South Africa’s James Sedgwick Distillery is no stranger to experimental cask finishing, and given Chenin Blanc is the country’s most widely-planted grape varietal, it was only a matter of time before someone paired these casks with a whisky to represent something uniquely South African.
Released as the seventh addition to the Three Ships Master’s Collection, this whisky is produced from column-distilled malt and aged in American oak casks of varying ages before resting in Chenin Blanc wine casks for two years.
Three Ships 6 Years Old Chenin Blanc Cask Review
The nose is bright, inviting, and strikes a beautiful balance between spirit and cask. Initially it
offers a typical bourbon cask signature, while the wine cask’s fingerprint takes a little longer
to settle. The balance of oak, malt sweetness, and vanilla, blended with the excitement of
lemon zest, peach, and grapefruit, makes for an enjoyable aromatic experience. There’s also
a perfumed note present on the nose which blends well between the fruit and oak aromas,
however, some may find it unpleasant.
On the palate, the Chenin Blanc cask finish is more evident. It hits with sweet honey and
vanilla upfront, followed by vibrant pineapple, pear, apple, and a bright citrus tang to cut
through the body and carries through to the finish. Ginger builds gradually, adding structure
rather than heat. The finish leaves behind orchard fruit, soft spice, drying oak, and a slight
minerality.
What is most impressive about this whisky is its balance. It’s easy for a wine cask to steal
some spotlight from the spirit. However, here the Chenin Blanc casks brighten the
whisky’s profile, enhancing freshness while maintaining the character of the spirit. This
finish feels purposeful rather than experimental, and this one is easily one of my favorite
wine cask finishes.
This expression reinforces Three Ships’ reputation as a leading brand of South African
whisky. This edition is distinctive without chasing novelty and offers incredible value for
money. It’s available for around $45 and should appeal to whisky enthusiasts looking for
something beyond sherry and Port finishes, or perhaps an everyday summer dram.
86 proof.
B+ / $45
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