different countries around the world and has a wide range of flavours and styles. It is also nearly 100% sugar-free when sipped neat, making it the more popular choice for those conscious of their health and sugar intake.  

Whisky is also popular because it can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be drunk neat, on the rocks, or mixed with other drinks. 

Want to try it out?

If you're interested in learning more about whisky, be sure to book an online or in-person whisky tasting experience with The Whisky Rebellion. You'll be able to sample a variety of different whiskies and learn about their history and production. Whether you like your whisky sweet or smoky, there is a whisky out there for you! Contact us today to get started!

Whether you prefer it neat, on the rocks, as a sparkling highball or a sour shot, the rule is simply to enjoy it. 
However, if you get the urge to delve a little deeper, there is no need to conform to the snobbery. Elitism in the whisky world is thankfully on its way out (decaying in a stuffy, cigar-sodden peat bog if you will). Through our bespoke whisky tasting experiences we strive to engage your senses, giving you the tools to appreciate the intricacies of this magical spirit, in its purest form. Here are some tasting tips to get you started:

The Glass

To get the most out of your whisky tasting, you’ll want to use a glass with a stem and a fluted shape. The shape helps to concentrate the aromas while diffusing the harsher elements and the stem ensures you don’t warm the spirit with your hands. Traditional Copita or Glencairn glasses are ideal but a wine or sherry glass will also do the job. Pour your dram and leave it to sit for a few minutes, allowing the more volatile vapours to disperse.

Whiskey Tasting Box
The Glencairn Glass (@lunamakes_za)

Nosing

Unlike wine or beer, whisky is a high-strength spirit with a minimum ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of 40% so the process of nosing (smelling) and tasting needs to be a lot more delicate. Hold the glass just below your nostrils and while you breathe in, open your mouth a little (this will distribute the vapours more effectively) and move the glass from side to side. 


Don’t worry if you initially just get a hit of ethanol. Keep nosing (trying one nostril and then the other) and see if you pick up the more dominant wood flavours like vanilla, stone fruit or burnt toast. For a further lesson in style and finesse, we always turn to Richard “The Nose” Paterson, an industry legend and true master of the tasting art.

Richard Paterson - a passionate sniffer (Web)

Sip

Remember: high-strength alcohol. To savour that first neat taste, make sure you take a very small sip and hold it in your mouth for about 10 - 15 seconds. Swish it around, warm it up, chew on it, coat your palate with the liquid. Don’t gulp and swallow! You want to give your mouth a chance to ease into the experience. As with your first nose, you’re probably not going to taste anything other than peppery ethanol. It will get easier with practise and with the vital next step.

sip background
(@lunamakes_za)

Add Water

You may have been taught to scoff at the idea of adding water to your whisky but a small amount will do wonders for opening up your dram. Adding just a few drops will break apart the naturally present oils and release all those delectable flavours and aromas. Room temperature, good water is best and you just add a dash (about half a teaspoon). Swirl it around in your glass and observe how the liquid becomes more viscous and seems to come alive (known in Scotland as ‘releasing the serpent’). And what about ice? For maximising flavour it’s not ideal as the intense cold locks in those precious oils. For maximising enjoyment? See the opening line of this article.

Releasing those serpents (@lunamakes_za)

Nose and Sip Again

Follow the same process as before: nose and take a small sip (remember to hold it in your mouth). Notice how many more aromas and complex flavours you pick up and how much easier and more enjoyable it is to take that second, third and fourth sip. If it still feels a bit overwhelming then add a few more drops of water. There are no rules. Be your own guide and you will soon find that delicious sweet spot. 


Lastly, have fun with the process! Use this whisky tasting guide to experiment with new expressions, to compare between similar whisky styles or to host your own blind tasting. We guarantee that if you spend a little bit of time getting to know and understand your favourite dram, you will be rewarded with a fantastic sensory experience.

Science-based research has proven that planning or anticipating an exciting event can be “a powerful, positive emotion that can help us live happier lives.” Sounds good to us. And since events are scarce at the moment, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you plan and throw your own whisky tasting party! After all, a mental-health boost during lock-down seems essential and who are we to argue with the science? 

