Heavy ‘modern’ sherry dominates the nose, with plenty of sweet, rich fruits and caramel fudge. Difficult to discern the whisky profile behind it, however. More balanced on the palate, where the rich sherry isn’t allowed to completely swamp the spirit, with a fairly youthful, nutty and grassy profile emerging. Quite short and drying finish. Simple, very drinkable sherried dram (which is excellent value for money at under £30 a bottle!), but it lacks the depth and complexity found in bottles that are only a bit more expensive.

More cheap thrills

£26. Maybe the price is the most amazing thing to absorb right now. 26 effing quid. For a blended malt whisky at 44.2%. Twenty six English pounds. Crikey.

So, it’s lighter skinned relation, the Speyside Reserve was a little marvel for the money. It’s time to see if the Sherry Cask Matured version is up to muster for the pennies. Off we go…

Mmmm there’s that bready, (yeasty?) thing happening in the nose right off the bat. This time, though, it’s wrapped in a sherry overcoat, a splash of acidic black cherries, a nuttiness and some old, dark tobacco. The bready notes still manage to dominate with a baked apple pie that’s burnt around the edges, making an appearance. There some wayward curry leaf, some ginger and it has to be said, this feels hotter on the schnoz that the Speyside Reseve at the same ABV. Is it a younger base or is it that the sweetness of the sherry is making things jump about more? No ideas. But it does smell hotter.

I’m already guessing this is going to be feisty and lively. (Not always a bad thing - and it has to be allowed for down here, nearer the bottom shelf).

Sip sip sip booom! Yup. Hot. Spicy. Sweet. Nutty. Gingery. Peppery. Oaky. And of course young but, Hell! This is not bad by any stretch, this is like listening to early albums of bands you love where you can detect the potential they have to offer, and regardless of how middling you know they currently are, you know they will go on to better things. This is liquid potential. There’s cocoa and old sherry on the death which is lovely. It’s got a richness which makes you want to try things more rich. A depth which makes you want to part with more cash to level up. It’s a gateway whisky and a good one. It doesn’t stray into needlessly sweet and cloying, there’s wood and spice and sherry and cocoa in just the right amounts to make you want more. Sure, it’s thin when you compare it to serious sherry monsters, but this is 1/3 of the price. It stands up to them in that respect, remarkably well.

So, is it any good? For the money it’s a belter.

I’ll say it again. £26.

Now, if only Deanston did a standard 12 fully matured sherry I’d be in heaven.

Aroma
Lovage, sherry, a little sulfur, spicy

taste
Sherry, sulfur, sweet, spicy, a little sharp

finish
Medium length, sweet, spicy

For the price there are nicer ones