Three Ships Whisky is South Africa’s leading whisky range, known for its award-winning blends, single malts, and innovative cask finishes like Pinotage wine barrels. Produced entirely at the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, it has become a global ambassador for South African whisky.
This profile covers everything from technical specifications and tasting notes to awards, global availability, distillery visits, and how it compares to other world whiskies—making it a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts and buyers alike.
Three Ships Whisky is South Africa’s leading whisky range, known for its award-winning blends, single malts, and innovative cask finishes like Pinotage wine barrels. Produced entirely at the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, it has become a global ambassador for South African whisky.
This profile covers everything from technical specifications and tasting notes to awards, global availability, distillery visits, and how it compares to other world whiskies—making it a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts and buyers alike.
Region
South Africa
South Africa
ABV
$
$
Three Ships Company Profile
Three Ships Company Profile
Company Name
Company Name
Three Ships Whisky
Three Ships Whisky
Distillery Name
James Sedgwick Distillery
James Sedgwick Distillery
Distillery Location
Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa
Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa
Whisky Style/Region
South African Whisky
Year Founded
1977
1977
Distillation Method
Blended Whisky and Single Malt / South African Whisky
Master Distiller/Blender
Core Product Catalogue
Three Ships Whisky
Visiting James Sedgwick Distillery: The Home of Three Ships Whisky
Details | Information |
|---|---|
Classic Whisky Experience | Includes a guided walkthrough of the distillery and maturation warehouses, concluding with a whisky tasting of four South African whiskies, including Three Ships and Bain’s. |
Whisky & Food Pairing Experience | Combines the tour with curated food pairings that complement select whiskies. |
Tour Overview | Visitors are welcomed with a whisky cocktail and guided through each step of production, from grain to cask. Tastings spotlight the brand’s signature expressions and local character. For more options across the region, explore whisky tastings in the Western Cape. |
Booking Link | |
Availability | Fridays and Saturdays |
Times | 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM |
Group Size | Max 10 people |
Age Limit | 18 and over |
Details | Information |
|---|---|
Classic Whisky Experience | Includes a guided walkthrough of the distillery and maturation warehouses, concluding with a whisky tasting of four South African whiskies, including Three Ships and Bain’s. |
Whisky & Food Pairing Experience | Combines the tour with curated food pairings that complement select whiskies. |
Tour Overview | Visitors are welcomed with a whisky cocktail and guided through each step of production, from grain to cask. Tastings spotlight the brand’s signature expressions and local character. For more options across the region, explore whisky tastings in the Western Cape. |
Booking Link | |
Availability | Fridays and Saturdays |
Times | 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM |
Group Size | Max 10 people |
Age Limit | 18 and over |
Awards
Awards
Year | Award Category | Award/Rating | Awarding Body | Product Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | World's Best Blended Whisky | Winner | World Whiskies Awards | |
2016 | Best African Single Malt | Gold | World Whiskies Awards | Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Malt |
2020 | Best South African Blended Whisky | Category Winner | World Whiskies Awards | |
2021 | Best World Whisky (12YO) | Gold Outstanding | IWSC | Three Ships 12 Year Old |
2022 | South African Whisky of the Year | Winner | SA Whisky Awards | Three Ships 15 Year Old Pinotage Cask |
2023 | Best Value World Whisky | Winner | Whisky Advocate | Three Ships Select |
2024 | World's Best Blended Limited Release | Winner | World Whiskies Awards | Three Ships 12-Year-Old Double Wood |
2025 | Winner | World Whiskies Awards |
Year | Award Category | Award/Rating | Awarding Body | Product Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | World's Best Blended Whisky | Winner | World Whiskies Awards | |
2016 | Best African Single Malt | Gold | World Whiskies Awards | Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Malt |
