Best Whiskey Brands in Kenya when Gift Shopping
Whether Scotch, rye or bourbon, there is a whiskey for everyone. If you’d like to appreciate a friend or partner who also happens to be a whiskey drinker, getting them a nice bottle of their favorite tipple is a thoughtful gift choice.
But it can be quite challenging trying to pair the right expression with the person you have in mind. Some cherish the bold character of a single malt like Chivas Regal while others prefer indulging in the smooth, balanced profile of a blended Scotch like J & B.
Understanding the Difference Between Single Malts and Blends
Many people naturally assume that a single malt whiskey is bottled from a single barrel. While this might be true for some individual limited cask expressions, the bulk of single malts are vatted.
Vatting is a process that involves taking many individual whiskies (usually from a single distillery) with varying age statements and combining them proportionally, imparting a distinct flavor to a whiskey.
In contrast, blended whiskies are a meticulously mixed combination of both grain and malt whiskies, usually from multiple distilleries. This blend varies depending on the brand and their desired expression but usually consists mainly of grain whiskies with some select malt whisky to liven things up.
While single malts tend to be pricier than blended whiskies, this doesn’t necessarily equate to a higher quality drink. The higher price tag associated with single malt whiskies is often attributed to a fascinating phenomenon known as the angel’s share which occurs during the aging process.
As whiskey matures in wooden casks, a significant amount is lost to evaporation. Distilleries often compensate for this loss by charging higher prices for aged whiskies, as the remaining liquid becomes more valuable and rare.
To put it quite simply, blended whiskies, while still offering quality and complexity, are more pocket friendly due to the economies of scale associated with the blending process and the shorter aging window.
We’ve highlighted some of the best whiskey brands in Kenya below that you can have delivered straight to your doorstep.
Ballantine’s Blended Scotch Whiskey
Voted as the world’s best-blended scotch whiskey in 2020, Ballantine’s is a light gold drink with an appealing honey and spice aroma. This masterful blend uses sweet yet subtle flavors like chocolate and red apple with a floral aftertaste, creating a full-bodied taste that’s easy on the palate.
Glenfiddich Single Malt – 12 Years
Famed for its characteristic sweet, fruity notes, this whiskey is perfect for celebrating special occasions or including in a gift basket. The casks used in the aging process are mellowed by years of previous use; the American oak once held premium bourbon, while the European oak previously held fine sherry.
Every sip holds a hint of pear, butterscotch and subtle oak flavors, all delicately balanced for a smooth, mellow finish.
J & B Rare
Tracing its roots back to the prohibition era, J & B has a rich history and an even richer combination of ingredients. This blended scotch is a result of mixing 42 of the best whiskies coming out of Scotland and whiskey drinkers will appreciate the smoky flavor and complex, fruity notes behind it.
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7
This bourbon scotch whiskey is one of a kind. Mellowed through sugar maple charcoal and matured in handcrafted barrels, Jack doesn’t follow a calendar dictating when it’s prime for bottling. A barrel is only ready for the market when the in-house tasters say it is. They judge it by how it looks and its aroma and of course, by the way it tastes; a delicate balance of sweet and oaky notes.
In summary, single malt whiskies are more appealing to those who prefer complex, nuanced flavors, while blends offer a more balanced taste with a smooth finish. For special occasions or gifting, a premium single malt might be suitable, while a high-quality blend is ideal for casual meetups or everyday enjoyment.
Keep it Tipsy for some of the best whiskey Deals in Kenya. And if you can’t make it to our outlet in Ruaka, we offer delivery services to the CBD and its environs.