Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal.
Image: Supplied

1. BLUE LABEL FROM THE BEYOND

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal is the third in a series of special releases, crafted using incredibly rare whiskies from the unparalleled Johnnie Walker reserves. At the heart of this limited-edition whisky lies the Highland single malt, Glenury Royal — a “ghost” distillery that shut its doors in 1985 after a long and colourful history. The result is a whisky with smooth, nutty layers of dark chocolate, waves of vanilla and honey, and underlying notes of creamy toffee, all balanced by the rich, fruity character of Glenury Royal. It’s available globally from October.

2. THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE

The GlenDronach sherried Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, produced by one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries and revered around the globe, is now available locally. The range includes a 12-, 18- and 21-year-old single malt. Each has garnered multiple awards and shares in the rich sherry wood influence for which The GlenDronach is known.

GlenDronach Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
GlenDronach Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Image: Supplied

3. A ROYAL FLUSH

Royal Flush Gin recently won gold at the prestigious Gin Masters awards in London. It is made from hand-selected French wheat blended with pure water and distilled five times over to create a sublimely smooth finish. Give it a whirl.

Royal Flush Gin.
Royal Flush Gin.
Image: Supplied

4. NEXT LEVEL: KRONE

Krone has just released South Africa’s first terroir-specific Méthode Cap Classique — the Krone Kaaimansgat Blanc de Blancs 2016. Its focusing on distilling the vineyards directly into the vintage, as Krone’s cellarmaster Rudiger Gretschel elaborates: “Our winemaking team channels the rain, the sun, and the wind into structure, complexity and balance — sealing it all with a cork.”

Krone Kaaimansgat Blanc de Blancs 2016.
Krone Kaaimansgat Blanc de Blancs 2016.
Image: Supplied

5. GREAT SCOTS

We know Scotland produces fine whiskies, but it’s also raspberry heaven. With the country famed for producing this lush fruit, it was a matter of time before an industrious Scot began tinkering with adding them to the perfect spirit companion. Enter: Whitley Neill Handcrafted Raspberry Gin. An initial juniper, coriander, and liquorice flavour gives way to the bright, fresh taste of Scottish raspberries.

Whitley Neill Handcrafted Raspberry Gin.
Whitley Neill Handcrafted Raspberry Gin.
Image: Supplied

With over two decades of experience in the luxury-drinks market, Wade Bales' passion is sourcing really great drinks and sharing them with really great people.

From the October edition of Wanted 2019.

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