Origin: Yorkshire (England)
Type: English Single Malt Whisky
Strength: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Red Wine
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Spirit of Yorkshire
Average price: € 86.00
Official website: www.spiritofyorkshire.com
Vote: 86/100
We return to the Yorkshire craft distillery with another of their core bottlings.
Distilled in 2016 and launched in the mid-2020s, the whisky made from locally grown barley spent the main aging in ex-Bourbon casks before being passed for finishing in barriques that contained red wine from the vineyards of Rioja, Spain. Barriques that before being filled were subjected to the now famous STR (Shaved, Toasted and Re-Charred) procedure invented by the late Jim Swan.
Tasting notes
The vinous profile is clearly evident on the nose, with the pronounced presence of grape skin, red fruits (raspberries, wild strawberries) and black cherry, accompanied by peach and baked apple to complete the fruity line, with the spicy traits of mulled wine. All supported by vanilla, honey, malt, candied orange and a fresh herbaceous streak, which over time harmonise with the initial assault of the wine.
More balanced on the palate, where it begins with a light but decisive spicy charge (black pepper, ginger) on a less tannic and more rounded profile of red fruits, peach, ripe pear, banana, vanilla and honey. We are in the vicinity of a fruit tart with cream. Warmth of malt and a hint of tobacco in the background, with a touch of macadamia nut.
Medium long and slightly spicy finish, with nuts, honey, vanilla, red fruits.
A fresh variation on the theme of this English whisky, that proves to be a very pleasant discovery, with a well-defined profile that manages to withstand, despite its youth, even such a heavy influence as that of red wine (even if the STR treatment did its part).
We will certainly see some good things in the future.