The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey is not only pleasing to enjoy but even better to look at. With its distinctive hexagonal shape bottle, it is the only one of its kind and definitely a luxury to have on ones’ shelf. The rich, sophisticated liquid is matched by its striking dark bottle, which tells its own multi-faceted story.

Launched by the incredible premium drinks company, Truman & Orange, promises that your experience with this whiskey will be absolutely unique and delicious. South African liquor legislation allows many Scotch single malts but very, very few Irish ones, this is what sets this whiskey above so many, delicious but also rare, talk about a first-class experience.

‘The Sexton is made with 100% Irish malted barley, distilled in copper pot stills and exclusively matured in hand-selected first-, second-, and third-fill Oloroso sherry casks to achieve a perfect balance between rich dried fruits, and memorable toasted oak notes to offer a smooth finish. It is triple distilled, further contributing to its distinctive smooth taste.’ Founding owner of Truman & Orange, Rowan Leibbrandt explains, “Single malts are notoriously inaccessible because of their heavily oaky notes. Sexton is a single malt that is typically Irish in smoothness and approachability, while the sherry cask maturation balances the oak notes typical of single malt. It’s infinitely drinkable without losing the complexity of single malt.”

When you think of whiskey and the crowd who enjoy it, it is very easy to stereotype and imagine fabulous men in their fancy suites surrounded by their business partners under a cloud of luxurious cigar smoke… I am here to change your mind regarding this, whiskey has developed so much over the years that it is enjoyed by such various group of individuals. This impeccably smooth whiskey is not only enjoyed by the most luxurious of individuals, but also to average ladies like myself. The distinctive shape, pleasing gold and brown finishes it is probably one of the most unique bottles of luxury whiskey brands out there. The bottle requires a strong grip mirroring the bold essence of those who drink and choose to serve it.

Created by the master of blenders, Alex Thomas, one of few female master blenders, sparks some sort of excitement behind this product, as a sense of inclusivity is what sets it apart from others. Thomas explains, “Growing up my grandfather and my father always kept a bottle of single malt in the house. It was pulled out for special occasions like birthdays and weddings. But it was mostly brought out when people passed away. Friends and family got together to celebrate that person’s life and tell stories.

That’s what I wanted The Sexton to represent; living life well and having those memories you’ll share with your loved ones.” The Sexton is the person who prepares the grave – the last person to witness the body before being laid to rest. The word derives from the word ‘sacristanus’, meaning custodian of sacred objects. “As a master blender and distiller, I am the caretaker of this amazing whiskey while it’s in the cask,” says Thomas. “The Sexton is about living life well before you meet the man that lays your body to rest.”

The Sexton is known to be enjoyed on the rocks, however, it can be enjoyed in refreshing cocktails as well, talking about inclusivity, if whiskey by itself isn’t your acquired taste, enjoying it in a cocktail will most definitely change your mind!

The sniffer: Notes of honeyed malt, nuts and dark chocolate followed by hints of marzipan and allspice are prominent from the moment you open the bottle to the very last drop lingering at the bottom of your glass.
The kisser: Notes of dried fruit which are followed by a layer of complexity – rich nuts, spice and citrus oils leaving a sensation on the tongue which is hard to explain but in short, absolutely divine and leaves you wanting more.

The after-party: Pleasant oak overtures with a honey sweetness that slowly fades, leaving a smooth spicey taste.

The Manhattan

Ingredients:

~ 2 parts The Sexton Single Malt
~ 1 dash bitters
~ 1 part vermouth
~ Maraschino cherry
~ Ice for chilling

Instructions:

Add ice, whiskey, vermouth, and bitters to a glass. Gently swirl or stir with a mixing spoon about 20 seconds. Don’t hurry this part. Add a maraschino cherry if that is what you like, sit back, relax and enjoy!

Barista’s Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

~ 2 oz The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey
~ 0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur
~ 2 Dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions:

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until cold. Strain into a Double Old-fashioned Glass over fresh ice. Garnish with Orange Peel. Swirl, enjoy the smell and enjoy.

Sexton High Ball

Ingredients:

~ 2 oz The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey
~ 4 oz Club Soda
~ Garnish: Lemon Twist

Instructions:

Use a tall, narrow-mouthed glass. Put in 2 or 3 ice cubes. Pour your Sexton Whiskey over the ice. Add club soda. Garnish with lemon to add a bit of a twist, if you don’t know it lemon goes amazing with whiskey.

The Showdown

Ingredients:

~ 1.5 oz The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey
~ 0.5 oz cane sugar
~ 0.5 oz pineapple juice
~ 0.5 lime juice
~ 2 dashes cardamom bitters

Instructions:

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass. Shake. Strain into double Old-fashioned Glass over fresh ice. Garnish with pineapple slices & nutmeg. Nutmeg requires an acquired taste, it can be removed if preferred, but don’t knock it before you try it, it really is incredible.

W: The Sexton
Price: R499

Truman & Orange is a national business, with offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town and representation in all the major South African metropolitans.  For more information please visit www.trumanandorange.com.

Written by Shannon Uijs for Luxuria Lifestyle South Africa and International