The family-owned Boplaas has unveiled its latest single malt whisky, a unique expression showcasing not only a fine spirit but the farm’s legacy as a champion port-wine maker too. In producing the outstanding spirit, Boplaas becomes one of very few in the world to have aged a single malt in casks that once held port the winery had crafted itself.
Only 300 bottles of the new release are available, with this being the last issue for the season.
The Boplaas Single Malt matured in port casks is the first of its kind from the Klein Karoo and only the second single malt produced by the family-owned winery and distillery. The first release made earlier this year was finished in casks previously used in the making of Groot Constantia’s famous Noble Late Harvest wine. It sold out within weeks.
“I opted for port barrels in this new whisky because Boplaas port is among the most highly awarded in South Africa. The wine is also a legacy of my father’s work,” says distiller Daniel Nel, son of veteran wine pioneer, Carel Nel. “The result is a whisky with its own identity, sharing the foundation of quality present across our range.”
Like its forerunner, the new single malt is made from imported Scottish peated malt barley and aged in ex-bourbon casks for five years. It is then finished for two years in a French oak cask that previously held Boplaas Vintage Reserve port.
The cask has imparted a dark tawny colour to the whisky.
Daniel singles out the climate of the Klein Karoo as a significant differentiator for the whisky. “We’ve always known how well potstill and grain whiskies age here, but it’s the first time we see how single malt does.
“The combination of a drier climate as well as the big variation in day and night temperature, speeds up maturation in the spirit,” he says. “This makes for a great whisky that tastes older than it actually is.”
It was bottled non-chill filtered, with its natural colour. On the palate, the Boplaas Single Malt aged in port casks is well-rounded with a touch of smoke weaving through gentle flavours typical to a vintage port. Expect notes of fruit cake, fudge and sweet spice.
The whisky is another milestone in the 10th anniversary year since Boplaas started making whisky. Its distilling history, however, goes back to the very beginning of the farm. From its earliest days, the farm had a standing order for its brandies in London, which required casks to be transported by oxwagon from Calitzdorp to the Cape and then shipped to Europe. The new single malt builds on this tradition.
Boplaas Single Malt is exclusively available from the Boplaas online shop at www.boplaas.co.za and the farm’s various tasting outlets. These are located at Boplaas in Calitzdorp, at Red Berry Farm outside George and at Old Nick Village in Plettenberg Bay. Pre-orders may be placed by sending email to [email protected].
The whisky retails for R1 200/bottle.