Here is our 5-step guide to hosting your own whisky tasting party at home. The best part? With our pre-packaged TWR Box (a fully kitted whisky tasting set), the hard work has already been done (choosing a theme, picking and purchasing the perfect selection of bottles, pretty packaging) so all you need to focus on is the fun-stuff:

Step 1: The Guest-list

The first point to consider when planning your whisky tasting party is that each guest will need a seat and enough flat table-space in front of them for the mat (roughly A4-sized) and glassware. Once you’ve determined whether your ottoman can safely accommodate someone’s rear (or a sturdy tray), decide how many people you can invite, list the names, narrow them down and finalise.

Step 2: Glassware

Our TWR Box doesn’t include glassware but that doesn’t mean you need to invest your next paycheck in high-quality crystal. Simply use the glasses you have at home! We find wine glasses work best (anything with a fluted shape) or use some tumblers. Just make sure you have enough glasses to match the number of samples each box contains so that you can pour them all out.

Of course, you’re more than welcome to go pro and purchase official whisky tasting glasses for the event. Boxes of six crystal Glencairn-shaped glasses are available right here. And if you’re feeling generous, they would make phenomenal party favours for your guests to take home! 

Whiskey Tasting Box

Step 3: Order your Boxes

Once you know how many guests will be taking part and whether you’d like to purchase any glassware, head to our online store and place your order. Remember that each participant will need one box. We currently have two whisky tasting themes to choose from but if you suddenly have a change of heart, there is also the option of a terrific tequila or gin tasting theme. The choice is yours! 

Step 4: Food

A little-known fact about which food pairs well with whisky: literally anything. Despite what you may have read or heard, there are no set rules when it comes to whisky and food pairing, so pick the party food you’d prefer and enjoy it. We just suggest staying away from anything with too much chilli or garlic as you don’t want to numb your palette! Our whisky tasting Box will always include a piece of soft-butter fudge to pair with the peaty expressions; it’s a killer combo.

Step 5: Unboxing & Set-Up

Delivery can take between one and four working days so plan accordingly! None of the contents are perishable so ordering a week or two before the event will ensure you get your boxes in time. It also allows you to remove the folded mat for each guest and place them under a weight to flatten out the score lines but that’s not essential, just aesthetically more pleasing. 🙂 

Unboxing is so simple and the included insert card comes with detailed instructions. When all your guests are seated and you’re ready to begin, scan the QR code on the box lid to launch your presentation (use a Smart TV or air-play from your phone for a bigger screen) and enjoy the experience!

Whiskey Tasting

Alternatively, if you’re a group of 10 or more, we will gladly arrange a date and time to meet you online (via Teams or Zoom) and present your theme ‘live’. This is a great option for corporate functions (and the Boxes make fantastic corporate gifts). It also means we get to do what we love most: meet and interact with people who have a passion or interest in high-quality spirits and taste some exceptional whisky. It certainly fills our cup (or glass) to the brim!

June the 5th marked this year’s annual Ardbeg Day celebration and with Covid still fairly rampant across the globe, the festivities were once again broadcast online. TWR teamed up with RGBC to host an intimate event at our Wynberg warehouse, treating 20 guests to a guided tasting of six exceptional Ardbeg expressions, including the latest: SCORCH.

2021 Special release - Ardbeg SCORCH (Stephen Segal)

The evening began with a lively online exchange between two Ardbeg elites: Distillery Manager, Sir Colin Gordon (dressed in a full suit of armour), and Global Ambassador, David Blackmore (fresh off a Game of Thrones set in his Dire wolf coat). The two Scots kept us wildly entertained. Aside from their indecipherable banter and increasingly pink complexions, Sir Colin’s virtual tour of the new Stillhouse and valiant efforts to move in his costume were a true highlight.

Two vibrant Scotsmen presumably speaking english (Stephan Segal)

In the build-up to the main event, guests were treated to canapés and delectably brazen penicillin cocktails, laced with Glenmorangie 10yo. It’s safe to say that young mixologist, Alex Dedekind, is a fiend behind the bar. TWR co-owner, Sean Gunns, then led an Ardbeg Q&A as we made our way through the five initial expressions provided by RGBC. These included Corryvreckan, Wee Beastie, Ardbeg Ten, Uigeadail and An Oa but it was the new release, SCORCH, that had our mouths watering in anticipation.

At last the whisky wizard himself, Dr. Bill Lumsden, materialised through the projector and adorned the warehouse wall in all his omnipotent glory. The real fun had begun! Accompanied by fellow whisky creator Gillian MacDonald, we were finally introduced to Dr. Bill’s “fire breathing beast of a dram,” SCORCH. It did not disappoint. Matured in fiercely charred ex-Bourbon American oak casks with an ABV of 46%, it packed a peaty punch, balanced beautifully with hints of salty liquorice and caramelised sugar.

