Old Kempton Sherry Classic Single Malt Whisky 500ml

Old Kempton Sherry Classic Single Malt Whisky is a Tasmanian single malt matured in ex-Sherry quarter casks.

Quarter casks between 100 and 125 litres do the work here, all of them ex-Sherry, and the small format means a high wood-to-spirit ratio and a faster, firmer influence. Shaving depth is judged by the age of each barrel, with medium toast and heavy char applied throughout. Barley for the wash is grown and malted at Cambridge, close by, specified by Rob Tyson with the brewer before anything is mashed. Double distillation happens in the squat Knapp Lewer copper pot stills made in Hobart, and the spirit rests five to six years before it is blended and bottled at cask strength.

Dried fig, walnut and orange peel, the Sherry wood giving a nutty, faintly bitter edge and plenty of grip. Full strength, so neat with a little water in a tulip glass. Good after dinner, with almonds, aged cheese or dark chocolate.