Penderyn Sherrywood (46%, OB, 2012)

• 46% ABV, £35 for 70cl
• Score: 81/100

What they say:

A rich fruity single malt whisky derived from a combination of whisky matured in bourbon barrels and dry Oloroso sherry casks.  One of Wales’ favourite whiskies.

The fine single malt whisky is finished to impart a generous flavour of subtle complexity.  Hand crafted to perfection, the unique distillation and maturation produces a single malt whisky in which the Penderyn style is enhanced by rich tones of dry Sherry. This fine whisky captures the true spirit of Wales.

The Penderyn Sherrywood in this bottle has been aged in ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso sherry casks to bring out its rich fruity flavour. At a generous 46% ABV, it has the classic Penderyn freshness, while aromas of dark fruit and rich toffee mingle with green apples and hazelnuts to create a deeper mystery. On the palate rich sweetness gives way to refreshing dryness, yet sweet notes of toffee and sultana persist in the long finish.

What I say:

The second in the Penderyn miniature collection after the Penderyn Madeira, was the Penderyn Sherrywood. As we really liked the Madeira finish, this had a lot to live up to! We were also keen to see how much of the Penderyn core distillate flavours carried through each of the expressions and how they combined with the cask-maturation finishes.

Colour:

Rose gold

Nose:

Sweet and floral on the nose again with hints of peach, orange but also lots of tannins and dried leather

Taste:

Smooth candy sweetness, toffee popcorn, buttery, hints of raisins and a little red fruits or fruit syrup

Finish:

The finish was full of sultana and brown [Demerara] sugar flavours and reminded me a little of spiced golden rum

Would I buy it again:

Whilst I love a good sherry-finished whisky, sadly this one didn’t surpass the [Penderyn] Madeira finish for us, for me the Sherry influence is almost too light. There is plenty on the nose and many of the flavours come through on the palate and into the finish [with no sulphuric or rubbery elements at all] I like mine a little deeper into the deep fruits and nutty chocolate spectrum. Whilst there is a beautiful balance between the sherry and bourbon influences which allows the floral perfumery of the Penderyn distillate to come through I would be more inclined to go for a pure sherry-matured expression if one becomes available in the future…