Isle of Harris The Hearach Oloroso Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The second core expression within The Hearach single malt range was launched one year after the distillery’s inaugural single malt (2023). It’s the same lightly peated make (12-15 ppm), now matured in first-fill Oloroso casks, whereas the inaugural release was a mix of bourbon, Oloroso and Fino casks. The label states "Oloroso" rather than "Oloroso Sherry" which has had some commentators questioning whether the casks were simply x-Oloroso wine, or actually held sherry from Jerez. That question has been clarified by the distillery's press release which states the whisky was matured in casks hand-picked for quality from the respected Bodega José y Miguel Martín. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews...  Complex, thought-provoking use of sherry casks here, with aromas of raisin, sultana, currant, plum, maraschino cherry, cinnamon stick, blueberry, smoke, and clove. Flavors of plum and black cherry lead to a spice bomb of clove supported by nutmeg, anise, dried herbs, walnuts in syrup, and tart notes of orange peel and grapefruit. The finish is clean, bringing clove, black pepper, unsweetened chocolate, and herbal notes. Sophisticated, and with good balance. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com

despite reservations about the marketing, the whisky itself is really convincing. In fact this raises the bar compared to the inaugural release. You shouldn’t expect a sherry bomb, but the Oloroso influence complements the soft peat really well. - whiskynotes.be/

Notes from the producers... “Initial winter aromas of cinnamon, orange peel, and cloves which remind me of Christmas at home. There are green notes of herbs and the nostalgic creaminess of white chocolate from childhood days. When sipped, I can taste walnuts and fireside wood smoke. The dram develops with a hint of thyme from my kitchen, closely followed by dried oranges. Spices then come through, like vanilla pods and a subtle sense of cloves, before a long leather and liquorice finish."