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6 Best South African Single Malts to Try in 2025

6 Best South African Single Malts to Try in 2025

South Africa

2025-04-15

South African whisky is breaking new ground in 2025. No longer seen as a curiosity, local single malts are earning top honours and critical acclaim. These are the bottles capturing global attention — each showcasing the region’s maturing identity, diverse terroir, and fearless innovation. 

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just discovering SA whisky, these expressions reflect the very best of what’s available in the single malt South African whisky market.

 📬 Get your weekly whisky roundup featuring current events and industry insights—sign up for our free whisky newsletter.

6 Best South African Single Malts to Try in 2025

6 Best South African Single Malts to Try in 2025

South Africa

2025-04-15

Romanos Boraine - Co-founder of Craft Cask

South African whisky is breaking new ground in 2025. No longer seen as a curiosity, local single malts are earning top honours and critical acclaim. These are the bottles capturing global attention — each showcasing the region’s maturing identity, diverse terroir, and fearless innovation. 

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just discovering SA whisky, these expressions reflect the very best of what’s available in the single malt South African whisky market.

 📬 Get your weekly whisky roundup featuring current events and industry insights—sign up for our free whisky newsletter.

6 Best South African Single Malts to Try in 2025

6 Best South African Single Malts to Try in 2025

South Africa

2025-04-15

South African whisky is breaking new ground in 2025. No longer seen as a curiosity, local single malts are earning top honours and critical acclaim. These are the bottles capturing global attention — each showcasing the region’s maturing identity, diverse terroir, and fearless innovation. 

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just discovering SA whisky, these expressions reflect the very best of what’s available in the single malt South African whisky market.

 📬 Get your weekly whisky roundup featuring current events and industry insights—sign up for our free whisky newsletter.

Key Takeaways

  • SA's best single malts now rival global leaders in quality and style, winning awards since 2015.

  • Three Ships 21YO and 13YO represent the pinnacle of local maturation.

  • Drayman’s offers a rare high-altitude, grain-to-glass whisky.

  • Helden blends terroir and innovation with African-style production.

Try These Three Ships Single Malt Whiskies

Three Ships is the flagship name in South African whisky and a benchmark for what the country can achieve in single malt production. 

Produced at the renowned James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, the brand is celebrated for its bold flavour profiles, diverse cask finishes, and pioneering spirit. 

From its early releases to its globally awarded age-statement malts, Three Ships represents the evolution of SA whisky from curiosity to contender. With leadership transitioning to Walters Uys and a continued focus on innovation, the brand is not only maintaining its legacy — it's setting the pace for the continent.

Try These Three Ships Single Malt Whiskies

Three Ships is the flagship name in South African whisky and a benchmark for what the country can achieve in single malt production. 

Produced at the renowned James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, the brand is celebrated for its bold flavour profiles, diverse cask finishes, and pioneering spirit. 

From its early releases to its globally awarded age-statement malts, Three Ships represents the evolution of SA whisky from curiosity to contender. With leadership transitioning to Walters Uys and a continued focus on innovation, the brand is not only maintaining its legacy — it's setting the pace for the continent.

Try These Three Ships Single Malt Whiskies

Three Ships is the flagship name in South African whisky and a benchmark for what the country can achieve in single malt production. 

Produced at the renowned James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, the brand is celebrated for its bold flavour profiles, diverse cask finishes, and pioneering spirit. 

From its early releases to its globally awarded age-statement malts, Three Ships represents the evolution of SA whisky from curiosity to contender. With leadership transitioning to Walters Uys and a continued focus on innovation, the brand is not only maintaining its legacy — it's setting the pace for the continent.

Three Ships 21-Year-Old Millennium
Three Ships 21-Year-Old Millennium
Three Ships 21-Year-Old Millennium

1. Three Ships 21-Year-Old Millennium – R3,000.00

79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654

R3,000.00

Crafted on the eve of the millennium, this whisky began its journey in ex-bourbon American oak for 10 years, moved into 300L hogsheads for five, and finished with six years in seasoned Oloroso and older ex-bourbon casks. It’s non-chillfiltered and natural in colour.