Dr Bill & Gillian MacDonald live from the "Whisky Wizard's Tower"

The evening ended in suitably high spirits and we were thrilled to have hosted true Ardbeg fans who would, under normal circumstances, have made the annual migration to the Ardbeg Embassy in the Dullstroom.

“It was a cold and miserable Saturday on June the 5th at Wild About Whisky in Dullstroom,” reflected owner Dave Gunns. “As an Ardbeg Embassy, the prospect of another pandemic-cancelled Ardbeg Day celebration was particularly bleak… but luckily, by collaborating with The Whisky Rebellion on a separate project, we were able to provide 60 devout Ardbeggians with tasting samples (Kelpie, Grooves, Drum, Wee Beastie, Uigeadail and Scorch) coupled with an online guided tasting.”

The TWR and Wild About Whisky sample kit was a hit, as one delighted customer said, "I was absolutely blown away by the whiskies as well as the knowledge, professionalism and sincerity with which Dave presented the tasting. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience from start to finish!”

The TWR/WAW Ardbeg BOX collaboration

Despite successfully bringing a small essence of Islay to our fellow Ardbeg enthusiasts in 2021, we long to once again warm up the bagpipes, join arms for the parade, toss a sheep and clink glasses in traditional Ardbeg Day revelry. Here’s looking at you 2022, we cannot wait to see what sorcery Dr. Bill will serve up for us next. Sláinte!

Many thanks to Rob Gray (RGBC), 180 Degrees Catering, Silver Spoon Function Hire, and the Wild About Whisky team.

All gallery photos by Stephen Segal

Father’s Day 2021 falls on Sunday, June 20th which means it’s time to start thinking about the father (or father figure) in your life and how you can pay homage to your legendary Dad. Let’s be clear, just the whiff of soap-on-a-rope or another pair of socks will likely send him scuttling to his man-cave for a 2020-level sulk. So, to avoid any unnecessary drama, we’ve made shopping for the perfect gift as easy as 1, 2, 3… 4, 5! 

Here are our top 5 picks for Father’s Day gifts and the best part: they can all be ordered online and shipped to him, right on time for the special occasion.

The TWR Whiskey Tasting Box

A shameless punt for our own product? What can we say, it’s an exciting new idea that we're very proud of and it really makes a great Father's Day gift! The TWR BOX brings our years of experience in procuring and presenting fine spirits straight into your home. Inside each BOX is not only everything you need for an in-depth whiskey tasting experience, but also a link to a virtual presentation to guide you through the whiskey tasting. Packed with anecdotes, facts, opinions, and special tips, our presentation will be sure to change the way you experience these products.

https://whiskyrebels.com/shop/

whiskey tasting experience on father's day

A Wild About Whisky Gift Voucher

The well-known whisky bar, a true landmark in the bustling little village of Dullstroom, boasts a bar and retail outlet with the largest whisky menu in the southern hemisphere. The retail store is jam-packed with an array of whisky, gin, tequila, brandy and cognac bottles for sale and their prices are hard to beat. A Father's Day gift voucher allows the lucky recipient to enjoy a fantastic whiskey tasting experience of their chosen spirit or to purchase a bottle of their favourite dram. 

https://www.wildaboutwhisky.com

father's day gifts

An EDGE Haircut

EDGE for Men wants every person to walk out of their salon feeling relaxed and confident. For men, EDGE turns the average ‘grudge’ haircut into a regularly anticipated visit; where their gents can expect a minty fresh head massage, refreshment of espresso coffee, juice, or beer as well as a look they were hoping for. They really are the best in the business!

http://www.edgeformen.co.za

father's day gifts

Celestial Gifts

Celestial Gift Experiences is an innovation that brings novelty to a world where people already own all the gadgets. Instead of buying another watch, another tie or another fragrance set, you now have the opportunity to buy gift experiences. Contact their ‘Bucket List Genie’ to arrange an out-of-this-world experience for your loved one!

https://www.celestialgifts.co.za

father's day gifts

Rocking Whisky Glasses, Set of 6

These glasses rock. Literally. The cleverly designed tapered base keeps them swirling, gently moving the liquid inside and exposing it to oxygen, making it taste better (without ever spilling a drop). Great for whiskey or cognac, they'll be the perfect companion on a cold night, making them the perfect Father's Day gift.

https://www.yuppiechef.com

Tags: fathers day; father’s day; dad; gift; whisky; whiskey; tasting; experience

We've changed the game to bring a whisky and gin tasting experience to your home and corporate office. Whether it be for a birthday, anniversary, or corporate event, our whisky corporate gift pack is as versatile as it is thoughtful and concise. 

