In our July virtual meeting we tasted five whiskies that had been matured in unusual casks.
Our first whisky was Laphroaig Quarter Cask - double maturation in two casks made of American oak and aged for minimum of five years before being finished in a smaller, quarter cask for several months. The use of the smaller cask size, which ensures increased contact with the oak, creating a soft and velvety edge to complement Laphroaig's distinctive peatiness.
Our second tipple was The Balvenie 14yo Caribbean Cask, matured in traditional American oak casks for 14 years, and then ‘finished’ in a number of casks that previously held Caribbean rum - Malt Master’s own blend of select West Indian rums giving an aroma rich with notes of tropical fruits and creamy toffee.
Our third whisky was the Arran Sauternes Cask Finish - traditional Arran Single Malt matured in oak casks for eight years which was then 'finished' in a selection of Sauternes wine casks. These Bordeaux sweet white wine casks are specifically selected by our Master Distiller from a talented small producer - give a honeyed sweetness
Our next whisky was Pendaryn Madeira Finish - one of the most awarded world whiskies the Penderyn Madeira finish picked up first place at the 2012, 2013 & 2014 world whisky awards. Whisky is aged in charred oak barrels. After a minimum of 4 years in ex-bourbon barrels, it is finished in ex-Madeira casks for extra smoothness.
Our final whisky was the Glenfiddich Experimental Series IPA Cask - a single malt which was finished for three months in casks which previously held IPA - IPA specially brewed by the Speyside Craft Brewery.