Product Details

  • ABV: 51.8%

  • Cask: Refill American oak & Sherry

  • Age Statement: Aged 21 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Rich dark amber

  • Nose: Nutmeg, roasted nuts, sherry sweetness, coffee, earthy coriander, hints of sea breeze

  • Palate: Warm pepper, savoury spice, lingering nutmeg

  • Finish: Soft, salty spice and delicate sweetness

A landmark release for African whisky, this 21-year-old single malt sets a new standard in long-aged elegance. It won “Best South African Single Malt” at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Initially developed under Andy Watts, now overseen by Walters Uys, Lead Spirits Intrinsic and matured in Wellington’s coastal climate, it carries deep notes of candied citrus, tobacco leaf, and leather. Time has mellowed the oak influence, resulting in velvety texture and endless complexity. It's not just South Africa's oldest commercial malt — it's one of its finest achievements.

Buy Three Ships 21-Year-Old Millennium

1. Three Ships 21-Year-Old Millennium – R3,000.00

79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654

R3,000.00

Crafted on the eve of the millennium, this whisky began its journey in ex-bourbon American oak for 10 years, moved into 300L hogsheads for five, and finished with six years in seasoned Oloroso and older ex-bourbon casks. It’s non-chillfiltered and natural in colour.

Product Details

  • ABV: 51.8%

  • Cask: Refill American oak & Sherry

  • Age Statement: Aged 21 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Rich dark amber

  • Nose: Nutmeg, roasted nuts, sherry sweetness, coffee, earthy coriander, hints of sea breeze

  • Palate: Warm pepper, savoury spice, lingering nutmeg

  • Finish: Soft, salty spice and delicate sweetness

A landmark release for African whisky, this 21-year-old single malt sets a new standard in long-aged elegance. It won “Best South African Single Malt” at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Initially developed under Andy Watts, now overseen by Walters Uys, Lead Spirits Intrinsic and matured in Wellington’s coastal climate, it carries deep notes of candied citrus, tobacco leaf, and leather. Time has mellowed the oak influence, resulting in velvety texture and endless complexity. It's not just South Africa's oldest commercial malt — it's one of its finest achievements.

Buy Three Ships 21-Year-Old Millennium

1. Three Ships 21-Year-Old Millennium – R3,000.00

79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654

R3,000.00

Crafted on the eve of the millennium, this whisky began its journey in ex-bourbon American oak for 10 years, moved into 300L hogsheads for five, and finished with six years in seasoned Oloroso and older ex-bourbon casks. It’s non-chillfiltered and natural in colour.

Product Details

  • ABV: 51.8%

  • Cask: Refill American oak & Sherry

  • Age Statement: Aged 21 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Rich dark amber

  • Nose: Nutmeg, roasted nuts, sherry sweetness, coffee, earthy coriander, hints of sea breeze

  • Palate: Warm pepper, savoury spice, lingering nutmeg

  • Finish: Soft, salty spice and delicate sweetness

A landmark release for African whisky, this 21-year-old single malt sets a new standard in long-aged elegance. It won “Best South African Single Malt” at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Initially developed under Andy Watts, now overseen by Walters Uys, Lead Spirits Intrinsic and matured in Wellington’s coastal climate, it carries deep notes of candied citrus, tobacco leaf, and leather. Time has mellowed the oak influence, resulting in velvety texture and endless complexity. It's not just South Africa's oldest commercial malt — it's one of its finest achievements.

Buy Three Ships 21-Year-Old Millennium

Three Ships 13-Year-Old Cape Ruby Finish
Three Ships 13-Year-Old Cape Ruby Finish
Three Ships 13-Year-Old Cape Ruby Finish

2. Three Ships 13-Year-Old Cape Ruby Finish – R1,199.99

79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654

R1,199.99

Crafted from copper pot-distilled malt spirit matured for eight years in American oak, then finished for five more in seasoned Cape Ruby casks. Selected from just five casks and presented unfiltered and in natural colour.

