Gonzalez Byass is without doubt one of the largest producers of sherry in Spain, and as any trendy drinker is aware of, the demand for sherry barrels far outweighs the demand for sherry itself. Sherry barrel getting old offers all method of spirits a definite character, and sooner or later, Gonzalez Byass found out it needs to be making spirits of its personal along with the underlying wine.
Throughout a current on-line tasting a gaggle of writers hung out with Gonzalez Byass Grasp Distiller Luis Trillo and his daughter and eventual successor Rocio Trillo, tasting 5 completely different spirits made by or in partnership with Gonzalez Byass — together with gin, brandy, and Scotch whisky. After strolling by means of a Sherry 101 introduction, we tasted every of the spirits to extra clearly perceive how several types of sherry barrels (and in several mixtures) influence the completed product.
Ideas observe — with particular commentary across the sherry affect on every included. We’ve tasted a couple of of those earlier than (usually in several incarnations), so hyperlinks to prior protection is included for the sake of comparability and completeness.
The London No. 1 Sherry Cask Gin – A model of The London No. 1 Gin, aged in Tio Pepe sherry casks. This beautiful gin, near the shade of yellow Chartreuse, gives vigorous aromas of licorice, allspice, and grapefruit peel, all backed effectively by aromas of mushroomy earth. A juniper bomb it isn’t, with extra of that anise/licorice notice on the tongue — far more current than within the rack model of London No. 1. Does the Tio Pepe affect that high quality? Maybe, as a frivolously oxidized character offers the end a winey high quality that does certainly showcase a few of the qualities you’ll discover in a bracingly chilly glass of fino, concluding on notes of bergamot, tea leaf, and a touch of coriander spice. Totally usable within the place of normal gin (or Previous Tom), and undoubtedly constructed for a Martinez. 86 proof. A- / $65 (700ml)
Gonzalez Byass Lepanto Brandy Solera Gran Reserva 12 Years Previous (2022) – 9 years in Tio Pepe, then 3 years in candy oloroso sherry casks. In 2016 this carried no formal age assertion however spent 15 years in Tio Pepe casks. Now with much less general time in barrel however 3 years in candy oloroso sherry casks , the brandy has developed a a lot livelier character, with brown sugar and molasses informing the notes of contemporary raisins, some strawberry, and clove-spiked oranges. That tea leaf aspect seen within the No. 1 Sherry Cask Gin lives primarily on the nostril right here, with components of cream-heavy espresso constructing on the cinnamon-laced end. That stated, it’s about as vigorous and as candy as I keep in mind, although the floral notes seen beforehand have largely vanished. 80 proof. B+ / $50
Gonzalez Byass Lepanto Brandy O.V. Oloroso Viejo – 12 years in Tio Pepe, then 3 years in dry oloroso casks. Observe the usage of dry oloroso right here, a distinct type of wine from the candy oloroso seen above. There’s extra of a espresso affect on the nostril right here, and a duskier high quality on the palate, once more evoking espresso and contemporary barrel char. Soothing and sultry because it develops, the palate finds its method to notes of caramel flan, extra bergamot, and a strenuous tea leaf notice that endures for a while. The sherry character is extra forceful right here than within the Gran Reserva, maybe as a result of the brandy on the entire is solely much less candy, giving the end a vigorous, Tio Pepe-inspired dryness, frivolously oxidized and distinctly infused with earthy flor. The muted sweetness offers this extra attraction, and makes the expertise extra intriguing general. 80 proof. A- / $60
Gonzalez Byass Lepanto Brandy P.X. Pedro Ximenez (2022) – 12 years in Tio Pepe, then 3 years in Pedro Ximenez casks. PX sherry has a robust affect on spirits, and this brandy actually pours it on: Wealthy and leathery, with notes of cola and dried fruit, it exudes iconic PX components from the beginning, regardless of a barely salty trace you catch on the nostril. The palate evokes smoldering tea leaves, chocolate (possibly carob), then a daring espresso notice. Candy, with notes of cane syrup and toffee, the sugariness of the brandy solely grows over time, resulting in a end that evokes brown sugar stirred into weak tea. Unctuously candy and enduring — simply the sweetest on this lineup. Reviewed beforehand in 2016 as a 72 proof providing. Now: 80 proof. B+ / $60
Nomad Outland Whisky (2022) – Blended Scotch, aged 3 years in bourbon barrels, then 3 years in oloroso sherry casks — each in Scotland — then another yr of getting old in Jerez, Spain in Pedro Ximenez casks. There’s rather a lot occurring on the nostril, together with a strongly earthy and raisiny assault that feels heavy on the PX. The affect isn’t as dominant on the palate as within the Lepanto P.X., with brighter citrus, toasted nuts, and a candy molasses notice that basically digs in. The latter aspect brings the PX again into focus, gently segueing to notes of blackberry jam, infused with hints of grilled mushrooms, oxidized wine (I stated Madeira again in ’17, and that’s not unsuitable immediately), and a few tangerine components. A bit saccharine on the end, however Scotchy sufficient with some clear barley and spice within the combine, meriting repeated visits. Evaluate to our prior evaluate in 2017. 82.6 proof. B+ / $40
The London No. 1 Sherry Cask Gin
$65
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