The Hearach First Fill Oloroso Cask Matured is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Isle of Harris and the second whisky release from the Isle of Harris Distillery. Unlike the original The Hearach, this bottling is matured entirely in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts. The 500-litre Spanish oak casks are selected and prepared by José y Miguel Martín in Huelva before being shipped to Harris. The whisky is made using 100 per cent Scottish Concerto and Laureate barley, as well as water from the Abhainn Cnoc a’ Charrain near Tarbert. With a phenol content of 12–15 PPM, the whisky is lightly peated and combines the strong influence of the Oloroso casks with subtle smokiness.

The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured is distilled directly at the Isle of Harris Distillery in Tarbert, whilst cask maturation takes place in nearby Ardhasaig on the Isle of Harris. After maturation, the selected casks are blended into batches of around 12,000 bottles and left to harmonise for at least 16 weeks before bottling. This 46% ABV Hebridean single malt is non-chill-filtered and bottled without artificial colourings. In doing so, the distillery emphasises its transparent production approach whilst highlighting the connection between the Outer Hebrides and the sherry region of Andalusia. The intense influence of dry Oloroso sherry makes this bottling particularly appealing to lovers of sherry-cask-matured, lightly peated single malt Scotch whiskies.

Tasting Note

Colour: Deep gold to amber.

Nose: Cinnamon, orange peel and cloves mingle with green herbs and creamy white chocolate.

Palate: Walnut, wood smoke and dried thyme blend with roasted orange, vanilla pod and a subtle hint of clove.

Finish: Long-lasting and spicy with leather, liquorice and subtle smoke.

The Hearach First Fill Oloroso Cask is best enjoyed neat at room temperature, although a few drops of still water can further open up the rich sherry, spice and herbal notes. Culinary pairings include mature hard cheeses, walnuts, air-dried ham, dark chocolate and desserts featuring orange or nuts, which complement its profile particularly well. The combination of Oloroso influence and light peaty smokiness also provides a fitting counterpart to smoked meats or robust game dishes. This bottling is particularly interesting for whisky tastings focusing on Oloroso sherry cask maturation and lightly peated island whiskies.

Distributor/Importer:

Distributor/Importer: Potstill Spirits Trading GmbH, Schönbach 80, 3633 Schönbach, Austria, office@potstill.org

EAN:

• Delivery in 1-3 business days
• Free shipping on orders over 150 €
• Shipping costs 5,90 €
• Tracking included