Product Details

  • ABV: 53.6%

  • Cask: Matured in American Oak casks, Finished in ruby port casks

  • Age Statement: Aged 13 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Rich red, gold, and auburn

  • Nose: Sweet nuts, smoke, old leather, hint of tobacco

  • Palate: Red berries, fruitcake, honeyed toffee sweetness

  • Finish: Warm, smooth, and lingering

Rich, round, and full of Cape character, this port-finished malt shows how well South African wine casks can elevate whisky. The palate is a fusion of jammy red berries, warm spice, and gentle tannin structure. It's a masterclass in secondary maturation — capturing the local wine heritage while maintaining the integrity of the malt.

Buy Three Ships 13-Year-Old Cape Ruby Finish

2. Three Ships 13-Year-Old Cape Ruby Finish – R1,199.99

79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654

R1,199.99

Crafted from copper pot-distilled malt spirit matured for eight years in American oak, then finished for five more in seasoned Cape Ruby casks. Selected from just five casks and presented unfiltered and in natural colour.

Product Details

  • ABV: 53.6%

  • Cask: Matured in American Oak casks, Finished in ruby port casks

  • Age Statement: Aged 13 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Rich red, gold, and auburn

  • Nose: Sweet nuts, smoke, old leather, hint of tobacco

  • Palate: Red berries, fruitcake, honeyed toffee sweetness

  • Finish: Warm, smooth, and lingering

Rich, round, and full of Cape character, this port-finished malt shows how well South African wine casks can elevate whisky. The palate is a fusion of jammy red berries, warm spice, and gentle tannin structure. It's a masterclass in secondary maturation — capturing the local wine heritage while maintaining the integrity of the malt.

Buy Three Ships 13-Year-Old Cape Ruby Finish

2. Three Ships 13-Year-Old Cape Ruby Finish – R1,199.99

79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654

R1,199.99

Crafted from copper pot-distilled malt spirit matured for eight years in American oak, then finished for five more in seasoned Cape Ruby casks. Selected from just five casks and presented unfiltered and in natural colour.

Product Details

  • ABV: 53.6%

  • Cask: Matured in American Oak casks, Finished in ruby port casks

  • Age Statement: Aged 13 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Rich red, gold, and auburn

  • Nose: Sweet nuts, smoke, old leather, hint of tobacco

  • Palate: Red berries, fruitcake, honeyed toffee sweetness

  • Finish: Warm, smooth, and lingering

Rich, round, and full of Cape character, this port-finished malt shows how well South African wine casks can elevate whisky. The palate is a fusion of jammy red berries, warm spice, and gentle tannin structure. It's a masterclass in secondary maturation — capturing the local wine heritage while maintaining the integrity of the malt.

Buy Three Ships 13-Year-Old Cape Ruby Finish

Three Ships 11-Year-Old Shiraz Cask Finish
Three Ships 11-Year-Old Shiraz Cask Finish
Three Ships 11-Year-Old Shiraz Cask Finish

3. Three Ships 11-Year-Old Shiraz Cask Finish – R950.00

79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654

R950.00

Aged for eight years in American oak before three years in seasoned Shiraz wine casks from the Cape Winelands. The warm climate accelerates development and brings richness.

Product Details

  • ABV: 51.4%

  • Cask: Matured in American Oak casks, Finished in shiraz wine casks

  • Age Statement: Aged 11 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Rose gold

  • Nose: Cherries, nuts, fruitcake, BBQ meat, orange zest

  • Palate: Red fruit, clove, pepper, liquorice, raisins, treacle

  • Finish: Complex, savoury peat with smooth, lasting warmth

A global first and proudly South African in every sense. This whisky was aged in barrels that once held robust Cape Shiraz, resulting in a complex nose of black plum, clove, and sandalwood. On the palate, rich red fruit meets oak spice, finishing dry and savoury. A daring release that speaks to the region’s creative energy.

