Trader Joe's Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Sherry Cask Finish

I sought a distinctive spirit for my 250th review but ended up with this. I just relocated to a new area and my partner and I are worn out from unpacking, sorting out utilities, and meeting new people. Back in Texas, grocery stores only stocked beer and wine, but apparently, there are no restrictions here in Louisiana. So, I visited Trader Joe's. While buying snacks, I noticed they carried whisky. Similar to Costco's offerings, they feature independent bottlers selecting barrels, including a 10-year-old Highland single malt (rumored to be Dalmore) and an 8-year-old Speyside single malt (allegedly Glenlivet). I chose the NAS Highland aged in bourbon casks with a secondary maturation in Sherry casks. Because sherry. And it cost $18, with about $100 worth of snacks already in my cart... So, what can I say? I got home, poured a dram into a Glencairn glass. Took a sip.....40% ABV? Absolutely. Chill filtered? Most likely. Artificial coloring? You bet! Taste.....weak but not unpleasant. The aroma is pleasant, like a bargain-brand sherry cask, but it falls apart when drunk neat. BUT. Then I abandoned the Glencairn and poured it into a rocks glass with a few ice cubes. Perfect. The ice softens the harshness and enhances the sherry notes. Is it groundbreaking? Not at all, but sometimes you just need a drink, and in the (very humid) southern climate I've just moved into, that can be quite satisfying.

Nose: Blend of mature orchard fruits alongside some richer berry notes, like a sweet jam. Apple, pear, and cherry are present, with honey and a moderate sherry influence. Subtle floral and grassy scents emerge, with hints of hay and a fleeting whisper of sea salt before vanishing. A slight oak barrel impression is detected. Palate: Enjoyable fruitiness leads with honey, followed by a gentle spice. A light smoky char complements the spice. Notes of baking spices and a delicate sweet grassiness, almost herbal but not precisely. Considering its cost, this is surprisingly good value. Give it a go.

NOSE Sherry, caramel, malt, dried orange and dark fruits, a touch of baking spice, and cocoa. A smooth and surprisingly pleasant experience. The sherry notes are prominent and well-integrated. PALATE Dry cocoa, roasted malt, sherry sweetness, leather, baking spice, brown sugar, along with some orange peel and nutty notes. Again, I'm surprised by the intensity of the sherry in this whiskey and even more so by its depth. FINISH Medium duration, with sherry, malt, caramel, and oaky spice.

It looks clear and burnished gold. The nose brings honey-drizzled white bread and dry sherry. The taste mirrors this, with tiny traces of smoke and peat. It has a light-to-medium body and a predominantly dry finish.

Gentle, wine-like character with minimal smoke notes.