The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey is a relatively new but increasingly popular single malt from Ireland.
Key Features:
- Irish Origin: Produced in Ireland, with many speculating the distillery is Bushmills.
- Single Malt: Made from 100% Irish malted barley.
- Age: While there's no official age statement (NAS), it's widely believed to be aged for around 4 years.
- Cask Maturation: Matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks. This is a key characteristic that defines its flavor profile.
- Triple Distilled: Following traditional Irish methods in copper pot stills.
- ABV: Typically bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), though some markets might have slightly higher ABVs.
- Presentation: Housed in a distinctive, squat hexagonal black bottle with a copper-embossed label featuring a skeleton in a top hat.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Often presents rich aromas of nuts, marzipan, and dark chocolate, followed by dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, prunes, apricots), honeyed malt, and a pinch of spice (allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg). Some detect citrus notes like lemon zest and a hint of metallic or solvent notes that tend to dissipate with time.
- Palate: Described as clean and mellow with honeyed malt initially, followed by a richer complexity of dried spices, nuts, and sweet oils. Flavors of honeycomb, apricots, and subtle oak spice are also noted. Some find a winey or even slightly cheesy note, while others get toffee and Christmas cake qualities.
- Finish: Generally woody with a honeyed sweetness that fades slowly. Some experience a pleasant, gentle wood with lingering spice and citrus.
Overall Impression:
The Sexton Single Malt is generally considered an approachable and enjoyable Irish single malt that offers good value for its price. The sherry cask maturation is a defining characteristic, imparting a distinct fruitiness and richness. While some find it lacks the complexity of older single malts, many appreciate its smooth character and the noticeable sherry influence, making it a potential gateway into Irish whiskey for Scotch drinkers.
Awards:
- Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2022).
- Silver Medal at the Bartender Spirits Awards (2020).
- Rated 90 Points by Wine Enthusiast.
