Skip to main content

Spirit Hound Distillers launches sherry cask-finished American single malt whisky

Fans of sherry finished Scotch whisky will love this American take

By Christopher Osburn Nov 17, 2024 6:33 PM

Spirit Hound

If you’re a fan of Scotch from distilleries like The Macallan, Glenfarclas, and GlenDronach, you know all about the appeal of sherry-finished single malt whiskies. Well, we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to go all the way to the Scottish Highlands to find great sherry-finished single malt whisky.

There are expressions made right here in the US. A great example is Colorado’s award-winning Spirit Hound Distillers and its upcoming release of its Sherry Cask-Finished American Single Malt Whisky.

Recommended Videos

Spirit Hound Sherry Cask-Finished American Single Malt Whisky

Spirit Hound

Paying tribute to whiskies that came before it across the pond, the folks at Spirit Hound prefer to drop the ‘e’ commonly found in the American whiskey world. This homage to the whiskies of Scotland begins as an American single malt whisky that’s matured for four and half years before being finished in Sanchez Winery Palo Cortado Sherry casks for four more months.

Thanks to the additional time spent in sherry casks, the result is a complex sippable whisky with classic single malt flavors, along with raisins, sweet sherry, and dark dried fruits.

“I had always wanted to create my own take on a Sherry cask-finished whisky,” Craig Engelhorn, Head Distiller at Spirit Hound Distillers, said in a press release. “So, when the opportunity arose to source an incredibly special barrel, I knew I had to have it.”

Where can I buy it?

Glasses of Scotch lined up — Marieke Peche / iStock

This unique expression isn’t for sale yet, and you won’t be able to stroll out to your local liquor boutique to grab a bottle. Spirit Hound’s Sherry Cask Finished American Single Malt Whisky will only be available at Spirit Hound Distillers’ two Colorado tasting rooms beginning December 4 for a suggested retail price of $125.

Christopher Osburn is a food and drinks writer located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He’s been writing professional Read Full Bio

Topics

Liquor, Beer, Wine & Drinks

The tequila-based cocktails you need to learn this summer

Espolòn Tequila

While there’s no wrong time of year for tequila-based cocktails, summer just might be the best. Also, when it comes to warm-weather spirits, it’s hard to beat the appeal of agave-based tequila, with flavors like citrus, vanilla, vegetal agave, cracked black pepper, and other spices. Aging only adds to the nuanced flavor profile, making tequila a great choice for warm-weather mixed drinks like the Margarita, Paloma, and more.

While I’ve sung the praises of gin-based cocktails during the summer months, I have the same affinity for tequila. There’s something special about sitting on a deck (or dock) overlooking a pond, lake, or river while you sip a tequila-based cocktail on a warm, humid afternoon. When you’re sipping your drink and taking in the picturesque view, there are no deadlines and emails waiting for response. You’re in the moment and just going with the flow as jet skis, pontoon boats, and sailboats glide by.

Classic golf course beers you’ll want to drink this summer

Dale’s Pale Ale

If you’re anything like me, you’re going to spend at least another day or two on the golf course before the end of summer. You might not notice it, but the days are growing shorter, and fall is lurking on the horizon like a pumpkin spice-fueled monster. Your chances of spending sunny, humid days on the links are quickly dwindling. And while where you’re golfing and who you’re with is important, so too is what you’re drinking.

In my years of golfing and drinking, I’ve encountered myriad golf course cocktails, and I’ve found that while you can’t beat the classic flask of whiskey, there’s nothing better than a crisp, refreshing beer on a warm summer day spent enjoying 18 holes. Who cares if you’re hitting eagles or double bogeys left and right if you have a nice beer to sip?

Who needs decanters? The future is wine from a pump box

Alcohol, Beverage, Bottle

Mark West, the official wine sponsor of Major League Baseball, is putting a working wine dispenser disguised as a ketchup pump into a cornfield in Iowa, and honestly, I respect the commitment to the bit.

The “Top Up Dispenser,” as they’re calling it, will show up outside the diamond at next week’s MLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa — the annual matchup played next to the actual field from the 1989 movie.