ike all good things, sweetness comes in many forms. That cannot be truer for whiskies. Usually associated with strong flavours and a smoky profile, whiskies have always been an acquired taste. However, the spirit’s rise in popularity has made manufacturers think twice about only aiming for the aficionados. Sherry-based casks have been the tool of choice for adding a little characterful confection to the whisky world.
Here are our picks for the best sherry-based whiskies to endear the sweet tooth in all of us:
1.Kamet Single Malt – ₹3800
Kamet’s offering differentiated itself from the pack with a nose of a fruity aroma profile, oaky spice forward notes, complemented by a sweet vanilla. The palate takes over from there with a vibrant hint of oak, touches of vanilla and dried fruit notes. Finishing strong with a sweet chocolatey after-palate – Kamet is sure to make a welcome slide into your bar essentials.
2.Amrut Intermediate Sherry – ₹5420
Beginning with a nose of moist cake, fruity and spicy with hints of waxed oak floor. The palate hits as soon as you take a sip, plying you with an oak-based flavour, with juicy sultanas and spices as the barley kicks in. Moving to a liquoricey-orangey honeycomb bourbon theme, before finishing with a chunk of natural caramel that quietens the more exuberant characteristics with a long and elegant feeling – a dessert-like offering for all.
3.Paul John Christmas Edition (2022) – ₹7000
A true festive offering, Paul John’s most recent Christmas Edition starts off with a nose of sweet oak, dry spice, baked apples and peaches, organically enhanced with dark chocolate. When you take a sip, you’re greeted with soft and sweet flavours of mellow peat, orange-tinged dark chocolate and a light peppery spice laced with delectable plum cake and butterscotch. After a tasting sip, the whisky finishes with a deep, creamy and lingering profile with notes of hazelnut and a reminder of dark chocolate.
4.The Balvenie Double Wood 12YO – ₹9400
Hailing from the Speyside isles, Balvenie’s 12YO offering initiates you with a nose of grist nuttiness intertwined with spices, honeyed sultanas and grapes. In the palate, there is a full-bodied sweetness, complemented by gentle spice and vanilla with hints of a balancing peat creeping through. More notes of nuts, nutmeg and cinnamon round off the palate. A sweet finish brings your tasting to a close.
5.Bowmore 15YO – ₹9585
Bowmore’s 15-year-old middleweight has a nose that is dark and punchy, replete with sherry notes, juicy Corinth raisins, topped off with spices and creamy mochaccino. Followed with a palate of rich, woody, pine oil and creamy toffee and malt. This offering comes to a close with a varied finish, with touches of spice, toffee, sherry and barley.