15 Best Sherry Cask Whiskeys: Prices, Flavors & Investment Tips

Did you know that the highly coveted sherry cask whisky had humble beginnings?

Empty and discarded casks, used to transport sherry from Spain to the UK, were sold cheaply to whisky distillers. They started using these oak barrels to mature whisky, inventing an entirely new expression for an age-old spirit!

Characterized by a rich and complex flavour profile, these whiskies remain highly sought after to this day.

Let’s get acquainted with this whisky class, differences in its maturation process, the top 15 sherry cask whisky bottles to buy in 2023, and reasons for ageing whisky in sherry casks.

We’ll also show you how to invest in the best sherry whiskey casks through Vinovestask-whisky .

15 Best Sherry Cask Whisky Bottles to Buy in 2023

If you want to build an enviable whiskey collection, some of these sherry-cask-aged ones must be on your list:

1. Aberlour A'bunadh Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($103)

2. Glendronach Allardice 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($221)

3. Glenmorangie 'The Lasanta' 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($60)

4. The Balvenie Single Barrel 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($160)

5. Highland Park Viking Pride 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($161)

6. Glen Scotia 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($81)

7. Bowmore 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($90)

8. Tamdhu Batch Strength Single Malt Scotch Whiskey - Sherry Cask ($101)

9. Kilchoman Loch Gorm Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($110)

10. Glenfarclas 40 Year Old Sherry Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($1,334)

11. The Macallan 'Rare Cask' Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($384)

12. The Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky ($1285)

13. Glengoyne 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($581)

14. Glenfiddich Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($53)

15. Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky ($165)

1. Aberlour A'bunadh Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($103)

Aberlour A'bunadh is a cask strength Scotch whisky. A'bunadh is aged in Oloroso sherry casks. The method is sherry maturation. It's bottled without chill filtration.

Tasting notes: Dark chocolate, dried fruits, and spices. 

Aromas: Rich and fruity. The nose detects sherry, raisins, and toffee. 

Finish: Long, warm, and spicy.

2. Glendronach Allardice 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($221)

GlenDronach 18-Year-Old Allardice is a single malt Scotch whisky. This expression is matured exclusively in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. The aging process lasts for 18 years.

Tasting notes: Dark chocolate, cherries, and stewed fruits. 

Aroma: Rich, fruity elements. 

Finish: Long, velvety, and satisfying.

3. Glenmorangie 'The Lasanta' 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($60)

This is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky. The Lasanta undergoes two-step maturation. It starts with 10 years in American oak bourbon casks. Then, it's finished for 2 years in Oloroso and PX sherry casks.

Tasting notes: Caramel, raisins, and baking spices. 

Aroma: Toffee, honey, and dried rich fruit. 

Finish: Warm, smooth, and subtle spice.

4. The Balvenie Single Barrel 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($160)

Balvenie 15-Year-Old Single Barrel Sherry Cask is a single malt Scotch whisky. This whisky is aged for 15 years exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks. Each bottle is drawn from a single barrel, showcasing unique characteristics.

Tasting notes: Dark rich fruit, cocoa, and oak spice. 

Aroma: Dried fruit, vanilla, and cinnamon. 

Finish: Long, velvety, and warming with a hint of spice.

5. Highland Park Viking Pride 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($161)

Highland Park 18-Year-Old Viking Pride is a single-malt Scotch whisky. This expression is aged for 18 years in a combination of European and American oak casks. Both sherry wood seasoned and bourbon casks are used.

Tasting notes: Heather honey, rich fruitcake, and aromatic peat smoke. 

Aroma: Hints of toffee, dark chocolate, and a light floral note. 

Finish: Long, complex, and well-balanced with a subtle smokiness.

6. Glen Scotia 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($81)

This single malt Scotch whisky is aged for 15 years primarily in American oak barrels. A mix of first-fill bourbon barrels and refill casks is used.

Tasting notes: Maritime saltiness, vanilla, and citrus fruits. 

Aroma: A combination of ginger, brine, and light peat smoke. 

Finish: Long, dry, and slightly spicy with a touch of oak.

7. Bowmore 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($90)

This single malt Scotch whisky undergoes a two-step maturation process. It starts with 12 years in American oak bourbon casks. Then, it's finished for 3 years in Oloroso Sherry casks.

Tasting notes: Dark chocolate, raisins, and gentle peat smoke. 

