Berry Bros. & Rudd Sherry Cask Matured Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Berry Bros & Rudd – a name synonymous with fine spirits since 1698. The traditional London-based company has long since made a name for itself as one of Scotland's most respected independent bottlers. Their latest coup: a sherry cask matured blended malt with no age statement, bottled at 44.2% ABV, which promises to blur the boundaries between whisky and sherry dessert.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first breath immediately reveals the direction: raisins reign supreme here. Dark, syrupy aromas rise like memories of grandmother's fruit cake – except that it was left in the rum pot for about two years too long. Chocolatey notes mingle with this, while a slight hint of sulphur knocks discreetly, as if politely asking to be let in. It's like sticking your nose into a confectionery shop that specialises in overripe dried fruit. Dusty notes lend the whole thing a certain patina – nostalgic, but also somewhat tired.
Palate
A burst of flavour unfolds on the tongue, leaving no doubt as to who is in charge here: the sherry cask. Very raisin-like, rich notes dominate completely, supported by chocolatey elements reminiscent of dark bitter chocolate with 85% cocoa content. The slight sulphur tone becomes a little more present, but remains within tolerable limits. The mouthfeel is heavy, almost massive – like fruit bread that has been in the oven too long and has exchanged its youthful freshness for mature complexity.
Finish
The finish is spicy and chocolatey, with the ever-present chocolate raisins making an appearance here too. A pleasant bitterness accompanies this – not disruptive, but balancing, like the dry aftertaste of good dark chocolate.
Thoughts
Marcel 74/100
This whisky is like a wild sherry party on the palate – lush, full-bodied, and untamed. Those who enjoy bold, fruity explosions will have a blast here, but lovers of subtle nuances might get lost behind the thick layer of fruit. A dramatic character with plenty of drinking pleasure, but not for the faint-hearted.
Sascha 78/100
From a structural standpoint, the Berry Bros. & Rudd Sherry Cask clearly showcases the dominance of sherry cask notes, which are intense and full-bodied but shift the balance heavily in favor of fruity sweetness. The complexity suffers under this overlay, making the whisky appear less multifaceted overall, despite a solid build and a harmonious finish.
Value for Money: Good
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81/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Sherry Cask Matured" mean for this blended malt whisky?
"Sherry Cask Matured" means that the whisky has been aged in former sherry casks. These casks impart the whisky with characteristic aromas of dried fruits, raisins, and chocolatey notes typical of sherry wine. This gives the whisky a particularly rich and sweet flavor profile.
Why does the Berry Bros. & Rudd Sherry Cask Blended Malt have no age statement (No Age Statement)?
The absence of an age statement (No Age Statement) means the whisky is a blend of different vintages without guaranteeing a minimum age. This allows the bottler to combine the best casks to achieve a balanced flavor profile that especially highlights the typical sherry cask notes.
How does the slight sulfur note affect the taste of the whisky?
The slight sulfur note is a subtle aroma reminiscent of mild smoke or notes that can develop during maturation in sherry casks. It adds an extra layer of complexity without overpowering the whisky and complements the sweet and chocolatey flavors in a delicate way.