Whisky collectors hurried to beat the clock, with 85% of the whisky sold out within 8 minutes (1 bottle every 1.4 seconds).

On 20 October, Three Ships Whisky launched Master Distiller Andy Watts’ fifth limited edition Master’s Collection release – a superb 11-Year-Old Single Malt Shiraz Cask Finish – in an exclusive online sale.

With only 400 bottles available for purchase, whisky aficionados wasted no time in securing one or more of the 400 bottles for their private collection, with most of the bottles sold out within 8 minutes. The remaining 2594 bottles will be available for purchase at leading retailers from 9 November onwards at R949.95 per bottle – just in time for the festive season. 

The sale was co-hosted by Watts and popular DJ, radio and television presenter and MC Loyiso Mdebuka – affectionately known as DJ Loyd – who kept viewers entertained and informed throughout the event.  The Norval Foundation, the renowned centre for art and cultural expression where the pair were located, provided the perfect backdrop for talented local artist Sipho Njengezi to create his one-of-a-kind artwork, inspired by the latest Master’s Collection release.

Viewers could witness his creation-in-progress: an impressive stone formation that perfectly illustrates the exceptional balance achieved from the cask finish of this fine whisky.

“To achieve the exceptional cask finish that is the mark of this Master’s Collection, the latest release was first matured for eight years in American oak barrels, before being finished in seasoned Shiraz oak casks for three years.” says Watts.  

With this limited release, collectors and whisky drinkers can expect a harmonious interplay of cherries, roasted nuts, Christmas fruit cake and subtle orange with smoky undertones on the nose. On the palate, this whisky opens up to reveal spice and ripe red fruit from the seasoned Shiraz casks, interlacing with the peaty character of this fine single malt.  

A warm and lingering mouthfeel with subtle peat and a savoury, smooth finish, rounds out this extraordinarily gentle but complex whisky. The whisky is un-chill-filtered and delicate rose gold in colour, presented in its natural form at a strength of 51.4%.

“This collectible release is a fine example of how South African whisky ingenuity is revolutionizing the whisky category.  It celebrates the tenacity of the dedicated team at the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, where this premium whisky range is produced,” adds Watts. 

With the festive season now fast approaching, it’s best to make an early purchase of this sought-after limited edition, which is expected to sell out quickly.