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Sherried Thoughts

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Jonathan started a discussion

I'm relatively new to sherried whisky, but I've been noticing differences between "sherry bombs" (like A'bunadh, Glenfarclas 105, Tamdhu CS, even Macallan 12) and malts like Benromach, Benriach and other double cask expressions. The latter don't always taste like sherry but have secondary spices that can only have come from the sherry influence.

I notice some of these spices even in expressions like Kilchoman's Machir Bay, which has a tiny bit of sherry, while the Uigeadail still tastes like a peat and sherry mix. What are some other whiskies that have subtle but recognizable sherry influences, but that are not that obvious (as is the case in juice like Dark Horse, where they just dump in some sherry)?

Incidentally, Kilchoman's Loch Gorm just appeared in my local whisky shop. At 80$ and 46%, it's expensive. but I'm trying to rationalize the purchase. I'm telling myself that it would be like getting two bottles (one peated, one sherried) for the price of one... I haven't pulled the trigger because that's so expensive for a young whisky. Also, I have never just bought a bottle of sherry just to enjoy on its own terms.

Related thought: what sherry would you recommend to someone who likes sherried whisky?

6 years ago

5 replies

Jonathan replied

Thoughts not Thoughs!

6 years ago 1Who liked this?

RikS replied

Maybe a first step, get yourself familiarised with the more typical sherry offerings, Pedro Ximenez, Oloroso, etc. I find that I tend to react more positively to Oloroso than PX.

Secondly, are you looking at a Sherry bang, or sherry influence? For the latter, I enjoy both the Talisker DE and the Caol Ila very much. A nice combination.

Thirdly, if by Sherry you mean that you're open to 'maturations that infuse a certain sweetness', then I'd also look at e.g. Port etc. For example, the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, port finished, is lovely and very priceworthy.

Finally, keep interacting with the people on this forum. I'm only 8 months here and I'm amazed by the wealth of knowledge as well as the extraordinary generosity with which the chaps (and ladies) here are willing to share and guide.

6 years ago 4Who liked this?

@casualtorture

@Jonathan welcome and enjoy the wealth of knowledge these guys bring to the table. As RikS said, there are different types of sherry just like there are different styles of beer for example. Some are dryer, some are sweeter. Also, a first-fill sherry cask will impart more sherry notes than say a refill. The length of time the whisky aged in the sherry cask vs other casks used in the maturation plays a part. The size of the barrel (sherry butt, hogshead, etc) because surface area contact of whisky to wood plays a huge role. It is truly an art form. Enjoy!

6 years ago 3Who liked this?

@cricklewood
cricklewood replied

@Jonathan, good choice of topic. There is indeed a wide spectrum and intensity of flavours that stem from the use of Sherry casks. I'm pretty sure that we wouldn't all agree to what constitutes a "Sherry bomb" either.

@RikS suggestion of trying different styles of sherry to familiarize yourself is a good one. I hosted a tasting this winter with @Robert99 and he brought different bottles of sherry for us to try, it was eye opening.

Without wanting to add to much to your plate another factor to consider is the type of oak used for the sherry casks. It's not often mentionned but many Spanish cooper's use American oak, which has a much different profile than European oak.This will be passed on in the seasoning/aging process.

You'll tend to pick up more vanillins, tropical fruits, milk chocolate, it's almost a brighter, less spicy and tannic influence.

As for recommandations, I think malts by Aberlour, Glengoyne or Glenfarclas are a good place to start. Sherry is integral to their house style and they use a combination of refill/first fill/finish across their age ranges. They are usually friendly on the wallet as well.

Benromach 10 and kilkerran 12 are great examples of sherry influence +characterful spirit.

Lastly if it's the 2017 edition of Loch Gorm you're lusting after, it is a beautiful whisky if you decide to pull the trigger.

6 years ago 2Who liked this?

@Hewie
Hewie replied

@cricklewood " It's not often mentioned but many Spanish cooper's use American oak" - wow. Not that I know much about sherry but I found that a bit of a surprise - certainly not what I would have expected. I wonder how much of that then gets passed on to the whisky industry too?

6 years ago 1Who liked this?