Cream sherry casks are nonetheless not quite common for whisky maturation (apart from the Canasta casks that appear to be utilized by a lot of distillers lately). I discover that unusual for various causes.
Cream is a reasonably low-cost type, out there in huge quantities, though the issue is that it’s often blended upon bottling so only some Lotions are married in wooden. That mentioned, it balances the Oloroso character with the sweetness of Pedro Ximénez, better of each worlds maybe. Typically it even mimicks the outdated Paxarete casks which some individuals adore a lot.
Additionally, we should always take into account that these days Oloroso can’t include any sugar, however that is pretty current requirement. Till the Eighties a major quantity of PX might be added to an Oloroso wine and it might nonetheless be referred to as Oloroso, therefore many of the outdated sherry casks would have contained one thing nearer to a Medium or Cream already.
Cream sherry might not be my favorite type to drink, however for whisky it does provide an amazing mixture of spice and sweetness. Severely, I feel most PX casks would higher get replaced with Cream sherry for a greater steadiness. There, a free tip. You’re welcome.
Anyway, The Whisky Trade simply introduced one other Redbreast unique. They already had a succulent 1989 Port Cask as an example, and not too long ago additionally a 19 12 months Outdated Small Batch launch.
Redbreast 25 yo 1997 (57,6%, OB for The Whisky Trade 2024, Cream sherry butt #14143, 534 btl.)
Nostril: smells like a sherry bodega. Wealthy hints of stewed blackberries, fig jam and pecan pie. Additionally caramelized hazelnuts, turrón de Jijona and whiffs of pipe tobacco. Then chestnut cake, roasted cashews, some pot nonetheless spice, herbs and a few leafy / mossy touches. It’s acquired the caramel darkness and chocolate of PX but additionally brighter fruits like apple compote and dried cranberries. Actually good.
Mouth: very wealthy once more. There are hints of rustic armagnac and stewed fruits but additionally mentholated oak and loads of raisins. Mid-palate it will get unexpectedly savoury, with natural extracts, nutmeg and liquorice, together with dried mushrooms. Numerous outdated Brandy de Jerez as effectively. Then blackberries and blackcurrant jam, roasted walnuts, dates, plus a pinch of salt. Maybe a touch of banana flambéed however not the tropical brightness that we love a lot.
End: very lengthy, with hints of darkish chocolate, black pepper, crimson fruits and natural tea.
A Redbreast that focuses on wealthy spice and darkish, dried fruits, including dashes of sherry brandy alongside the best way. A really festive after-dinner expression, in a means. The sherry tends to cowl up a few of the vibrant fruits that I like a lot, however even then it’s an interesting and sophisticated Redbreast. Now out there from The Whisky Trade.
