The two proudly South African premium
whiskies, Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish and Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year
Old, are among only seven whiskies from around the world to receive a double
gold award at the 2013 New York International Spirits Competition.
The competition, now currently in its 4th year,
sees spirits from 37 countries competing against each other and with only 48%
of entries receiving awards, the competition is fierce. The impressive judging
panel of trade judges includes buyers, retail store owners, restaurant and bar
proprietors, distributors and importers – the very individuals who have a direct
impact on sales.
The Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old is
an artful blend of grain and malt whiskies, aged for a minimum of five years in
oak casks. The whisky is robust, aromatic and unpretentious with a full peaty
character, ending in a lingering, warm finish. The Three Ships Bourbon Cask
Finish is initially matured for three years, after which the final blend spends
a further six months in oak casks originally used for bourbon. This results in
the slight honeyed sweetness on the nose. The vanilla notes on the palate are
complemented by subtle hints of pepper and spice, ending with a lingering
finish and a hint of flavour from the bourbon casks.
