Earlier this year The Whisky Agency teamed up with Sansibar to bottle this Secret Orkney 2000. Interestingly it was matured in a Cream sherry butt, a type that is gaining traction but still one of the least common (and least understood) of all sherry casks.
Secret Orkney 25 yo 2000 (52,6%, The Whisky Agency & Sansibar 2026, Cream sherry butt)
Nose: the sherry profile is quite dark, on prunes and dates, along with some caramelized notes. Not bloated though. Then brown sugar, a hint of gingerbread and dark honey. The typical heathery note as well. Also moderate spices underneath, a little pepper and nutmeg, along with a subtle coastal note.
Mouth: oily texture with the same dark layer at its base. Prunes, dark caramel with a slightly burnt edge, roasted nuts and heather honey. A few drops of cold coffee and light smoke. Some herbal top notes too, but lacking a little oomph in the middle. On the other hand this does allow the distillery character to shine through.
Finish: medium to long, with spices staying strong, along with mild herbal smoke.
The Cream sherry brought some dark fruits and caramel to the whisky, but overall it stays surprisingly thin. Not a sherry bomb in any way, a different take on what the distillery is usually bringing out. Still available in (mostly German) stores.