Whisky Review/Tasting: Nomad Outland Whisky

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Produced in Scotland, finished in Jerez, Spain.
Type: International whisky, a blend of malt whiskies with a smaller amount of grain whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially blended in Scotland by Richard Patterson of White & McKay, then shipped to Spain for a finishing period of one year in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
Age Statement: Approximately 9 years.
Color and Clarity: Topaz color with brilliant reflections.
Bottle Design: The bottle features a map showing Scotland and a dashed line to Spain, emphasizing its unique aging journey. It also includes a leaflet showcasing Scottish landscapes and the inside of a bodega.

Balance of Flavors: Smooth and elegant, with a complex aftertaste.
Unique Characteristics: Prominent flavors of raisins, honey, vanilla, and dried fruit. A light smoky note suggests the inclusion of whiskies from Jura. The finishing in Pedro Ximénez sherry barrels adds a distinctive bouquet and nuttiness, with unexpected notes like eucalyptus and a spicy cough drop note.
Comparison: While it retains characteristics of Scotch whisky, the unique finishing process and the influence of the hot climate in Spain introduce unexpected and non-traditional whisky notes.

Anecdotes: The collaboration between Richard Patterson and González Byass, and the innovative journey of the whisky from Scotland to Spain, is highlighted. The process challenges traditional Scotch whisky regulations and introduces a novel approach to whisky finishing.

Historical Context: This whisky represents a fusion of Scottish whisky-making traditions with the Spanish sherry cask finishing process, embodying a cross-cultural exchange between Scotland and Spain.
Geographical Context: The journey from Scotland to the hot climate of Jerez, Spain, plays a crucial role in the whisky's unique flavor profile, emphasizing the impact of geographical location on whisky maturation.

"A very elegant whisky with a complex aftertaste."
"It's no Scotch... you feel everything from normal Scotch but on top of that is a spicy cough drop note."
"A wonderful experiment... able to explain a lot about the regulations about Scotch whisky and how they try to protect the heritage but they are as well there for new things, for new ways to try it on."

Nomad Outland Whisky is a unique international whisky, born in Scotland and raised in Jerez, Spain.
It features a blend of malt and grain whiskies, finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
The whisky has a complex flavor profile with notes of raisins, honey, vanilla, dried fruit, and a distinctive nuttiness.
The innovative aging process challenges traditional Scotch whisky regulations and introduces unexpected flavors.
The collaboration between Richard Patterson and González Byass highlights a cross-cultural exchange in whisky production.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in unique, international whiskies and the influence of different maturation climates.
For Scotch Lovers: Individuals open to exploring variations of Scotch whisky that challenge traditional norms.
For Adventurous Drinkers: Those curious about the impact of sherry cask finishing and the fusion of Scottish and Spanish whisky-making traditions.