Hearach First Fill Oloroso Cask Matured (46% abv)

The second permanent expression within The Hearach single malt range, The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured launched on 24 September 2024, exactly one year after the historic release of the distillery’s inaugural whisky.

The lightly peated (12-15ppm) whisky is entirely matured in first-fill oloroso sherry butts, as you might have guessed from the name, sourced from the respected Bodega José y Miguel Martín in Andalusia, Spain. The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured is bottled at 46% ABV, with no colour added, and non-chill filtered. The below tasting note comes from Harrison Wood, blender at the Isle of Harris Distillery.

Nose:
Initial winter aromas of cinnamon, orange peel, and cloves which remind me of Christmas at home. There are green notes of herbs and the nostalgic creaminess of white chocolate from childhood days.

Palate:
When sipped, I can taste walnuts and fireside wood smoke. The dram develops with a hint of thyme from my kitchen, closely followed by dried oranges.

Finish:
Spices then come through, like vanilla pods and a subtle sense of cloves, before a long leather and liquorice finish.