The Sherry Factor

So many whiskies from Scotland owe their fascinating flavor to Sherry casks from southern Spain

BY JACK BETTRIDGE

The mention of Sherry may conjure images of little old ladies surrounded by dollies sipping from dainty glasses. Or more sinisterly, the fortified wine used to lure Fortunato to his doom in Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado.” Or perhaps the title girl in a Four Seasons song from 1962. But the distinctive flavor of this tipple from Spain is absolutely vital to the flavor of many of the Scotch whiskies that we drink. Casks sourced from the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry designation of origin in the southern region of Andalusia are the second most popular vessels (after ex-Bourbon barrels) for aging Scotch whisky. And the results can be exquisite. The containers add an array of tasting notes to Scotch that variously include not only the expected fruits, like black cherry and raisins, but peaches…

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Cigar Aficionado (Digital) - 1 Issue, November/December 2022

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