Everything you need for a whisky and gin tasting

Our whisky and gin corporate gift packs are fully kitted out with everything you'll need to have your own tasting including an access code to a 1-hour tasting information session presented by The Rebels online. This session gives you the opportunity to enjoy a whisky or gin tasting experience at the location of your choice on your own terms. 
Each whisky and gin tasting gift pack includes our selection of top-quality spirits in glass vials, taste pairings, garnishes, a pipette for controlled adding of water, an easy-to-follow setup guide, and a unique tasting mat that is both functional and artistic.

whisky corporate gift packs

Whisky and gin tasting and pairing experience 

Each gift pack is complete with garnishes, like dehydrated strawberries and lemons, or samples of interesting products like juniper berries to better understand the flavors in a gin tasting. For whisky, there may be taste pairings like handmade fudge to compliment one of the whiskies in the lineup. We've thought of everything so you don't have to! 


To complete your tasting experience you can now order crystal tasting glasses directly from TWR. The shape of this tasting glass helps to release and concentrate the aromas while diffusing harsher elements. Each tasting glass has a 210ml capacity and there are 3 glasses in each pack. Order yours to complete your tasting set.

If anyone ever asks us which awards are to be trusted the most as unbiased and all inclusive, we always answer with the World Whisky Awards as number one. Undoubtedly the most recognised awards competition in the world whisky industry, their results carry a lot of weight.

Within all the categories, "World's Best Single Malt" certainly holds a lot of prestige. For the first time ever in history, a territory known rather for its single pot still category took home this desired title. Congratulations to Teeling and Ireland - it has been fantastic to watch the Irish whiskey industry taking big steps forward, and this is certainly a leap! A massive congratulations to all the other category winners too.

Here is the list of some of the winners of 2019's World Whisky Awards:

World's Best Single Malt - Teeling Whiskey 24-Year-Old Vintage Reserve
World's Best Blended Whisky - Suntory Hibiki 21-Year-Old
World's Best Single Cask Single Malt - Sullivans Cove - French Oak
World's Best Blended Malt - Nikka - Taketsuru Pure Malt 25 Years Old
World's Best Bourbon - Four Roses - 130th Anniversary 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch
World's Best Rye Whisky - Stork Club Whisky - Straight Rye Whisky
World's Best Tennessee Whiskey - Uncle Nearest 1856 - Premium Aged Whiskey
World's Best Pot Still - The Temple Bar - 14 Years Old Single Cask
World's Best Grain Whisky - The Fuji-Gotemba Distillery - Single Grain 25 Years Old Small Batch
World's Best Whisky Design - Tomatin - 30-Year-Old

You will find all the other category winners here. (perhaps an indicator within these results that Scotland needs to be pushing the boundaries more?)

Armed with a paint-brush, black paint, loads of white paper, and plenty of drop sheets Owen took to creating the custom typeface that you see in our logo, on our popup bar, and these superb campaign posters (download them if you like, spread the love). Of course there was more to it than that.

First up was to create the copy - a collaborative effort by all of us, led by the wordsmith
Stuart McCreadie of JWT Cape Town. Countless revisions later and analysing words like
there was no tomorrow, we settled on the manifesto you see across our popup bar and in a lot of our copy. What followed next was a stack of different sized brushes, some Dexter-like paint splattering, and the skills of talented people. Once happy with the painted words, the paintings were photographed and captured digitally for further manipulation and the addition of the imagery. The result a striking and completely original typeface that balances perfectly between art and text. The idea was that for the mobile bar the facia would look eye-catching from afar and as you get closer you would start to notice key words and eventually realise it's an entire paragraph.

"Drown the snobs in fine whisky". Stuart pushed the team to come up with the perfect copy for the campaign posters you see above. The challenge was, in as few and most striking words possible, to convey the ethos of correcting misconceptions, exclusivity, misogyny, but always respecting the spirit.

A massive thank you to everyone at JWT who has contributed to our look and feel. And especially Owen, who has recently made big steps into a company of his own - this guy will go far. http://oweningarfield.com/

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