Whisky merchant reveals first release in rare casks collection

Whisky merchant reveals first release in rare casks collection

Goldfinch has announced the first release in its Mey Selections Rare Cask Series.

07 January 2020

Whisky merchant Goldfinch has joined forces with one of Scotland's oldest distilleries for the first in a series of rare cask releases.

The company's first Mey Selections Rare Cask release will be a single cask bottling of a first fill Olorosso sherry cask from Glen Ord Distillery. A limited edition run of 689 hand-numbered bottles will be made available.

Glen Ord is now the Black Isle's only remaining single malt distillery, with its single malt normally only found in the Singleton range in the Asian market or as a blend in Johnnie Walker.

The 12-year-old Rare Cask Series release has notes of spice, fruit and butterscotch, is non-chill filtered and natural in colour. It was distilled in April 2007, matured in a single first-fill European oak Oloroso sherry butt and bottled in July 2019 at cask strength of 51% ABV.

A donation from every bottle sold will go towards supporting rural communities in the far north of Scotland through the North Highland Initiative charity.

Sherry casks are rarely used in whisky maturation due to their scarcity and cost - 10 times more than a bourbon cask - but the colour and flavour makes them a favourite with whisky fans.

Top whisky maker Max McFarlane, who has selected the Rare Cask Series, said: "The Glen Ord cask had superior sensory and palate qualities. The liquid has wonderful flavours of a sherry cask filled with whisky for the first time. It is fresh and fruity on the nose with hints of white grapes and aromatic spices followed by a breath of warm butterscotch."

Andrew Macdonald-Bennett of Goldfinch said: “We are delighted to launch the Mey Selections Rare Cask Series with this exceptional limited edition sherry oak matured single cask bottling from Glen Ord. It is an outstanding whisky and we feel privileged to be able to offer this rare gem to whisky enthusiasts and collectors and to give back to the North Highland community at the same time."

Mey Selections Rare Cask Series - Glen Ord is available now from Goldfinch Whisky Merchants priced at £118 (with free delivery). It is also available from Wood Winters, The Scottish Gantry, Master of Malt and Valhalla’s Goat.

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