SpringBank Palo Cortado 10 Year Old 2023 Limited Edition Whisky

Description

The Springbank Palo Cortado refers to a specific and highly anticipated release that is part of Springbank’s recent “Sherry Wood Series.” This series aims to explore the influence of different types of sherry casks on their unique distillate. The Palo Cortado release was the second in this five-part series.

What is Palo Cortado Sherry? Palo Cortado is a very unique and somewhat mysterious style of sherry. It begins aging under a layer of flor (a protective yeast film, like Fino and Amontillado), but for various reasons (sometimes accidental, sometimes intentional), the flor dies off, and the sherry then ages oxidatively (like Oloroso). This results in a sherry that combines the crisp, delicate aromas of an Amontillado with the rich, nutty, and full-bodied palate of an Oloroso. It’s known for its complexity and rarity.

Tasting Notes :

The Springbank Palo Cortado is generally praised for its balance, allowing the Springbank distillate to shine through while being beautifully complemented by the nuanced sherry influence.

• Nose: Often described as a blend of fresh and rich notes. Expect Springbank’s characteristic maritime and earthy “funk” (hints of dunnage warehouse, salty air) intertwined with red fruits (strawberries, cranberries), caramelized nuts, nougat, and subtle floral or herbal notes. Some might detect hints of tobacco leaves, milk chocolate, and a slight mustiness. The Palo Cortado brings a drier, nuttier sherry profile compared to, for example, a Pedro Ximénez.
• Palate: The mouthfeel is typically described as silky and well-textured. Flavors often include a mix of salinity with toffee, dark chocolate, and red fruit jam (raspberry, currant, baked apple). There’s a notable spicy woodiness, with notes of cinnamon and clove, along with a dry character that balances the sweetness. Hints of graphite, nuts (macadamia), orange oil, and perhaps even “bike tires” have been mentioned by some, showcasing its unique complexity. The peat smoke is very mellow, sometimes described as a log burning stove or vegetal fumes.
• Finish: Fairly long, with a continuation of the spicy, nutty, and slightly dry sherry notes. Expect hints of cold coffee, caramel, and berries, along with a light salty and gingery edge.
•  Springbank Palo Cortado release is a testament to the distillery’s experimental spirit and their ability to integrate diverse cask types with their unique distillate, creating a highly enjoyable and complex dram.