Sicilian Fruitcake - The Cask Wizard
The Sicilian Fruitcake from The Cask Wizard is a fascinating whisky matured in the rare White Marsala Cask. The cask was pre-aged for 15 long years with the Sicilian liqueur wine Marsala.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose of the Sicilian Fruitcake is a real treat. Strawberries dominate the flavour, followed by a refreshing hint of peach iced tea. A subtle almond note adds a nutty dimension, while wine/grape contributes a fruity undertone. The burnt caramel and dates lend the bouquet a sweet, slightly smoky depth that invites you to linger.
Palate
On the palate, the whisky is oily and full-bodied. A clear sherry note dominates the flavour, complemented by overripe mango and blood orange, which offer a tropical sweetness and a slight acidity. Currants and refined sugar provide additional sweetness, while the ripe flat peach and freshly tanned leather give the whisky a complex and earthy depth.
Finish
The finish is medium to long and leaves a warming sensation. Oak spice emerges, accompanied by red fruits and caramel, giving the finish a pleasant sweetness and complexity.
Thoughts
Marcel 83/100
The Sicilian Fruitcake is a true flavor experience, delighting with its fruity notes and creamy mouthfeel. Despite the intriguing White Marsala cask maturation, it ultimately lacks that certain something to truly surprise – but it’s definitely a great companion for enjoyment.
Sascha 83/100
Technically clean and well-balanced, the Sicilian Fruitcake delivers a complex array of aromas shaped by the White Marsala pre-aging. Nevertheless, the cask influence remains rather subtle, making the whisky solid but not exceptional.
Value for Money: Fair
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82/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the White Marsala cask influence the flavor of the Sicilian Fruitcake whisky?
The White Marsala cask in which the whisky was matured imparts pronounced fruit notes such as strawberries and peach iced tea, along with a sweet depth from burnt caramel and dates. The 15-year pre-aging with Marsala fortified wine creates a complex combination of fruitiness and subtle spice.
Why does the Sicilian Fruitcake have such a high alcohol content of 59.1%?
The Sicilian Fruitcake is bottled at cask strength of 59.1% to fully showcase the intense aromas of the White Marsala cask and the whisky’s complex flavor profile. This high alcohol content preserves the depth and character of the whisky without dilution.
What distinguishes the Sicilian Fruitcake from classic sherry whiskies?
Unlike classic sherry whiskies, the Sicilian Fruitcake matures in a rare White Marsala cask, which brings a different kind of sweetness and fruitiness. The combination of tropical fruits like mango and blood orange with nutty and leathery notes makes it particularly complex and distinctive.