This difference is principally due to Bourbon barrels being American oak (quercus alba),
with sherry casks usually, though not always, European oak (quercus robur).
Kirsteen Campbell, master blender for The Famous Grouse explains: «Within two years we see significant colour and character development,
with a sherry cask having a greater impact than a Bourbon barrel, as sherry casks provide a higher level of flavour compounds to be extracted by the maturing grain whisky.
Not exact matches
(Those
casks are made of Spanish oak then seasoned for 18 months
with dry Oloroso
sherry, then shipped up to Scotland, where they're filled
with Macallan's whisky.
Highland - based Tomatin Distillery has launched a trio of special edition single malt whisky expressions
with distinctive
cask maturations, which include a 14 - year - old Cabernet Sauvignon, 9 - year - old Caribbean rum and 21 - year - old oloroso
sherry.
Revered for mastery of Spanish oak
sherry cask maturation, The GlenDronach is synonymous
with depth of
cask colour and richness of taste, whether influenced by the sweet dark fruits of Pedro Ximenez or the dry nuttiness of Oloroso
sherry.
Each
cask individually demonstrates the finesse, powerful complexity and rich layers of
sherry cask maturation found in every GlenDronach expression; from the 28 - years - old
Sherry butt distilled in November 1989
with the robust, mellow maturity of rich fruitcake and smoked walnut, to the 22 - years - old PX puncheon distilled in June 1995
with sweet treacle toffee and manuka honey.
The Society has claimed that it will always focus on single
cask, single malt whisky, but also that this blended malt
with a heavy
sherry influence is the latest example of its mission to explore the full spectrum of flavours in whisky and other spirits.
Johnnie Walker Black Label is produced
with an element of
sherry cask maturation.
Our aim
with the whiskey was to create a full bodied tasting experience for people who enjoy the added complexity and taste
sherry casks impart, and at the same time continuing our goal to expand the spectrum of flavours available from premium Irish whiskeys.»
Green Spot Chateau Montelena has been initially matured in American Bourbon and
sherry casks and then finished for one year in
casks previously filled
with Zinfandel wine from the Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley.
The Reserve
Cask Solera Vat is filled
with whiskies exclusively matured in oloroso
sherry casks.
These single malt and single grain selections are chosen from rare, individual bourbon and
sherry casks, and bottled at natural
cask strength, unadulterated
with caramel or chill - filtration.
After 15 years and three months in bourbon
casks, it was selected by the Master Distiller for a further 21 months of aging and finishing in
casks specially infused
with Oloroso
sherry for Knappogue Castle ®.
Using the signature Powers pot still distillate, it has been matured mainly in American bourbon barrels
with the subtle inclusion of whiskey, matured in Spanish Oloroso
sherry casks.
Pair
with: Shot of scotch (Glenfiddich 15 year
Sherry Cask), dash of
Sherry (Pedro Ximenez
Sherry) Spike this tragically - named bevy
with a shot of Glenfiddich and
sherry.
Malts: I&G ale malt, crystal malt, wheat Hops: English fuggle hop Maturation: 60 days; Oloroso
sherry casks Drink
With: Soft goat's cheese, beef carpaccio, olives or figs
2) Oloroso
Cask (750 ml, 7.4 %) NEW LIMITED EDITION: A strong golden ale that is matured for 60 days in highly prized Oloroso
sherry casks to create a distinctively rich and spicy flavor profile,
with lots of nutty, caramel sweetness drawn from the wood.