Berry Bros & Rudd Classic Sherry Cask Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

High quality sherry casks are considered a luxury in the world of whisky, and the spirits they mature often command top dollar. The boys at Berry Bros have done a great job here with heritage director Ronnie Cox and spirits buyer, Doug McIvor, clearly enjoying the job of blending this sought after and uniquely engaging style. Spectacular deep copper colour. Dry nose-feel is attractively sherried with some Seville orange and nuttiness, dates, raisins and even a touch of rancio. Same goes for the palate; initially spicy before settling into a superb blend - a lovely definition of dried fruits (dates, prunes and raisins) – especially towards the finish. Follows with cinnamon and pepper warmth, zesty freshness, hints of bitter dark chocolate and Christmas cake through the aftertaste. The balance is spot on. A primer for anyone wanting to acquaint themselves with sherried styles without emptying their wallet. 44.2% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... The Islay just kills, but I’ve never tried the ‘Sherry Cask’, so now’s the time. I’m a fan of what they do at BB&R’s, they have this kind of understated, slightly posh way of doing things that should inspire many loudmouths from all around the world. Even politicians who don’t drink! Colour: deep amber. Nose: concrete and saltpetre at first, then roasted pine nuts, chestnuts, and a blend of well-roasted coffee beans and chocolate pods that have just been torrefied. A very pleasant proposition, not very common. Mouth: but yes! More coffee, orangettes, thin mints, 90% chocolate, dried dates and figs, coffee liqueur (I’ve decided to take it easy with quoting brands), and touches of tarry black liquorice from some of the most extreme Dutch liquorice makers. But yes! Finish: long, superb, extremely well-constructed, chocolaty and coffeeish, with the most perfect balance. Comments: wow, have they added some 1940s Glenlivet or something? At not even 50€, bang-for-your-euro, guaranteed. Genius.- 90 points - whiskyfun.com

This is rich in cask characters, with baked orange, pronounced nutmeg notes, mace, peppercorn, and petrichor. The opening flavors of dark orange and syrupy caramel swerve headlong into pepper, root ginger, allspice, and nippy clove. Despite appearances, this is not awash with sherry-dominated fruitiness, but the finish is long, with spice-led dried fruits. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com

I'm certain there are types who will fight to the death for a bottle of this. A whisky, let us say, to divide opinion. 84 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023