Isle of Harris The Hearach First Fill Oloroso Cask Matured Batch 4

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Isle of Harris - Islands 

1st Fill Oloroso Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 13 ppm

 

 

 

After a first expression launched in 2023, here is the second from the very young Isle of Harris distillery, founded in 2015. It differs from its predecessor in that it is aged entirely in Oloroso Sherry casks, purchased from the famous Bodega José y Miguel Martin. 4 Batches were released simultaneously in September this year, and Batch 4 is apparently the one being sold in France. For each Batch, 12,100 bottles are produced, making a total of 48,400. That's a lot to drink. On their website, the ladies and gentlemen of the distillery give us all the information we need. Each Batch is made in the same way, with Concerto Laureate Barley, a double fermentation of 70 and 120 hours, and a minimum of 6 years of maturation. The only thing that changes is the blending period, which lasts 25 weeks for this Batch, and is shorter for the others.

Let's Taste It : 

A well-balanced Sherry, with plenty of cinnamon, blood orange and apricot purée, but also an airy, costal profile, hints of iodine, tall herbs, dried fruits, dates and raisins, a zest of lemon. On the palate, light peat, soft smoke, dry ham, hazelnuts, soft toffee, vanilla cream, mint leaf, a few spices, cloves and pepper. The finish is pleasant but a little short, with liquorice and toasted cereals, thick leather and ashes that are still warm. Coal powder and a few drops of honey. Shortbread biscuits.

In Short, 

It seems to me to have succeeded, the Sherry is present but not overpowering, there is a balance between the costal and airy profile of the distillery and a creamy Oloroso, full of dried fruits. The peat, though light, adds an extra dimension. All in all, it's very pleasant to drink, very much to my taste, I must say. The price is unfortunately a bit high for what it is, which is often the problem with young distilleries, but you have to realise that you are supporting an emerging industry.

Score : 87

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

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