Memory is a funny thing. We recall a feeling and impression, as much as sight, sound, and smell. With whisky tasting, tracing a particular aroma evokes associations, influenced by our environment and prompts from fellow tasters.
Our gracious host shared her Whisky Trail experiences from 1.5 years ago and explained that this was the only bottle they hadn’t experienced before buying. It came recommended from a well-known Edinburgh whisky store, so hopes were high.
I also had overall positive impressions of a decent dram – having experienced their Sherry Blend 55.8% (2023) and the Sherry Blended Malt 44.2% (2022). I fully admit, I simply assumed I knew what we would be experiencing. Naughty girl!
- First, I missed a critical element – this was a Single Malt, not Blend!
- Second, the abv was different.
- Third, Germany and India are very different tasting environments – this DOES have an impact!
Duly put in my place, what did we discover?
Berry Bros & Rudd Single Malt Sherry Cask Matured 45.2%
- Nose – Started off promising – though a bit shy, had some nice sherry elements of plums, cherries, then cardamon, green capsicum, fresh tobacco leaves, vanilla, buttery sponge cake, becoming sweeter the more it opened. It then shifted, revealing walnuts and tinned pineapple
- Palate – Lots of dried fruit to start, spicy oak, Big Red cinnamon chewing gum, raisins, nutmeg, oily
- Finish – Very dry, as in “makes you thirsty!” kinda dry
- Rivisit – Almost butterscotch
Reading the notes I jotted down, one would think – oh this must be delightful! Yet between the surface descriptions was something that just didn’t come together. Instead of a balanced blend, we had something a bit off-kilter. Whilst hard to pinpoint exactly what was wrong, it just simply collectively wasn’t altogether right!
Here are the official tasting notes from the label:
Full, deep and brooding, this wonderfully rich Sherry cask single malt exudes flavours of sweet dried fruits, warming baking spice and decadent Sherry wood.
Would we agree? Not entirely. Our overall impression was – underwhelming. I heard a remark of “old lady whisky”… now I’m not exactly young, however, isn’t this a disservice to discerning women of a “certain age!”
I was reminded of some Blair Athol’s – whiskies that should work but sometimes simply don’t even though all the elements are there.
I’d be curious what it will be like after further oxidation in the bottle or time in the glass, might that result in a different experience?
What did we try in our Whisky Lady’s Scottish Whisky Trail trio?
- Royal Lochnagar 12 year 40%
- Berry Bros & Rudd Single Malt Sherry Cask Matured 45.2% – This post
- MacNair’s Lum Reek Peated 12 year 46%
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