Buy Three Ships 11-Year-Old Shiraz Cask Finish

3. Three Ships 11-Year-Old Shiraz Cask Finish – R950.00

79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654

R950.00

Aged for eight years in American oak before three years in seasoned Shiraz wine casks from the Cape Winelands. The warm climate accelerates development and brings richness.

Product Details

  • ABV: 51.4%

  • Cask: Matured in American Oak casks, Finished in shiraz wine casks

  • Age Statement: Aged 11 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Rose gold

  • Nose: Cherries, nuts, fruitcake, BBQ meat, orange zest

  • Palate: Red fruit, clove, pepper, liquorice, raisins, treacle

  • Finish: Complex, savoury peat with smooth, lasting warmth

A global first and proudly South African in every sense. This whisky was aged in barrels that once held robust Cape Shiraz, resulting in a complex nose of black plum, clove, and sandalwood. On the palate, rich red fruit meets oak spice, finishing dry and savoury. A daring release that speaks to the region’s creative energy.

Buy Three Ships 11-Year-Old Shiraz Cask Finish

3. Three Ships 11-Year-Old Shiraz Cask Finish – R950.00

79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654

R950.00

Aged for eight years in American oak before three years in seasoned Shiraz wine casks from the Cape Winelands. The warm climate accelerates development and brings richness.

Product Details

  • ABV: 51.4%

  • Cask: Matured in American Oak casks, Finished in shiraz wine casks

  • Age Statement: Aged 11 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Rose gold

  • Nose: Cherries, nuts, fruitcake, BBQ meat, orange zest

  • Palate: Red fruit, clove, pepper, liquorice, raisins, treacle

  • Finish: Complex, savoury peat with smooth, lasting warmth

A global first and proudly South African in every sense. This whisky was aged in barrels that once held robust Cape Shiraz, resulting in a complex nose of black plum, clove, and sandalwood. On the palate, rich red fruit meets oak spice, finishing dry and savoury. A daring release that speaks to the region’s creative energy.

Buy Three Ships 11-Year-Old Shiraz Cask Finish

Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt
Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt
Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt

4. Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt – R485.00

79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654

R485.00

Distilled from malted barley in copper pot stills, this single malt spent ten years maturing first in older, then younger second-fill American oak. Presented non-chillfiltered and at natural colour.

Product Details

  • ABV: 46.3%

  • Cask: Matured in American Oak casks

  • Age Statement: Aged 10 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Pale gold

  • Nose: White pepper, biscuits, gentle caramel

  • Palate: Vanilla, toffee, tropical fruit, spice, soft smoke

  • Finish: Long, sweet oak with warm peat and nuttiness

The cornerstone of South African single malt. Released in 2015, it marked a turning point for the industry. In 2024, it earned a Silver at the World Whiskies Awards in the Single Malt (12 Years & Under) category. Aged in American oak, it offers layers of honey, vanilla, and roasted nuts with a clean, dry finish. It remains one of the most accessible and rewarding whiskies for newcomers and loyalists alike.

Buy Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt

4. Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt – R485.00

79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654

R485.00

Distilled from malted barley in copper pot stills, this single malt spent ten years maturing first in older, then younger second-fill American oak. Presented non-chillfiltered and at natural colour.

Product Details

  • ABV: 46.3%

  • Cask: Matured in American Oak casks

  • Age Statement: Aged 10 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Pale gold

  • Nose: White pepper, biscuits, gentle caramel

  • Palate: Vanilla, toffee, tropical fruit, spice, soft smoke

  • Finish: Long, sweet oak with warm peat and nuttiness

The cornerstone of South African single malt. Released in 2015, it marked a turning point for the industry. In 2024, it earned a Silver at the World Whiskies Awards in the Single Malt (12 Years & Under) category. Aged in American oak, it offers layers of honey, vanilla, and roasted nuts with a clean, dry finish. It remains one of the most accessible and rewarding whiskies for newcomers and loyalists alike.

