I’m no stranger to Milk & Honey distillery from Israel. Most notable was a masterclass at Nürnberg’s The Village in 2024. So when we spotted that The Heart Cut had a pomegranate wine cask Milk & Honey expression? It was pretty easy to hit the order button!
Here’s what they have to say about this whisky:
Israel’s first whisky distillery, M&H encapsulates the flavours and terroirs of its homeland within a bottle, and this whisky does just that. Not only is it fully matured in a pomegranate wine cask, but it’s also spent some of its time maturing in their warehouse by the Dead Sea —the lowest point on earth. A single sip of this whisky instantly transports us back to the Tel Aviv sunshine and its laid-back vibe.
What did we think?
The Heart Cut #4 M&H (26/02/2019 – 26/03/2023) Pomegranate Wine Cask 57%
- Colour – A deep ruby red
- Nose – Really interesting. It was strongly sherry-adjacent, sweet, syrupy, treacly, with a compelling intensity. Every once in a while, it was a bit sharp and peppery, then it would settle back into a delicious, textured tart, salty sweetness. We certainly could discern pomegranate influence, a bit of marzipan, cherries, vanilla cola
- Palate – Burnt caramel, dry wood, then a luscious cherry pie. It was remarkably rounded, heavy, fruity, and even a bit creamy
- Finish – It had a big, flaming finish – spicy and dry at first, a hit of bitter… a few sips later, we found it settled in, though it remained warming, also had some nice tannins, star anise
What a treat! This was distinct and delicious. The more time in the glass, the more we enjoyed it. This is the kind of whisky that intrigues and delights. A pity they are now sold out.
How did our experience compare with the folks at The Heart Cut? They describe it as SHERRY CASK LOVERS, MEET YOUR NEW FAVOURITE!
Fully matured in a Pomegranate Wine cask. Rich, viscous, and bursting with fruity intensity, a sherry-like whisky with a vibrant twist.
Tastes like:
You know the rich, fruity character you get from a Sherry cask whisky. Turn that up to 11 and layer on fresh pomegranate, baked plums, medjool dates, salted caramel, cherry pie and a thick, unctuous mouthfeel. Then you’re halfway there with this whisky.
Would we agree? Largely yes! And we were happy to have a chance to try it.
What more do we know? Georgie and Fabrizio shared more about the cask and its aging:
POMEGRANATE WINE CASK
Derived from pomegranates, pomegranate wine is an alcoholic beverage often laid to rest and mellow in oak casks. Those ripe pomegranate, roasted coffee + dried fig notes you may detect in this whisky? Yep – that’s what the cask brings to the party.
AGED BY THE DEAD SEA
From February 2021 to July 2022 this cask was relocated from M&H’s Tel Aviv warehouse to their one situated near the Dead Sea. As earth’s lowest point, the Dead Sea presents an exceptionally hot and arid environment, where temperatures frequently soar to 50°C. Within this setting, more water than alcohol evaporates from the cask due to the intense heat and dry humidity. This unique ageing process intensifies the flavour congeners within the cask, and enables it to narrate a compelling story of the diverse terroirs found across Israel.
Curious to explore more? Check out The Heart Cut’s Pocket Pours:
- The Heart Cut x — BARLEY English Blended Malt Whisky 46%
- The Heart Cut #04 – M&H (26/02/2019 – 26/03/2023) Pomegranate Wine Cask 57%
- The Heart Cut #15 – Starward (27/08/2018 – 15/10/2024) Fresh Red Wine Barrique – French Oak 54%
- The Heart Cut #18 – Thomson (07/08/2019 – 25/03/2025) Ex-Bourbon 50.8%
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