To be a single malt Scotch whisky, a spirit must comply with a number of guidelines. Clearly, at first, it should be made in Scotland (therefore the phrase “Scotch”). The time period “single” is a crucial piece, because it references the actual fact the whisky comes from one single distillery. It may, nonetheless, come from completely different barrels from the identical distillery. Single malt Scotch should even be pot nonetheless distilled utilizing a mash completely made up of malted barley. Whereas there are a number of different guidelines and laws, it additionally should be distilled and matured in white oak casks for at least three years. And the proper of cask can flip a single malt Scotch whisky right into a sherry bomb.
What turns a single malt Scotch right into a “sherry bomb”
No synthetic flavorings might be added to single malt Scotch, however growing old or ending in different vessels provides depth and nuance. Maturing in white oak brings forth flavors of caramel, honey, vanilla, and candied orange peels, for instance. The usage of sherry casks provides flavors like dried fruits and candied nuts.
Whereas sherry itself won’t have the recognition it as soon as did, the business is flourishing and it’s all due to Scotch whisky. For years, Scotch whisky producers have used former sherry casks, in addition to sherry-seasoned casks for maturation and ending.
This relationship between Spanish sherry producers and Scottish whisky distillers is nice for the patron as a result of it provides us flavorful, fruity, decadent whiskies well-suited for fall and winter sipping. Beneath, you’ll discover 10 of our favorites. Some are from massive names and others are lesser-known expressions. All belong in your bar cart.
1. Tullibardine 500 Sherry End
Situated on the fringe of the Scottish Highlands, Tullibardine is a kind of distilleries that appears to distill nothing however winners. Its 500 Sherry End is not any completely different. Growing old in first-fill, ex-bourbon barrels earlier than being completed in Spanish sherry butts, it has flavors of candy treacle, candied walnuts, caramel apples, vanilla beans, and dried fruit end that leaves you wanting extra.
[$59; tullibardine.com]
2. The Dalmore 12 Yr Sherry Cask Choose
The Dalmore is well-regarded within the single malt whisky world for good purpose. Its award-winning 12-year-old sherry casked expression is wealthy and daring, completed in each European and American oak casks that had been seasoned with each Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherries. This leads to a spicy, fruity whiskey with notes of dried cherries, ripe berries, darkish chocolate, clover honey, and a barely spicy, candy end.
[$80; thedalmore.com]
3. Auchentoshan Three Wooden
Auchentoshan may be troublesome to pronounce, but it surely’s positively straightforward to drink. One in all its finest fruity, sherry-centric expressions is its Three Wooden. It will get its title from being aged in three completely different wooden varieties: bourbon casks, Pedro Ximénez, and Oloroso sherry butts. This creates a posh whisky with hints of stone fruits, dried cherries, fudge, candy caramel, and sticky toffee pudding. The end is warming, candy, and completely fruity.
[$70; auchentoshan.com]
4. The GlenAllachie 15 Yr Previous
Launched in 2019, this sherry bomb was aged for 15 years earlier than being completed in barrels that when held Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry. The result’s a posh, well-balanced expression loaded with hints of candied walnuts, dried cherries, baking spice, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s the form of whisky you’ll wish to sip after a heavy meal.
[$104; theglenallachie.com]
5. Tamdhu 12 Yr Previous
Tamdhu won’t have the title recognition the likes of Macallan and Balvenie, but it surely ought to. Its entry-level 12-year-old is a superb instance of utilizing sherry as a complementary taste. Aged in first-fill in addition to refill Oloroso sherry butts for 12 years, it has flavors like dried cherries, raisins, dates, ripe berries, wooden char, and buttery caramel.
[$68; tamdhu.com]
6. Kilchoman Sanaig
Named for a watery inlet alongside the coast of Islay, Kilchoman Sinaig matures in a mix of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. The result’s a barely smoky, candy, fruity whisky they assure will heat your bones on the coldest fall (and winter) day. It’s loaded with notes of candied orange peel, dried cherries, raisins, sticky toffee, butterscotch, chocolate, fudge, and pleasing peat smoke.
[$60; kilchomandistillery.com]
7. GlenDronach 15 Yr Revival
Again in 2015, the whisky world was saddened when GlenDronach discontinued this beloved 15-year-old expression. Fortunately, it got here again. Matured in each Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, it has a palate of butterscotch, baking spice, ripe berries, caramel, and a mild, nutty sweetness all through. It finishes with a warming kick of caramel and dried fruit.
[$95; glendronachdistillery.com]
8. Glen Scotia Double Cask
Campbeltown isn’t as well-known as the opposite whisky-producing areas of Scotland, however that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t discover nice whiskies there. Glen Scotia Double Cask is a superb instance. Matured in ex-bourbon barrels and completed in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, it’s loaded with flavors like toasted vanilla beans, wealthy oak, dried fruits, and wintry spices.
[$58; glenscotia.com]
9. Aberlour A’Bunadh
There are few sherried single malt Scotches extra well-known (and beloved by drinkers and bartenders) than Aberlour A’Bunadh. Matured solely in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, it’s bottled at cask energy so as to add to the daring, wealthy taste. This leads to a potent whisky with flavors of candy sherry, baking spice, buttery caramel, raisins, and almond cookies.
[$115; aberlour.com]
10. Bowmore 15 Yr Previous
Islay is understood for its peat-smoked whiskies with the likes of Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin grabbing a lot of the headlines. Generally Bowmore will get misplaced within the shuffle and that’s a disgrace. Its 15-year-old expression completely showcases how smoky peat and fruity sherry can work effectively collectively. It matures in ex-bourbon barrels in addition to Oloroso sherry butts. The result’s a smoky, candy whisky with hints of dried fruits, caramel, honey, toffee sweet, and mild peat smoke.
[$85; bowmore.com]
For entry to unique gear movies, superstar interviews, and extra, subscribe on YouTube!
