Cadenhead’s 7-Stars is a historic brand of blended Scotch whisky. Originally on the market many decades ago, it was revived by Cadenhead a couple of years ago. The retro bottle with the gold foil oozes a 1970s vibe.
There are different versions (even a 30 year old) but we’re having the basic NAS bottling. I read online that the blend is 60% grain and 40% malt, which makes this a modest blend compared to the more malt-forward examples. I also read that Benrinnes is part of it.
Cadenhead’s 7 Stars (46%, WM Cadenhead +/- 2024, Oloroso sherry finish)
Nose: a sweet style of sherry, with brown sugar, baked apple and plenty of vanilla, as well as Cola candy (make that cherry Coke), raisins and cinnamon. Quite rounded, with the grains standing out. Then fruit cake, candied pecans and a nice earthy / dunnage note. Some stewed straberries in the background.
Mouth: dried fruits again, drenched in this old style sherry profile. Syrupy notes (dates) but also drier cocoa-driven notes. Gingerbread and creamy tiramisu. Then mocha ice cream, hints of black pepper and mild oak, before it moves towards grainy notes and hints of coffee.
Finish: medium length, on brown sugar, sweet oak (even a hint of bourbon whiskey), as well as chocolate and pepper.
A very good blend, offering a rich sherry profile with a true sense of age. Sure, the grain component is pretty obvious, but it adds a bourbonny vanilla element rather than a harsh side. A success, especially at this price point. Available from the Cadenhead’s shop and several retailers in Europe. I got a sample from Whiskysite.nl