Buy Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt

4. Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt – R485.00

79 Stokery Rd, Wellington, 7654

R485.00

Distilled from malted barley in copper pot stills, this single malt spent ten years maturing first in older, then younger second-fill American oak. Presented non-chillfiltered and at natural colour.

Product Details

  • ABV: 46.3%

  • Cask: Matured in American Oak casks

  • Age Statement: Aged 10 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Pale gold

  • Nose: White pepper, biscuits, gentle caramel

  • Palate: Vanilla, toffee, tropical fruit, spice, soft smoke

  • Finish: Long, sweet oak with warm peat and nuttiness

The cornerstone of South African single malt. Released in 2015, it marked a turning point for the industry. In 2024, it earned a Silver at the World Whiskies Awards in the Single Malt (12 Years & Under) category. Aged in American oak, it offers layers of honey, vanilla, and roasted nuts with a clean, dry finish. It remains one of the most accessible and rewarding whiskies for newcomers and loyalists alike.

Buy Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt

Try Drayman's Single Malt Whisky

Drayman's is a true craft operation nestled in Silverton, Pretoria. Founded by brewer-turned-distiller Moritz Kallmeyer, this high-altitude distillery (1,600m above sea level) has become a favourite among whisky purists. 

Every drop is distilled, matured, and bottled on site, showcasing a commitment to authenticity rarely seen even on a global scale. Drayman’s favours French oak for maturation, giving its Highveld Single Malt a unique profile full of rich malt, spice, and finesse.

Try Drayman's Single Malt Whisky

Drayman's is a true craft operation nestled in Silverton, Pretoria. Founded by brewer-turned-distiller Moritz Kallmeyer, this high-altitude distillery (1,600m above sea level) has become a favourite among whisky purists. 

Every drop is distilled, matured, and bottled on site, showcasing a commitment to authenticity rarely seen even on a global scale. Drayman’s favours French oak for maturation, giving its Highveld Single Malt a unique profile full of rich malt, spice, and finesse.

Try Drayman's Single Malt Whisky

Drayman's is a true craft operation nestled in Silverton, Pretoria. Founded by brewer-turned-distiller Moritz Kallmeyer, this high-altitude distillery (1,600m above sea level) has become a favourite among whisky purists. 

Every drop is distilled, matured, and bottled on site, showcasing a commitment to authenticity rarely seen even on a global scale. Drayman’s favours French oak for maturation, giving its Highveld Single Malt a unique profile full of rich malt, spice, and finesse.

Drayman’s Highveld Single Malt
Drayman’s Highveld Single Malt
Drayman’s Highveld Single Malt

5. Drayman’s Highveld Single Malt – R500.00

222 Dykor St, Silverton, Pretoria, 0127

R500.00

At 1600m elevation, this Pretoria-based distillery produces whisky with exceptional clarity and finesse. The Highveld Single Malt is pot distilled, small batch, and matured on site.

Product Details

  • ABV: ~43%

  • Cask: Matured in French Oak casks

  • Age Statement: Aged 5 years

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: Raisins on hot cross buns, sweet dessert wine, exotic spice, and hints of poached peaches in vanilla syrup

  • Palate: Bold honey, orange preserve, dark chocolate

  • Finish: Long, warming, and oaked with nutmeg and marmalade

Production is tiny, but its cult status is growing rapidly among SA collectors. Each batch is a glimpse into how traditional methods, high-altitude maturation, and hands-on care can produce a whisky with genuine depth and identity. What makes Drayman’s remarkable is its commitment to full vertical integration — from mashing to bottling — on a scale that’s rare even globally. It’s a whisky that doesn’t imitate Scotch, but instead distills something distinctly South African — with flavour, character, and vision.

