Girvan PX Cask Finish 11 Years 2011/2022 | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Lowlands, Scotland.
Type: Single Grain Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2022, this whisky has been finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks from the bodega Jimenez Spinola in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
Age Statement: 11 years old.
ABV: 46%.
Filtration and Color: Un-chill filtered and uncolored.
Bottle Design: The bottle features a unique green-blue label, distinguishing it as a select grain from the independent bottler Murray McDavid.

General Profile: Sweet, gentle, light, and fruity with a faint note of spices.
Cask Influence: The PX sherry cask finishing contributes to an intense nuttiness and a significant spiciness that grows on the palate, without any bitterness.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky showcases a creamy vanilla and a slight oiliness in the aftertaste, indicative of a very intense cask influence.

Distillery Background: Girvan Distillery, located on the west coast of the Lowlands, is known for producing a significant volume of grain whiskies for the blended whisky industry.
Independent Bottler: Murray McDavid, the independent bottler, is highlighted for its role in selecting and finishing this whisky in PX sherry casks.

Sherry Cask Origin: The Pedro Ximénez sherry casks from Jimenez Spinola bodega in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, play a crucial role in the whisky's flavor profile, emphasizing the geographical and cultural connection between Scotch whisky and Spanish sherry production.

"This is definitely not a single malt, it's a grain whisky, so not from malted barley, but typically from unmalted grains." - Horst Luening
"An excellent neutral grain spirit which acquires the taste from the Jerez Spinola Pedro Ximénez cask." - Horst Luening
"Definitely a good whisky and a very intense cask influence. Very well done." - Horst Luening

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the nuanced effects of sherry cask finishing on grain whisky.
For Sweet Profile Lovers: Individuals who enjoy sweet and spicy flavor profiles without the bitterness.
For Collectors: The limited bottling (1228 bottles) and unique cask finishing make it a noteworthy addition to any collection.
For New Whisky Drinkers: Its gentle and sweet characteristics, combined with the lack of bitterness, make it accessible for newcomers.