Spice Route Winery, ensconced in the outlands of Western Cape’s Paarl, derives its name from the adventures of ancient mariners of the 15th century who braved uncharted seas to round the Cape of Good Hope in search of exotic spices. This is the same spirit which imbued Spice Route owner Charles Back’s search for exceptional vineyards, which took him sailing into the uncharted waters of the Swartland. Synonymous with exploration, adventure and innovation, Spice Route’s’ journey of discovery is on-going, venturing out further into the Western Cape’s wine regions in a quest to discover more extraordinary vineyards to expand their wine offering.

Spice Route’s journey of discovery has concretised with the launch of Spice Route’s Spice Range of Wines featuring Saffron Rosé 2023, Tarragon Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023 (New Release) and Chakalaka Rhône-Style Red Blend 2021.

This range is described as versatile food wines bound to add flair and flavour to any occasion just as spices add depth and dimension to a dish.

GLENMORANGIE’S NEW LIMITED EDITION OOZES TOKYO SPIRIT

DRAM-GOOD: The Highland distillery launched the single malt expression in Joburg before coterie of swooning aficionados…

By Priscilla Malinga

Just in time for the festive season enters onto the South African whisky-appreciation scene a   Glenmorangie A Tale of Tokyo – a limited-edition premium single malt combining bright, bold flavours with a soft sweetness, resulting in a dram that is as full of delicious sensory contrasts as Japan’s capital itself.

Tokyo has always been a place of great creative inspiration for Glenmorangie, according to globe-trotting director of whisky creation, Dr Bill Lumsden.

Launched at Kol Izakhaya Hyde Park Shopping Centre in South Africa last week, the single malt tantalised the palates of the high-profiled clients and media personalities in attendance, with Tokyo’s contrasting delights, and the influence of complex Japanese Mizunara oak on the Highland distillery’s light, floral character. 

Glenmorangie ambassador David Blackmore says the company has been making single malt Scotch whisky at their Highland home in the remote north of Scotland since 1843.

“We have always had a proud tradition of innovation that is reflected in our whisky range today,” says Lumsden.

“Our flagship Glenmorangie original is an expressive single malt with elegant floral and creamy notes (due to expert distillation in the tallest stills in Scotland and maturation in the finest casks in the in the industry),” he adds.

“Our sherry-finished Glenmorangie, Lasanta and port-finished quinta ruban are the last test expression of the wine cask ‘finished’ whiskies – a process that Glenmorangie pioneered from the early 1980s. We are still regarded as the masters of finishing today”.

Glenmorangie’s whisky creators have been endlessly experimental on their quest to create delicious whiskies for the last 180 years. Now, Dr Bill Lumsden and his team continue the tradition of taking whatever captures their imaginations and turning it into whisky with the newly launched limited edition.

 “I highly recommend a twist on the traditional mojito, using a Glenmorangie original instead of rum for first time drinkers, “says Blackmore.

Whisky is a distilled spirit made from fermented cereals aged in wooden casks. The single malt has to be made from malted barley, distilled in copper pot-stills, aged in oak casks in Scotland for a minimum of 3 years. Fermentation times vary across Scottish distilleries.

“At Glenmorangie, we have intensely mineral rich water which creates a very vigorous fermentation – allowing our fermentation to be relatively short around 55 hours,” says Blackmore. “Because of the complex and floral nature of each Glenmorangie expression, our whisky pairs very well with food”.

The original expression pairs well with mild goat cheese and seafood such as scallops while Lasanta perfectly partners with pork dishes or desserts that incorporate chocolate and bitter orange. On the other hand, Quinta-ruban harmonised with game meat and steaks, and equally well with extra dark chocolates.

For those who still need to make a choice between gin, whisky and brandy, all they need to know is that all three are the products of distillation, but that is where the similarities end, says Blackmore. Whisky is the product of distillation or fermented cereals aged in wooden casks, usually oak.

During the exclusive experience, guests were placed at a long sitting table to experience both the new whisky together with Japanese edibles, including Coriander Root and yam, Enoki and bacon Yakatori, Almond Sesame Seaweed crisps and Scallop Sashimi and Shiso leaf. Mochis was the desserto of the day.

Yamaguchi Akira said: “It’s been a joy to collaborate with Glenmorangie to bring Glenmorangie A Tale of Tokyo to life through my art. The idea of my home city conjures up so many different thoughts and feelings, and my work reflects Tokyo’s contrasts in many ways. Incorporating hints about Glenmorangie and its whisky really appealed to my sense of playfulness”.

The single malt will be available in South Africa at the following liquor outlets at R1 599.95. To explore Yamaguchi Akira’s full artwork as well as a range of cocktails inspired by A Tale of Tokyo, visit glenmorangie.com.