Buy Drayman’s Highveld Single Malt

5. Drayman’s Highveld Single Malt – R500.00

222 Dykor St, Silverton, Pretoria, 0127

R500.00

At 1600m elevation, this Pretoria-based distillery produces whisky with exceptional clarity and finesse. The Highveld Single Malt is pot distilled, small batch, and matured on site.

Product Details

  • ABV: ~43%

  • Cask: Matured in French Oak casks

  • Age Statement: Aged 5 years

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: Raisins on hot cross buns, sweet dessert wine, exotic spice, and hints of poached peaches in vanilla syrup

  • Palate: Bold honey, orange preserve, dark chocolate

  • Finish: Long, warming, and oaked with nutmeg and marmalade

Production is tiny, but its cult status is growing rapidly among SA collectors. Each batch is a glimpse into how traditional methods, high-altitude maturation, and hands-on care can produce a whisky with genuine depth and identity. What makes Drayman’s remarkable is its commitment to full vertical integration — from mashing to bottling — on a scale that’s rare even globally. It’s a whisky that doesn’t imitate Scotch, but instead distills something distinctly South African — with flavour, character, and vision.

Buy Drayman’s Highveld Single Malt

5. Drayman’s Highveld Single Malt – R500.00

222 Dykor St, Silverton, Pretoria, 0127

R500.00

At 1600m elevation, this Pretoria-based distillery produces whisky with exceptional clarity and finesse. The Highveld Single Malt is pot distilled, small batch, and matured on site.

Product Details

  • ABV: ~43%

  • Cask: Matured in French Oak casks

  • Age Statement: Aged 5 years

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: Raisins on hot cross buns, sweet dessert wine, exotic spice, and hints of poached peaches in vanilla syrup

  • Palate: Bold honey, orange preserve, dark chocolate

  • Finish: Long, warming, and oaked with nutmeg and marmalade

Production is tiny, but its cult status is growing rapidly among SA collectors. Each batch is a glimpse into how traditional methods, high-altitude maturation, and hands-on care can produce a whisky with genuine depth and identity. What makes Drayman’s remarkable is its commitment to full vertical integration — from mashing to bottling — on a scale that’s rare even globally. It’s a whisky that doesn’t imitate Scotch, but instead distills something distinctly South African — with flavour, character, and vision.

Buy Drayman’s Highveld Single Malt

Try Helden Single Malt Whisky

Situated in the Free State town of Parys within the ancient Vredefort Dome, Helden is South Africa’s boldest young whisky producer. 

Officially commercial since 2022, Helden experiments with native grains, 100-litre barrels, and hybrid oak types to develop an "African style" whisky. 

It’s this fearless innovation that sets Helden apart. Each batch is small, distinct, and driven by a sense of place, making it a rising star in South Africa’s premium spirits scene.

Try Helden Single Malt Whisky

Situated in the Free State town of Parys within the ancient Vredefort Dome, Helden is South Africa’s boldest young whisky producer. 

Officially commercial since 2022, Helden experiments with native grains, 100-litre barrels, and hybrid oak types to develop an "African style" whisky. 

It’s this fearless innovation that sets Helden apart. Each batch is small, distinct, and driven by a sense of place, making it a rising star in South Africa’s premium spirits scene.

Try Helden Single Malt Whisky

Situated in the Free State town of Parys within the ancient Vredefort Dome, Helden is South Africa’s boldest young whisky producer. 

Officially commercial since 2022, Helden experiments with native grains, 100-litre barrels, and hybrid oak types to develop an "African style" whisky. 

It’s this fearless innovation that sets Helden apart. Each batch is small, distinct, and driven by a sense of place, making it a rising star in South Africa’s premium spirits scene.

