Seven Seals Whisky and Breitling Transocean Reno Air Race 50
A rare Breitling, innovative single malt and a unique connecton to the Reno Air Races! We explore them all in our latest article.
The Watch-
Breitling Transocean Reno Air Race Limited Edition
The watch we are featuring is quite a rare bird! It is a limited edition version of the Breitling Transocean, of which only 50 were made! This was made when Breitling was a sponsor of the Reno Air Races, and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the event in 2014. If you are wanting to purchase this watch right now, however, you are out of luck as all are spoken for and none are available for purchase online.
This model is based on the standard Breitling Transocean, but has some unique features that set it apart. At the top of the dial, there is the 50th anniversary logo for the Reno Air Races, which is subtle, yet distinctive. The watches are numbered on the side, and the one we are featuring is #24 of 50. The back of the watch has an exhibition caseback with the anniversary logo that shows off this beautiful Breitling’s chronograph movement.
Breitling’s Transocean does a great job combining function and elegance. The watch comes in at 43mm wide, which is a great size for a pilot’s watch. The band is calfskin, with a contrasting stitch pattern and polished buckle, which give it a great vintage vibe. Also unique on this watch is the fact that the tachometer scale is on the outside of the dial, as opposed to on an outside bezel, which also not also helps with accuracy in readings, but give the watch a more elegant, dressier appearance.
Specs:
Stainless Steel case with domed sapphire crystal
Case Width: 43mm
Band: 22mm wide calfskin with contrasting white stitching
Movement: Automatic Breitling Caliber 01
Chronograph with Inner Tachymeter Bezel
Limited Edition of 50 worldwide
SKU:AB01528G-BC95-429X
The Whisky-
Seven Seals Whisky
Seven Seals has a commitment to innovation. In fact, their website is 7sealsinnovation.com. Their fast forward finishing came about since their founder, Dolf Stockhausen was 72 years old and didn’t have time to wait for whisky to age and thought there had to be a better way. His team produces a wide variety of single malts that are finished in a variety of woods and proofs. They have a saying at Seven Seals, which is “time doesn’t matter, taste matters.” On their website, they say Numerous awards at the most prestigious whisky competitions in the world show that taste is not guaranteed by age but by our patented process.
They have the classic line, which has Amarone, Peated Port Wood, Port Wood and Sherry wood finishes. Their Zodiac Line consist of unique bottles with zodiac signs and are limited to 365 bottles per sign. Last, but not least, is their Double Wood Cask Proof, which comes in at an impressive 117.4 proof.
Seven Seals generously sent us a sampling their Whiskies, including every one from the classic line as well as the Double Wood Cask Proof. Here are the tasting notes:
Amarone Wood Finish-92 Proof
Nose- sweet apple and dried berries mixed with the spice of vanilla and a touch of cinnamon.
Taste of caramel, fruity and sweet. Red wine undertones.
Finish-slightly bitter and peppery. a medium-long, Smooth, lingering finish.
Putting a few drops of water in this one dramatically changes the flavor profile. WOW. Enhances the fruitiness and sweetness.
Peated Port Wood Finish-92 Proof
Nose- Subtle, not overpowering peaty aroma. Tinge of fruit.
Taste-immediate peat smoke, followed by mild fruity flavors.
Finish-surprisingly long smoky and sweet finish.
This one was very surprising. The peat immediately hits the palette, but fades quite quickly to a sweet, pleasant flavor.
Port Wood Finish-92 Proof
Nose- aromas of dried fruit, roasted nuts and gingerbread. Slightly smoky.
Taste-earthy, light peat with a tinge of sweetness.
Finish-long with a tinge of heat.
This one has just the right amount of pear for us. Just enough that you know it’s there, but not too overpowering.
Sherry Wood Finish-92 Proof
Nose-Scents of toffee, gingerbread, roasted almonds, candy, pleasantly sweet.
Taste-toffee, nuts and honey.
Finish- hint of orange peel.
This reminds me of a hybrid between a single malt and a rum. Very reminiscent of Balcones Rumble.
Double Wood Finish Cask Proof-117.4 Proof
Nose-Strong peat-smoke aromas with light floral notes.
Taste-intensely malt and oily. Slight peat, cinnamon and a touch of silky honey.
Finish-The aftertaste is long-lasting yet finishes subtly. Not too hot at all for as strong as the proof is.
The higher proof of this one is very evident in a good way. The incredible flavor immediately jumps out on the tongue. Silky is the only way I can think of to describe how it feels on the mouth.
Seven Seals likens themselves to the book with seven seals from the Bible, a great mystery. Only a small number of people know exactly how the process of finishing whisky takes place.
The back of the bottles say that this whisky is aged three years before undertaking the fast forwarding finish process. I will let you know that the flavor and profile of these whiskies are not typical of a three year old single malt. I’m not sure how the process works, but they are on to something.
We did a taste test between the Seven Seals Sherry Finish and a very well known 12 year aged sherry Scotch. The Seven Seals didn’t just hold its own, but was the unanimous favorite.
The Connection
It turns out that there are multiple connections to the watch, the whiskey and a special event that is ending an almost 60 year run in Reno Nevada. Seven Seals US headquarters is in Reno, NV the home of the Reno Air Races, which is the theme on our Breitling watch.
Furthermore, the Seven Seals world headquarters is located in Stans Switzerland, which is only one hour away from Breitling’s headquarters. Seems like there is a whole lot of quality craftsmanship and innovation going on in a small area!
The Reno Air Races, is an exciting event that takes place every September, and is billed at “the world’s fastest motor sport.” The event includes air races and other demonstrations.
We would like to give a shout out to Volker Huber, President of Seven Seals USA for info on his awesome watch and samples of Seven Seals Whisky. Check out info on Seven Seals Whisky, Breitling and the Reno Championship Air Races via the links below!
