Smoke, Sherry & Spirit: An Intimate Evening of Single Malts

29 November, 2024

We gathered a curated group of enthusiasts, novices, and connoisseurs for an exclusive, intimate whisky tasting journey. Surrounded by striking contemporary artwork, the evening was dedicated to exploring the massive variations of Scotland's iconic distilling regions.

To make the experience truly educational, we didn't just taste the liquid. We featured a dedicated "cask oak display" including Rum, Bourbon, Sherry, and American Oak stave segments. This allowed guests to touch, smell, and visually connect the wood types to the flavor profiles in their glasses.

Here is a breakdown of the four exceptional single malts that defined our evening:

1. Ben Nevis 10 Year Old (Highland)

• The Profile: Robust, oily, and wonderfully old-school.

• The Experience: We kicked off the night with this Highland staple. Its distinct waxy texture, notes of bitter orange, and subtle maritime peat provided the perfect introduction to traditional, uncompromised spirit character.

2. Royal Brackla 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish (Highland)

• The Profile: Rich, velvety, and deeply fruit-forward.

• The Experience: Moving into sweeter territory, this "King’s Own" dram showed off the power of Oloroso sherry finishing. The nose filled the room with dark raisins, brown sugar, and baking spices, proving to be an absolute crowd-pleaser for those who love a complex, dessert-like finish.

3. GlenAllachie 2007 Single Cask / Cask Strength (Speyside)

• The Profile: Intense, untamed, and deeply decadent.

• The Experience: The powerhouse of the lineup. Tasted at cask strength, this Speyside marvel delivered an explosion of rich chocolate, dark plums, and heavy oak influence. It sparked the most intense conversation of the night as guests debated how a splash of water opened up its hidden floral layers.

4. Caol Ila Distillers Edition 2022 (Islay)

• The Profile: Smoky, coastal, and beautifully balanced.

• The Experience: We closed the evening on the shores of Islay. This special edition tempers Caol Ila’s signature medicinal peat smoke and campfire notes by finishing it in sweet Moscatel wine casks. The result is a stunning tug-of-war between sweet peat and briny sea air—the ultimate finale.

Whisky is always best enjoyed in great company. Watching our guests analyze the colors, debate the finishes, and share their personal favorites reminded us why we host these events. Whether you leaned toward the robust waxiness of Ben Nevis or the sweet smoke of Caol Ila, it was a masterclass in Scottish craftsmanship.

Thank you to everyone who attended and brought their passion to the table.

Until the next pour!

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