Helden Single Malt Whisky
Helden Single Malt Whisky
Helden Single Malt Whisky

6. Helden Single Malt Whisky – R700.00

Helden Distillery, Kopjeskraal Rd, Parys, 9585

R700.00

This small-batch, single cask whisky is distilled from South African and specialty malts using a proprietary yeast. It’s twice pot distilled, then matured in 100L hybrid oak casks that marry French STR wine staves and new American oak heads. Non-chill filtered and bottled at natural colour, Helden exemplifies innovation with terroir.

Product Details

  • ABV: 51%

  • Cask: 100L Hybrid French & American oak

  • Age Statement: Aged 3 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Golden

  • Nose: Caramel, clove, tobacco, herbs, dark chocolate, white peach

  • Palate: Rich, creamy, sweet with bitter and savoury complexity

  • Finish: Long and warming with dried fruit and elegant wood spice

A bold, terroir-driven expression that showcases the frontier spirit of modern South African distilling. Helden’s use of hybrid oak and micro-casks brings out a rich, layered complexity that belies its young age. The result is a whisky that’s both experimental and refined. It’s a signal that South African single malt has not only arrived—it’s pushing boundaries.

Buy Helden Single Malt Whisky

6. Helden Single Malt Whisky – R700.00

Helden Distillery, Kopjeskraal Rd, Parys, 9585

R700.00

This small-batch, single cask whisky is distilled from South African and specialty malts using a proprietary yeast. It’s twice pot distilled, then matured in 100L hybrid oak casks that marry French STR wine staves and new American oak heads. Non-chill filtered and bottled at natural colour, Helden exemplifies innovation with terroir.

Product Details

  • ABV: 51%

  • Cask: 100L Hybrid French & American oak

  • Age Statement: Aged 3 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Golden

  • Nose: Caramel, clove, tobacco, herbs, dark chocolate, white peach

  • Palate: Rich, creamy, sweet with bitter and savoury complexity

  • Finish: Long and warming with dried fruit and elegant wood spice

A bold, terroir-driven expression that showcases the frontier spirit of modern South African distilling. Helden’s use of hybrid oak and micro-casks brings out a rich, layered complexity that belies its young age. The result is a whisky that’s both experimental and refined. It’s a signal that South African single malt has not only arrived—it’s pushing boundaries.

Buy Helden Single Malt Whisky

6. Helden Single Malt Whisky – R700.00

Helden Distillery, Kopjeskraal Rd, Parys, 9585

R700.00

This small-batch, single cask whisky is distilled from South African and specialty malts using a proprietary yeast. It’s twice pot distilled, then matured in 100L hybrid oak casks that marry French STR wine staves and new American oak heads. Non-chill filtered and bottled at natural colour, Helden exemplifies innovation with terroir.

Product Details

  • ABV: 51%

  • Cask: 100L Hybrid French & American oak

  • Age Statement: Aged 3 years

Tasting Notes

  • Colour: Golden

  • Nose: Caramel, clove, tobacco, herbs, dark chocolate, white peach

  • Palate: Rich, creamy, sweet with bitter and savoury complexity

  • Finish: Long and warming with dried fruit and elegant wood spice

A bold, terroir-driven expression that showcases the frontier spirit of modern South African distilling. Helden’s use of hybrid oak and micro-casks brings out a rich, layered complexity that belies its young age. The result is a whisky that’s both experimental and refined. It’s a signal that South African single malt has not only arrived—it’s pushing boundaries.

Buy Helden Single Malt Whisky

Why These 6 South African Single Malts Matter in 2025

South African single malts are no longer just “worth watching” — they’ve earned a rightful place on the global stage alongside their blended counterparts. The Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish, now ranked the best blended whisky in the world, is a testament to how far South African whisky has come. It’s only a matter of time before a local single malt claims similar top honours.

While barley may not be the dominant grain in many parts of the country, there’s growing hope that South African distilleries will continue to innovate and craft single wwmalts that rival the great Scottish houses. From the historic depths of Three Ships to the high-altitude precision of Drayman’s and the boundary-pushing spirit of Helden, these six expressions showcase the diversity, creativity, and rising prestige of SA whisky. Each bottle on this list is a conversation starter, a collector’s gem, and most importantly — a whisky worth savouring.

