Annandale 2017 Man O' Words - Sherry Cask #1023

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 61.1% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Man O' Words represents Annandale's unpeated house style. This Founders Selection matured in a single ex-Oloroso Sherry Butt, number 1023. The whisky was distilled in 2017 and bottled in 2023 at its cask strength of 61.1%. The release comprises 432 bottles, with no added colouring or chill filtration.

The sherry influence brings together dark fruit sweetness and spice. Alongside apple compote and dried fruit, including dark raisins, there are malty and fresh herbal impressions. Coffee, dark chocolate, nuts and spicy oak round out the profile, while clove and a hint of cinnamon accompany the fruit. At this high strength, a few drops of water can help reveal further aromas.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose offers freshly cooked apple compote and golden syrup, accompanied by dried fruit and spicy clove. A hint of cinnamon complements the sweet fruit notes.
• Palate: On the palate, malt, fresh herbs and ground coffee combine with spicy nuts and dark chocolate. The whisky is full-bodied, with dried fruit, spicy oak and a delicate sweetness completing the flavour.
• Finish: The finish is long, sweet and smooth. Lingering spice and sherry notes leave a warm aftertaste.

Distillery/Bottler:

Annandale was founded in 1836 and remained silent for around nine decades after closing in 1918. David Thomson and Teresa Church acquired the site in 2007 and undertook an extensive restoration of the historic buildings. Distillation resumed on 9 November 2014. Located in the Scottish Lowlands, the distillery produces the unpeated Man O' Words and the peated Man O' Sword.

The production equipment and processes were designed by Dr. Jim Swan. Annandale uses two smaller copper spirit stills rather than a single larger still. This provides more copper surface area relative to the volume of liquid. The increased copper contact helps reduce unwanted sulphur compounds during distillation and supports the spirit's fruity character.

Facts: