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Watt Whisky Ben & Sherry Review

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Watt Whisky, Bottler & Blender

Recently. I’ve been sampling my way through the Spring releases from independent bottler, Watt Whisky. The latest dram to cross my table is the blended malt, Ben & Sherry.

Whiskies like this separate Watt Whisky from most other bottlers. As well as bottling casks from other distilleries, the Watts have been using their stocks to create their own blends. First, there was A Tale of Two Cities (and a Wee Toon), then came Peatsmoke on Gorgie. Now we get to try Ben & Sherry a blend of malts from two distilleries.

*Full disclosure: the sample featured in this review was sent to me free of charge. As always, I will strive to give an honest opinion on the quality of the dram and the value for money it represents.

Watt Whisky Ben & Sherry Review

Ben & Sherry is a blend of malts from Benrinnes and Glasgow Distillery. Each component was matured in sherry casks for 6 years. The whisky is bottled at 50% abv.

Tasting notes: Fragrant sherry on the nose. There’s an almost floral top note but once you get past that, things turn towards the fire & brimstone with a distinctly sulphury edge. Lots of struck matches and burnt toast along with dried fruits and new oak spice. Toffee. Baked apples. Crumble. On the palate: Sultanas and currants, dark chocolate, black pepper and tobacco leaves. There’s liquorice and even some aniseed in there too.

Thoughts: Young and sort of, volatile – but in a really fun way. There’s lots of big, bold, oaky flavour. Watt Whisky tend to favour a more balanced approach to their flavour profiles but here they’ve allowed the casks to take full charge – and there’s no complaints from me. I wouldn’t want every whisky to be so sherry oak-dominated but there can be no denying the boisterous charm of this belter.

Price: £55. A great purchase if you enjoy the younger, feistier side of sherry.