South Africa
Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky
- Sweet
- Vanilla
- Fruity
South African whisky
South Africa has the most established whisky tradition on the African continent. Almost all of it is made at the James Sedgwick distillery, in Wellington, near Cape Town, which produces Three Ships and Bain’s Cape Mountain, two whiskies also known outside the country. The country drinks a great deal of whisky, especially Scotch, and in recent decades it has shown that it can also make it, with a warm, sweet style of its own.
- In the catalogue
- 3 whiskies
- Distilleries and brands
- 1
- Most common type
- Blend
- Peated
- 0 of 3
History, style and where to start
South Africa
Three Ships 5 Year Old Premium Select
- Sweet
- Fruity
- Vanilla
South Africa
Three Ships Select
- Sweet
- Vanilla
- Fruity
Guide to South African whisky
History
The James Sedgwick distillery was founded at the end of the 19th century and for a long time made mainly brandy and other spirits. Three Ships was born in the 1970s, its name recalling the three ships in which the first Dutch settlers arrived at the Cape in the 17th century, and over the years it became the best-known South African whisky brand. At the beginning of this century came Bain’s Cape Mountain, a corn grain whisky that has found a place outside the country. Today there are also small craft distilleries around South Africa.
What the law says
South African law requires whisky to mature in wooden casks for at least three years and to be bottled at a minimum of 43% ABV, a little more than the 40% required by the European Union. That is why South African whiskies usually have that strength.
Style and flavour
The warm climate of the Cape, with hot, dry summers, speeds up maturation and gives smooth, sweet whiskies with plenty of vanilla, caramel and fruit. Bain’s, made from corn and matured twice in bourbon casks, is the clearest example. Three Ships offers blends, sometimes with a share of Scotch, and some versions with a light touch of smoke.
Average flavour profile of South African whisky in the catalogue (3 whiskies)
Where to start
Start with Bain’s Cape Mountain, a sweet, smooth grain whisky, very good neat or in a highball. If you prefer blends, Three Ships Select is the simplest option and the five-year-old the most complete.
This text was generated and translated by AI and may contain errors.