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Why These 6 South African Single Malts Matter in 2025

South African single malts are no longer just “worth watching” — they’ve earned a rightful place on the global stage alongside their blended counterparts. The Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish, now ranked the best blended whisky in the world, is a testament to how far South African whisky has come. It’s only a matter of time before a local single malt claims similar top honours.

While barley may not be the dominant grain in many parts of the country, there’s growing hope that South African distilleries will continue to innovate and craft single wwmalts that rival the great Scottish houses. From the historic depths of Three Ships to the high-altitude precision of Drayman’s and the boundary-pushing spirit of Helden, these six expressions showcase the diversity, creativity, and rising prestige of SA whisky. Each bottle on this list is a conversation starter, a collector’s gem, and most importantly — a whisky worth savouring.

📬 To receive your weekly whisky industry news roundup, sign up for our free whisky newsletter.

Why These 6 South African Single Malts Matter in 2025

South African single malts are no longer just “worth watching” — they’ve earned a rightful place on the global stage alongside their blended counterparts. The Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish, now ranked the best blended whisky in the world, is a testament to how far South African whisky has come. It’s only a matter of time before a local single malt claims similar top honours.

While barley may not be the dominant grain in many parts of the country, there’s growing hope that South African distilleries will continue to innovate and craft single wwmalts that rival the great Scottish houses. From the historic depths of Three Ships to the high-altitude precision of Drayman’s and the boundary-pushing spirit of Helden, these six expressions showcase the diversity, creativity, and rising prestige of SA whisky. Each bottle on this list is a conversation starter, a collector’s gem, and most importantly — a whisky worth savouring.

📬 To receive your weekly whisky industry news roundup, sign up for our free whisky newsletter.

Frequently Asked Questions About South African Single Malts

1. What is the best South African single malt whisky in 2025?

The Three Ships 21-Year-Old Millennium is widely regarded as the top South African single malt available in 2025, praised for its long maturation and complex depth.

1. What is the best South African single malt whisky in 2025?

The Three Ships 21-Year-Old Millennium is widely regarded as the top South African single malt available in 2025, praised for its long maturation and complex depth.

1. What is the best South African single malt whisky in 2025?

The Three Ships 21-Year-Old Millennium is widely regarded as the top South African single malt available in 2025, praised for its long maturation and complex depth.

2. What makes South African whisky unique?

South Africa’s diverse climate, use of native grains, and influence from the local wine industry (e.g. Cape Ruby and Shiraz casks) make its single malts distinctive.

2. What makes South African whisky unique?

South Africa’s diverse climate, use of native grains, and influence from the local wine industry (e.g. Cape Ruby and Shiraz casks) make its single malts distinctive.

2. What makes South African whisky unique?

South Africa’s diverse climate, use of native grains, and influence from the local wine industry (e.g. Cape Ruby and Shiraz casks) make its single malts distinctive.

3. Are South African single malts internationally awarded?

Yes — Three Ships has received multiple accolades at the World Whiskies Awards and other global competitions since 2015. Most recently, both the Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt and the 21-Year-Old Millennium earned top honours at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards, further cementing South Africa’s reputation for quality on the global stage.

3. Are South African single malts internationally awarded?

Yes — Three Ships has received multiple accolades at the World Whiskies Awards and other global competitions since 2015. Most recently, both the Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt and the 21-Year-Old Millennium earned top honours at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards, further cementing South Africa’s reputation for quality on the global stage.

3. Are South African single malts internationally awarded?

Yes — Three Ships has received multiple accolades at the World Whiskies Awards and other global competitions since 2015. Most recently, both the Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt and the 21-Year-Old Millennium earned top honours at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards, further cementing South Africa’s reputation for quality on the global stage.

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