2020 | Best South African Blended Whisky | Category Winner | World Whiskies Awards | |
2021 | Best World Whisky (12YO) | Gold Outstanding | IWSC | Three Ships 12 Year Old |
2022 | South African Whisky of the Year | Winner | SA Whisky Awards | Three Ships 15 Year Old Pinotage Cask |
2023 | Best Value World Whisky | Winner | Whisky Advocate | Three Ships Select |
2024 | World's Best Blended Limited Release | Winner | World Whiskies Awards | Three Ships 12-Year-Old Double Wood |
2025 | Winner | World Whiskies Awards |
Other Whisky Brands In The Western Cape
Other Whisky Brands In The Western Cape
Whisky Name | Region | Style/Type | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky | Wellington, Western Cape | Single Grain | 100% yellow maize; awarded World’s Best Grain Whisky in 2013. |
Boplaas Single Grain Whiskies | Calitzdorp, Western Cape | Single Grain | Finished in Tawny Port and Brandy casks, reflecting the distillery's heritage in fortified wines. |
Pringle Rock Distillery | Pringle Bay, Western Cape | TBC | Information on style and notable traits is currently unavailable. |
Pienaar & Son – Tiny Batch Whisky | Cape Town, Western Cape | Single Grain | Aged 4 years in virgin American oak; available in Medium Char (notes of white chocolate, autumn grass, mahogany spice) and Heavy Char (toasted caramel, maple, rich oak); limited releases of 550 bottles per batch. |
Toor Grain Whisky | Western Cape | Single Grain | Aged 5 years; bottled at 43% ABV; limited information available, but noted for its smooth character. |
Whisky Name | Region | Style/Type | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky | Wellington, Western Cape | Single Grain | 100% yellow maize; awarded World’s Best Grain Whisky in 2013. |
Boplaas Single Grain Whiskies | Calitzdorp, Western Cape | Single Grain | Finished in Tawny Port and Brandy casks, reflecting the distillery's heritage in fortified wines. |
Pringle Rock Distillery | Pringle Bay, Western Cape | TBC | Information on style and notable traits is currently unavailable. |
Pienaar & Son – Tiny Batch Whisky | Cape Town, Western Cape | Single Grain | Aged 4 years in virgin American oak; available in Medium Char (notes of white chocolate, autumn grass, mahogany spice) and Heavy Char (toasted caramel, maple, rich oak); limited releases of 550 bottles per batch. |
Toor Grain Whisky | Western Cape | Single Grain | Aged 5 years; bottled at 43% ABV; limited information available, but noted for its smooth character. |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Three Ships Whisky
Frequently Asked Questions About Three Ships Whisky
1. What is the story behind Three Ships Whisky, and how did it originate in South Africa?
Three Ships Whisky was launched in 1977, marking a milestone as the first commercially produced whisky in South Africa. It’s crafted at the James Sedgwick Distillery, located in Wellington in the Western Cape. The distillery, originally founded in 1886 by Captain James Sedgwick, has a long and storied history in spirits production and now operates as the continent's only large-scale whisky-making facility.
The brand’s name, Three Ships, pays homage to the maritime history and exploration spirit of its home country. Over time, it has grown into an award-winning global whisky label, known for blending international expertise with distinctly South African character. Under the guidance of Master Distiller Andy Watts, Three Ships has evolved into a pioneering brand recognized for both innovation and quality.
1. What is the story behind Three Ships Whisky, and how did it originate in South Africa?
Three Ships Whisky was launched in 1977, marking a milestone as the first commercially produced whisky in South Africa. It’s crafted at the James Sedgwick Distillery, located in Wellington in the Western Cape. The distillery, originally founded in 1886 by Captain James Sedgwick, has a long and storied history in spirits production and now operates as the continent's only large-scale whisky-making facility.
The brand’s name, Three Ships, pays homage to the maritime history and exploration spirit of its home country. Over time, it has grown into an award-winning global whisky label, known for blending international expertise with distinctly South African character. Under the guidance of Master Distiller Andy Watts, Three Ships has evolved into a pioneering brand recognized for both innovation and quality.
