Invest in your palate

What better way to ease off the year than with some of the world’s finest whiskies?

Towards the end of 2015, SA Home Owner attended two events, which celebrated two phenomenal whiskies: Johnnie Walker’s Cardhu and Odyssey. Global Malts brand ambassador Donald Colville took guests on a journey that brought new appreciation for whisky, and left a profound imprint on each palate.

Hosted at the classic Michaelangelo Towers in Sandton, guests were introduced to Cardhu single malt Scotch whisky, newly welcomed to South Africa over the festive season.

Hailing from Speyside in Scotland, Cardhu has a 200-year history of whisky creation in the Cardhu Distillery. Built in 1824 by two pioneering women, Helen and Elizabeth Cumming, the distillery was the first to be bought by Johnnie Walker many years ago.

This 12-year-old deluxe whisky evokes notes of pear drops, heather, nuts and honey, accompanied by softer malt-cereal, spicy wood, and wood-smoke flavours; and has graced some of the most distinguished homes – and palaces – across the world. It is available in three maturation offerings: 12, 15 and 18-year-old ranges; followed by the Gold reserve and Amber Rock options. Today, Cardhu is the 10th biggest premium malt in the world, and the fourth biggest in Western Europe.

The Saxon Hotel in Sandhurst saw the second whisky introduction: the John Walker & Sons Odyssey.

This rare triple-single-malt whisky is the first ever produced by the House of Walker, and was a treat to the palates of discerning guests, flanked by two beautiful compatriots: the Port Ellen and the Brora.

The embodiment of master blender Jim Beveridge’s passionate grasping of the challenge to find and select the finest single malts amongst barrels and barrels of whiskies across Scotland, the Odyssey contains malts from just three Diageo distilleries. It is beautifully rich on the nose, with notes of deep and intense autumn berries. A silky smooth palate brings flavours of honey and caramel, with fresher fruity notes emerging along the drinking journey. A final flourish of dark chocolate orange, rich coffee, and subtle smokiness make each sip an adventure, and an accomplishment.

If you want to spoil your palate and gift your home with something really special this New Year, the Cardhu and Odyssey whiskies are an investment in your palate, and your whisky collection.

For more inspiration, visit Brandhouse.co.za