Bain's Cape Mountain

About the Bain's Cape Mountain

Bain's Cape Mountain is a single grain whisky from South Africa. It is distilled at the James Sedgwick Distillery near Cape Town. This is the only commercial whisky distillery on the African continent. The whisky takes its name from the nearby Bainskloof Pass. Released in 2009, Bain's was the country's first single grain whisky. It is made from 100% local yellow maize rather than malted barley. After distilling, the spirit goes through a double maturation. It rests first in first-fill American oak bourbon casks for three years. Then it moves into a fresh set of casks for a further 18 to 30 months. This second cask stay deepens the colour and the flavour. Bain's Cape Mountain pours sweet and approachable on the nose. Honey and caramel lead, wrapped in a creamy softness. Fresh fruit shows through as ripe pear and crisp apple. A touch of lemon lifts the whole thing. The palate stays gentle and rounded. Warm cinnamon and a little pepper bring a spicy edge. There are hints of coffee and grain too, keeping things grounded. The finish is smooth, mellow, and easy to return to. Bain's Cape Mountain has twice been named World's Best Grain Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards. It is a great introduction to whisky made in Africa. Pour it neat to enjoy its honeyed, fruity character at its best. This is friendly, well-made grain whisky from a distillery doing something genuinely rare. It also makes a fine first step into South African whisky. The maize gives it a soft, mellow signature.