The Hearach Oloroso Cask Single Malt

Tasting Notes

Producer Tasting Note

"Initially there are aromas of cinnamon, orange peel, and cloves, and there are green notes of mixed herbs and the creaminess of white chocolate. When sipped, I can taste wood smoke and walnuts shells. The dram develops with a herbal hint of dried thyme closely followed by burnt oranges. Spices then come through, like vanilla pods and a subtle sense of cloves, before a long leather and liquorice finish."

88pts Whisky Fun

"After mastering the art of their marvellous core batches, the good folks at Harris have treated us to this full Oloroso expression. A logical step, wouldn’t you say? Colour: golden, which is comforting to see. Nose: it’s like the classic Hearach but draped in a layer of dark chocolate and a drizzle of walnut wine, with a whiff of Italian bitters—Cynar, Amaro, that sort of thing. Wonderfully done here; it lends a touch of wildness, even a faintly gamey side (wild boar terrine, if you like). Is there wild boar on Harris? Mouth: the same sentiments carry through. Think of the standard Hearach with an extra helping of chilli-spiked chocolate and walnut wine. A subtle mustardy note emerges, always underpinned by that saline quality, and dare I say, it feels even more ‘Fort William’ than its elder sibling. Hints of tar, carbon, motor oil, and a smudge of pencil eraser kind of round things out. Finish: much the same story, with a cracking dryness. Chilli and stout linger in the aftertaste. Comments: clever stuff, this. The Oloroso complements the distillate beautifully, never overstepping its mark. I was ready to be slightly less impressed—wrongly so, as it turns out. Who said, "yet again"?
SGP: 362 - 88 points."