It’s the day where one requires no excuses to sample a new dram of whisky, and what better style to sample than one that’s completely unique? For this very reason, we bring Nomad, Outland Whisky, to the table.
The concept of using ex sherry casks in the aging process of Scotch whisky is not a new one. Our Gonzalez Byass sherry casks are particularly sought after, in fact, we’ve been supplying Dalmore with our Matusalem casks for many, many years. With this relationship established, it was only a matter of time until two pioneers, our master sherry blender, Antonio Flores, and whisky legend, Robert ‘The Nose’ Paterson, decided to join forces on a very special project.
For Richard Paterson, whose nose was once insured for over £1 million, ‘’the cask is king’’. Richard’s ability to blend, select the perfect barrel, and detect when a whisky is as its best, is a skill admired and envied by whisky lovers around the world. So much so, he was awarded an OBE in 2021 for his services to the Scotch whisky industry.
So, with our sherry casks regularly making the journey from Jerez to Scotland, Richard Paterson and Antonio Flores decided to flip this journey on its head. What would happen if Scotch whisky was aged in Jerez?
Nomad whisky is ‘Born in Scotland and raised in Jerez’. Over 30 different malt and grain whiskies from Speyside, Scotland, are blended under the watchful eye of Richard, before resting in the cool of the Scottish Highlands for six years. From here, they’re transferred over to Antonio’s turf, Jerez in Andalucía, Spain. It is here that the final piece of magic happens.
Richard and Antonio experimented with Fino and Oloroso barrels, but decided it was PX barrels and their rich complexity who’d provide the perfect home for Nomad’s final year of aging. The barrels themselves, the humidity, the warmth, and the unique setting of the Gonzalez Byass cellars cause the maturation process to speed up, releasing more of an angels share, and imparting a richer flavour to the final product.
Raisin and honey, vanilla and dried fruits come together in this truly one-of-a-kind whisky.
We are delighted to host Richard Paterson and Antonio Flores at our portfolio tasting next month where they will present a masterclass showcasing the influence of our sherry casks on Nomad every step of the way. Participants will be taken on a tasting journey through various sherry styles and their influence on premium brandy, as well as our Nomad whisky of course.