Exploring the Unexpected: Three World Whiskies Worth Talking About (For Better or Worse)

If you're anything like me, your whisky journey probably started in the highlands of Scotland, dipped into the peat bogs of Islay, and couldn’t miss the whole Speyside thing. But every now and then, I like to step off the beaten path and explore bottles from places less traditionally associated with whisky. Sometimes it pays off. Sometimes… not so much (I’m thinking back the Brenne we tried last year which many of us wish we could forget). What I find interesting, and its unfathomably nerdy, is how the different climates affect a companies new make liquid during maturation – whether its deep in the Himalayas, in the muggy warmth of south Africa or the temperate climates of Ireland… it all affects the maturation process differently.

Here’s a dive into this months three whiskies —from South Africa, India, and Ireland (with a Swedish twist) — all bringing very different experiences to the table.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky (South Africa)

Single Grain Whisky

I’d seen this one popping up in whisky forums and Instagram reels, often with captions like "hidden gem!" or "most underrated grain whisky". Naturally, I was intrigued. A South African single grain whisky? It ticked all the boxes for a whisky off the beaten track.

But I have to be honest—this one just didn’t work for me. As you read the tasting notes it sounds like it should be great…

Nose: Custard creams, icing sugar, vanilla, uncooked meringue.

Palate: Vanilla cream biscuits, banana bread, a touch of oak.

Finish: Menthol, sugar cane sweetness, sweet cream.

It’s sweet. Incredibly sweet. Bordering on dessert wine levels of sweetness. While I understand grain whisky can be softer and more dessert-like, this leaned too far in that direction. Think less “after-dinner dram” and more “vanilla pudding in a glass.” Despite its award-winning status, this was a one-and-done for me. If you have a sweet tooth or like whisky that drinks like a custard tart, maybe give it a go—but for my palate, it’s a pass. Cocktail mixing whisky. 52/100

Indri-Trini Indian Single Malt (Triple Cask)

First Fill Bourbon, French Wine & PX Sherry Casks

Now this one was a pleasant surprise. My dad picked it up for me at the Good Food Show in Birmingham — apparently the folks at the Indri stand were top-notch, and I believe it. There’s a real passion behind this whisky, and it shows in the glass.

The triple cask maturation gives it richness and complexity that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a relatively young Indian malt.

Nose: Golden syrup, oak, baking spices, and a lovely hit of fresh peaches.

Palate: Juicy plums, peach yogurt, and a note of lychee that keeps things fresh and vibrant.

Finish: medium length, fruity and sweet, a very summer evening tipple.

It’s fruity and exotic without feeling overdone. There’s enough oak and spice to balance out the sweetness, and the layered cask influence adds genuine depth. It’s one I’d go back to, especially on a cool evening when you want something comforting but still interesting. It’s missing a tiny bit of oomph to really get a higher score, would definitely try some of their other offerings sometime.  90/100

Teeling x Swedish Oak (Limited Edition, Ireland)

Finished in Swedish Oak Casks

Teeling always likes to do something a bit different with their limited editions, and this one is no exception. Finished in Swedish oak — yes, you read that right — this Irish whiskey picks up a boldness and spicy twist that you won’t find in their standard range. Swedish oak supposedly imparts a unique flavour profile to the spirit, characterized by dense and spicy notes, sometimes with hints of vanilla and coconut. This is due to the slow-growing Swedish oak trees, which result in a tighter grain and higher concentration of flavour compounds compared to other oak types, which release during the maturation process, and this has matured for 10 years in that tight wood.

Nose: Toffee, dried apple, toasted wood.

Palate: Rich malt, warming spice, vanilla pod, a touch of dried herbs.

Finish: Lingering and warming, with nutmeg and oak tannins.

It’s punchy, complex, and unmistakably different. The Swedish oak brings a firmer spice profile than traditional American or European oak, almost verging on sandalwood-like notes. A very cool dram and one for collectors or adventurous sippers. This was great, different, and the price isn’t too bad either for a limited edition.

Final Thoughts

It’s always a gamble trying whiskies from lesser-known regions or unusual cask finishes. Sometimes you hit gold (Indri, Teeling Swedish Oak), sometimes you hit custard (sorry, Bain’s). But that's all part of the fun.

Would I buy Bain’s again? No.Would I recommend Indri? Definitely.Would I chase down more Teeling experiments? Without a doubt.

The whisky world is big and getting bigger. Keep sipping outside the lines — you never know what you'll discover, and that is what Mr Dram Man is all about.

Next month we are going to be dipping into the Smokiverse…

Which was your favourite Dram this month?

• Bains
• Indri: Triple Wood
• The Teeling: Swedish Virgin Oak