The Influence of Sherry on Scotch Whisky: A Deep Dive
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is set to release a new documentary film, Scotch and Sherry: A Flavour Odyssey, which explores the influence of sherry casks on whisky. The 40-minute film follows SMWS Head of Whisky Creation, Euan Campbell, on his journey across Spain’s sherry-making regions.
Sherry bodega in action
Campbell visited cooperages and bodegas across Spain to gain firsthand insight into the process of sherry-making and how this subsequently influences the maturation of scotch whiskies in sherry casks.
“From the forests and sawmills to the cooperages and bodegas, our film gives viewers a deep insight into the level of attention, craftsmanship and care that goes into each step of the process to create sherry casks and the flavour that goes on to have a massive influence on Scotch whisky.” - Euan Campbell
Prior to the film’s release, SMWS is hosting an online ‘Dram-along’ event, featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the filming of the documentary, as well as discussions, live music, and a quiz.
SMWS will also be hosting various events throughout May, including screenings of the film at their Bath Street venue in Glasgow and Queen Street venue in Edinburgh. Additionally, a special event named Sherry Confidential, hosted by sherry expert Diego Borras, will take place at The Vaults in Leith.
A solera system at a sherry bodega in Spain
In addition to the release of the documentary film, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is also releasing a sherry tasting pack, which includes three 50ml drams of sherry cask-matured whisky, accompanied by a 76-page magazine named Scotch & Sherry, which explains more about sherry and its influence on scotch whisky.
Several hand-selected sherry cask-matured whiskies have been selected for release, including Cinnamon chilli chocolate cupcakes, a French single malt matured in a 1st fill ex-Oloroso butt for 7 years, and Heaven in a leather hammock, a 34 year old single malt bottled from 1st fill ex-Pedro Ximenez.
