by 
Nomad Outland Blended Whisky. Scotland/Spain. ABV: 41.3%. Tasted at Balcon by Tapavino, $13.
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition…and not many people expect a Spanish whisky. Or is it a Spanish whisky? Let’s find out!
Colour: Topaz.
Nose: Light; caramel melting on the stovetop.
Palate: Moscatels, quince paste, blueberries. Dry and short on the palate.
Finish: Dry with a sultana & chocolate orange finish.
Comments: So it’s not a Scottish whisky as it was not fully matured in Scotland. It wasn’t distilled in Spain, so you couldn’t really call it a Spanish whisky either. So what the hell is it?!
The marketing blurb tells us it is a blend of over 30 different malt and grain whiskies from Scottish distilleries in the Speyside and Highlands regions. The blend was matured in Scotland in sherry casks for 3 years – so far nothing extraordinary. However it was then transported to Jerez in Spain where it was “finished” in fresh Pedro Ximinez casks. Different casks, but also a vastly different climate which will affect the way in which the whisky matured and “breathes” through the cask.
Verdict? It’s a pleasant enough curiosity without reaching any great heights.
It’s encouraging to see producers pushing the envelope in terms of established norms. It’s not claiming to be a Scottish whisky (and would be in breach of Scottish Whisky Regulations if they tried to label, package or advertise it as such). But it’s not really a Spanish whisky either. Let’s just call it “whisky” and get on with enjoying it.