Aroma: Sherry sweetness, maritime notes, and subtle smoke. 

Finish: Long, warming, and smoky with a hint of sherry richness

8. Tamdhu Batch Strength Single Malt Scotch Whiskey - Sherry Cask ($101)

A cask strength single malt Scotch whisky, this expression is matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks. The maturation occurs in a combination of American and European oak casks.

Tasting notes: Rich fruitcake, cinnamon, and toasted almonds.

Aroma: A combination of vanilla, toffee, and dried fruits. 

Finish: Long, warming, and spicy with a pleasant sherry sweetness.

9. Kilchoman Loch Gorm Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($110)

Crafted by the Kilchoman Distillery, this single malt whisky is matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks. The casks are sourced from Spain, adding depth and complexity to the whisky.

Tasting notes: Dark fruits, rich chocolate, and distinctive peat smoke.

Aroma: A mix of dried fruit, warm spices, and earthy peat. 

Finish: Long, robust, and smoky with a lingering sherry sweetness.

10. Glenfarclas 40 Year Old Sherry Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($1,334)

This highly-regarded single malt whisky is matured exclusively in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. The extended aging of 40 years imparts depth, richness, and complexity.

Tasting notes: Dried fruits, leather, and oak spice.

Aromas: A combination of sweet sherry, dark chocolate, and old mahogany. 

Finish: Long, luxurious, and satisfying.

11. The Macallan 'Rare Cask' Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($384)

Macallan Rare Cask is a luxurious single malt Scotch whisky. This expression is crafted using hand-selected casks. A combination of first-fill European and American oak sherry casks is used, imparting a rich character.

Tasting notes: Dark chocolate, raisins, and warm spices.

Aromas: Mix of dried fruits, ginger, and vanilla. 

Finish: Long, silky, and satisfying with a lingering sherry sweetness.

12. The Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky ($1285)

This sought-after single malt Japanese whisky is matured primarily in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. The casks impart a rich and complex character to the whisky.

Tasting notes: Dark fruits, honey, and cinnamon.

Aroma: A mix of dried fruits, sweet spices, and hints of Mizunara oak. 

Finish: Long, smooth, and satisfying with a touch of sherry sweetness.

13. Glengoyne 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($581)

This premium single malt Scotch whisky is matured for 25 years exclusively in hand-selected European oak sherry casks. These casks impart depth, richness, and complexity to the whisky.

Tasting notes: Dried fruits, rich toffee, and Christmas spices.

Aroma: A combination of dark chocolate, sweet sherry, and orange zest.

Finish: Long, smooth, and luxuriously warming with a touch of oak.

14. Glenfiddich Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($53)

This distinguished single malt whisky is masterfully crafted combining the traditional Glenfiddich flavor profile with a unique twist. It is matured in American oak casks for 12 years and finished in Amontillado sherry casks.

Tasting notes: Sweet, fruity notes with rich oak, nutmeg, cinnamon, and baked apple.

Aroma: Fresh and fruity with subtle hints of pear, dried fruits and spice.

Finish: Long, smooth, and mellow with a lingering spiciness.

(Interestingly, the Glenfiddich Gran Reserva starts with 21 years in American oak bourbon casks. Then, it's finished in Caribbean rum casks.)

15. Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky ($165)

Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask is an exceptional single malt Taiwanese whisky. This expression is matured exclusively in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. The maturation imparts a rich and complex character to the whisky.

Tasting notes: Dark chocolate, dried fruits, and warm spices.

Aroma: A mix of toffee, raisins, and roasted nuts. 

Finish: Long, smooth, and satisfying with a touch of sherry sweetness.

A Wee Dram of Sherry Cask Whisky (The Origin Story)

But first, what is sherry?

Sherry, a fortified wine, is made in Spain's Jerez region. There are several types of Sherry including Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso, Palo Cortado, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel. These Sherries range from dry to sweet, offering a distinct flavour profile.Interesting Fact: Amontillado sherry casks impart a distinctive combination of dry, nutty flavors along with a subtle sweetness and notes of cookies that is highly appreciated by connoisseurs.

So you’ll be correct when you say: 

A whisky aged in barrels that previously held sherry wine is called sherry cask whisky. 

But there’s more to these barrels than you think!

The Sherry Cask Origin Story

Sherry casks for whisky maturation were once oak barrels used to transport Sherry from Spain to the UK. Ex-bourbon casks were also used in the whisky industry for maturation purposes.

These casks, initially used for fermentation or short maturation, carried aged sherry for months, allowing it to seep into the wood pores. This added a sherry flavor to the casks.

Whisky industries repurposed these casks after sherry bottling. 

In 1986, a Spanish law required Sherry to be bottled in Spain, ending transport cask usage. This also changed how the whisky industry procures sherry casks.

Whisky distilleries now specify cask requirements, Spanish cooperages produce them, and bodegas season them with Sherry, mimicking the effects of traditional transport casks.

The Unique Sherry Cask Whiskey Making Process

Let’s get into the details:

So why is whisky “aged” in a sherry barrel?

This unique process imparts a distinct flavor to the spirit. Whisky absorbs sherry's fruity, nutty notes to create a rich, and complex profile.

Sherry cask whiskies are popular worldwide. Scotland's single malts often use sherry casks. Irish, Japanese, and American distilleries also experiment with this method. 

Some distilleries also use bourbon casks to impart caramel and vanilla flavors to American whiskey.

Sherry “matured” or sherry “finished” - Which is which!

Sherry-matured whisky has only one key difference from sherry-finished whiskey. It's all about the aging process.

Sherry-matured whiskeys age entirely in sherry casks. The entire maturation occurs in these barrels. This results in a deep, rich flavor profile.

Sherry finished whiskeys, on the other hand, begin their journey in different casks. They age first in traditional oak barrels. The whisky is then transferred to sherry casks for finishing.

The finishing period is shorter. It can last a few months to several years. This imparts subtle sherry notes to the whisky.

Are Sherry Cask Whiskies Investment-Worthy? 

Short answer: Yes, indeed! As you read earlier, Sherry cask whiskies have a rich, distinctive taste that results from the interaction between the whiskey and the sherry-infused wood. 

Here are some impressive auction results and price appreciation figures:

• A sherry-cask-aged Macallan 1987 Single Malt Scotch fetched $374,839 at a Hong Kong auction in 2017. It set the world record for the sale of a whisky cask and for the most expensive per-bottle cask sold at auction at the time. (This record was broken only by a cask of Rare Macallan 1988 later in 2022.)
• You can buy a bottle of the 1987 Macallan 18-Year-Old Sherry Oak Single Malt Scotch whisky today at around $7,200. That’s more than double its price two years back ($3,231 in May 2021.)
• A bottle of Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 whiskey that sold at around $70 initially will cost you over $11,000 today.

Investors looking to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on the growing demand for luxury whiskies will find sherry cask whiskies to be a valuable addition.

Better still, invest in the cask!

Generally, cask investment can be a more cost-effective choice when unsure which whisky bottles will perform well.

The How And Why of Investing In Whiskey Casks

Whisky casks enhance flavors and aromas as the whiskey ages, unlike bottled whiskey, which remains constant. 

Casks offer more liquidity, with options like blending, bottling, or further aging when selling. 

However, investing in whiskey casks can also be risky since it depends entirely on the distillery. Investors should familiarize themselves with the cask investment guidelines and consider factors such as upfront fees, storage, bottling, and taxes. 

You should hold the whiskey barrels for a minimum of three years before you can bottle your product. 

Here’s a more reliable approach:

Invest in the Best Sherry Whiskey Casks Through Vinovest

Alternatively, investors can entrust their whisky investment to a professional service like Vinovest, which offers authentication, storage, and insurance for casks of some of the best Scotch, Japanese, American, and Irish whiskies. 

This leaves you free to sit back and enjoy your portfolio.

Vinovest eliminates middlemen, passing savings to you. Casks are insured and stored in controlled bonded warehouses for optimal aging. 

You own the whiskey, can receive yearly samples, and visit your cask. Vinovest recommends holding times and arranges sales at maturity. 

Alternatively, you can choose to bottle and receive the whiskey instead of selling the cask.

Build Your Whiskey Cask Collection Now!

Instead of racking your brain to do in-depth research on whiskey cask investments, entrust your whiskey investment endeavors to a professional service instead. 

Whiskey casks offer a unique alternative asset investment opportunity that appeals to those passionate about spirits. With the potential for great returns, it's easily accessible to all. 

Visit the website to know more.