Recently, I reviewed M&H Elements Peated Single Malt, and rated it as an easy Bottle purchase. Without rehashing too many details about M&H Distillery and its Elements program, it is based in Tel Aviv, Israel, and ages its whiskies in rack houses at the Dead Sea. Because of the climate, whisky matures faster than it would in, say, Scotland or Ireland. M&H does use a traditional Scottish method of making whisky.
Today I'm drinking Elements Sherry Cask, which starts with the same 100% malted barley, is non-chill-filtered, and naturally colored. The newmake contains a small amount of peated barley.
"To create this whisky, we traveled all the way to Jerez, Spain, to oversee Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry made especially for us. The casks, once filled with quality sherry and seasoned for one year in Jerez, were brought to the distillery to mature our New-Make spirit for a wonderful, complex whisky." - M&H Elements
The cooperage is made from 40% of the sherry casks described above, with 55% coming from first-fill Bourbon barrels, and the remaining 5% coming from STR (Shaving, Toasting, and Re-charring of wine casks). The casks are all certified Kosher, adding another touch of uniqueness. In fact, M&H is the first distillery to use Kosher-certified Sherry casks.
The whiskey is then proofed to 46% ABV (or 92°), and you can expect to pay about $70.00 for a 750ml bottle. It carries no age statement, but M&H usually allows at least three years for optimal maturing.
Before I get to my tasting notes and, ultimately my rating, I'd like to thank M&H for sending me a sample in exchange for a no-strings-attached, honest review. Let's #DrinkCurious.
Appearance: In my Glencairn glass, Elements Sherry Cask presented as the color of raw honey. It left a heavy, thick rim that generated slow, fat legs that dropped to the pool of liquid sunshine.
Nose: Aromas of malt, pear, nutmeg, vanilla, and oak were prevalent. I also found plum, citrus, and a smattering of peat. When I brought the vapor into my mouth, I experienced apricot and raisin.
Palate: The mouthfeel had a medium body and oily texture. On the front, I tasted brown sugar, salted caramel, and vanilla. As it moved to the middle, it consisted of a blast of dark chocolate, nutmeg, and pecan praline. Then, on the back, flavors of raw honey, apricot, raisin, oak, and almond rounded things out.
Finish: A long-lasting finish started with dark chocolate, baking spices, apricot, berry, honey, and light peat.
Bottle, Bar, or Bust: As a rule, I enjoy single malts aged in sherry casks. I love the fruity flavors. Elements Sherry Cask didn't disappoint, and I found it delicious. For $70.00, I believe this is a heck of a great single malt, and I'm pleased to convey my Bottle rating for it. Cheers!
My Simple, Easy to Understand Rating System
- Bottle = Buy It
- Bar = Try It
- Bust = Leave It
Sipping on this now. You’re palate description helped me navigate my own description of what I am tasting. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you, cheers!
Delete