2. What makes the production of Three Ships Whisky unique compared to other global whiskies?
Three Ships Whisky stands apart due to its integrated production process—both malt and grain whiskies are distilled, matured, and bottled on-site at the James Sedgwick Distillery. This setup is rare globally and allows full control over every step, from milling to maturation.
Unlike many single-site distilleries, Three Ships uses both copper pot stills (for single malt) and column stills (for grain whisky), offering flexibility and variety in style. The distillery also experiments with diverse cask types, such as ex-bourbon American oak, sherry-seasoned wood, and even uniquely South African Pinotage wine casks. This blending of traditional Scottish methods with local influences gives the whisky its rich complexity and unmistakable South African identity.
2. What makes the production of Three Ships Whisky unique compared to other global whiskies?
Three Ships Whisky stands apart due to its integrated production process—both malt and grain whiskies are distilled, matured, and bottled on-site at the James Sedgwick Distillery. This setup is rare globally and allows full control over every step, from milling to maturation.
Unlike many single-site distilleries, Three Ships uses both copper pot stills (for single malt) and column stills (for grain whisky), offering flexibility and variety in style. The distillery also experiments with diverse cask types, such as ex-bourbon American oak, sherry-seasoned wood, and even uniquely South African Pinotage wine casks. This blending of traditional Scottish methods with local influences gives the whisky its rich complexity and unmistakable South African identity.
3. Which awards has Three Ships Whisky won over the years?
Three Ships has earned significant international recognition. Notable accolades include:
World Whiskies Awards 2012 – World’s Best Blended Whisky for Three Ships 5 Year Old Premium Select
World Whiskies Awards 2016 – Best African Single Malt for the 10 Year Old Single Malt
World Whiskies Awards 2024 – World’s Best Blended Limited Release for the 12-Year-Old Double Wood
World Whiskies Awards 2025 – World’s Best Blended Whisky for the Bourbon Cask Finish
These and many other awards showcase its credibility on the global stage.
3. Which awards has Three Ships Whisky won over the years?
Three Ships has earned significant international recognition. Notable accolades include:
World Whiskies Awards 2012 – World’s Best Blended Whisky for Three Ships 5 Year Old Premium Select
World Whiskies Awards 2016 – Best African Single Malt for the 10 Year Old Single Malt
World Whiskies Awards 2024 – World’s Best Blended Limited Release for the 12-Year-Old Double Wood
World Whiskies Awards 2025 – World’s Best Blended Whisky for the Bourbon Cask Finish
These and many other awards showcase its credibility on the global stage.
4. What are the different flavour profiles in the Three Ships range?
Each expression in the Three Ships portfolio is distinct:
Select: Light-bodied with citrus and soft spice
Bourbon Cask: Bourbon Cask
5YO Premium Select: Light peat, caramel, and gentle smoke
10YO Single Malt: Rich, smoky, with dried fruit and spice
12YO Double Wood: Balanced honey, nuts, and soft smoke
4. What are the different flavour profiles in the Three Ships range?
Each expression in the Three Ships portfolio is distinct:
Select: Light-bodied with citrus and soft spice
Bourbon Cask: Bourbon Cask
5YO Premium Select: Light peat, caramel, and gentle smoke
10YO Single Malt: Rich, smoky, with dried fruit and spice
12YO Double Wood: Balanced honey, nuts, and soft smoke
5. Can I visit the distillery and experience a tour?
Yes! The James Sedgwick Distillery offers immersive tours on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests can choose from classic tastings or curated food pairing experiences. Booking in advance is required via Dineplan
5. Can I visit the distillery and experience a tour?
Yes! The James Sedgwick Distillery offers immersive tours on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests can choose from classic tastings or curated food pairing experiences. Booking in advance is required via Dineplan
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Copyright © 2025 Craft Cask (Pty) Ltd