Bruichladdich Sherry Classic (46%, OB, 2010)

When war with France brought an end to the supply of wine casks for whisky maturation, Jerez became the favoured source. Sherry cask maturation has long been a favourite with the whisky connoisseur, and this dram is classic Bruichladdich, with extra maturation in casks from legendary Jerez producer Fernando de Castilla – a marriage made in heaven! Fino, Palo Cortado and Manzanilla casks co-exist beautifully with the vanilla sweetness of Bourbon barrels. (Brucihladdich.com)

The nose is light at first and then some middle weight sherry aromas come forth, not heavily rich like Oloroso or Pedro Ximenez but lighter with citrus, cherries, brown sugar and hints of brine. Deep in the glass the brown sugar is much more evident and the aromas are quite nice indeed. Time is the glass allows for the rich sweetness to push aside the citrus notes and some really good buttery notes appear. On to the taste which is once again filled with sherried goodness along with a hefty dose of leather and black pepper with a late arrival of some malt. The combination of the sherry, the leather and the black pepper work well together. The finish is much like the nose and taste; nothing untoward pops up; the sherry, leather and black pepper are also in evidence along with a late return of the citrus notes and tad a! A little malt just to round thing up quite nicely.

Some times ‘extra maturation works and some times it does not. This time it worked. Huzzah!

£37

Score 86 points