Milk And Honey Single Cask Sherry Finish / London 2019

An extremely limited single cask release of Israeli single malt, defined by accelerated maturation and Oloroso sherry finishing.

At-a-Glance

This expression is a highly exclusive single cask release from The Milk & Honey Distillery in Tel Aviv, leveraging the hot Israeli climate to create a mature profile in a short period.

Historical Context

The Milk & Honey (M&H) Distillery, established in Tel Aviv, Israel, has quickly become a globally recognized pioneer in World Whisky, leveraging a unique environmental factor: the hot, humid Mediterranean climate. This climate significantly accelerates the maturation process, resulting in a spirit that develops complexity and oak integration at a much faster rate than in traditional, cooler regions like Scotland.

This specific bottling is an extreme rarity: a single cask released exclusively for The Whisky Show in London in 2019. The outturn was exceptionally small, limited to only 100 bottles. This low volume and specific provenance make it a highly desirable collector's piece, valued as a scarce artifact from the distillery's formative years and its early entry into the international market. The choice of a Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry butt for the finish, following initial aging in ex-Bourbon, is a calculated decision to impart concentrated sweetness, dried fruit, and a deep, rich character to the rapidly matured spirit.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

The technical profile is defined by the single cask nature and the specific cask finishing used.

Documented variants

This expression is a young single malt, bottled at 55% ABV. The cask was a Pedro Ximénez sherry butt used for finishing after initial maturation in an ex-Bourbon cask. The outturn of 100 bottles is the central technical limitation.

Other M&H single casks exist, such as a peated Oloroso sherry bottling at 64.5% ABV, or various rum cask finishes. The specific PX finish at 55% ABV for the London show remains unique.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

The low outturn of 100 bottles requires the buyer to seek meticulous provenance verification. Authentication hinges on confirming the precise single cask details: the 55% ABV strength, the PX Sherry finish designation, and the link to The Whisky Show London 2019. Due to the scarcity, the presence of the original presentation box and an Into Neck (IN) fill level are crucial for maintaining collector value. The bottle should be clearly distinguished from the broader M&H Single Cask releases through its exclusive event label.

Regulatory/terminology notes

M&H adheres to the strictest transparency protocols. This bottling is confirmed to be Natural Colour, Non-Chill-Filtered (NCF), and presented at Cask Strength. The PX sherry butt finishing technique is deliberate, aiming to add intense, dark fruit sweetness characteristic of Pedro Ximénez fortified wine, complementing the light, fruity profile developed in the primary ex-Bourbon cask maturation.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

The flavour profile is rich and deeply sweet, dominated by the active PX sherry cask finish.

Nose: Characterized by a distinctive sweet and nutty aroma. The influence of the PX cask is immediate, promising concentrated dried fruits and dark sugars.

Palate: Features distinct nutty notes with hints of marmalade and defined butterscotch tones. The overall mouthfeel should be rich and textural due to the NCF bottling. Other related M&H releases suggest notes of honey, dark chocolate, and candied lemon peel.

Finish: The conclusion is medium to long, carrying persistent sherry notes.

With water: Not stated by the producer. Given the 55% ABV, a small amount of water would be necessary to reduce the alcoholic heat and allow the complex dried fruit and butterscotch notes to fully integrate.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

The market for this bottling is highly competitive due to the minimal outturn, resulting in a rapid secondary market premium.

• Original RRP (GBP): £139.00.

• Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Sold out.

• Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer):

  • Sold for £75.00. (Note: This hammer price, achieved shortly after release, is below the RRP, indicating immediate consumption value rather than investment premium at that time.)

• Pricing stratification: Despite a low initial auction hammer price soon after release, the extreme scarcity of only 100 bottles released dictates high current retail asking prices. The PX finishing elevates it above standard bourbon cask releases.

• Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is extremely low due to the 100-bottle outturn. Sourcing requires engagement with specialist dealers or private collectors.

Price Snapshot

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

The Milk & Honey Distillery is a highly modern operation in Israel, successfully producing Single Malt Whisky noted for its rapid, intense maturation due to the hot climate. The distillery is committed to transparency, NCF, and Natural Colour bottling. Its primary focus is on utilizing diverse cask types, including quality kosher sherry and wine casks, to quickly develop complex flavour profiles.

Sourcing

• Target formats/eras to prefer: Exclusively the 70cl, 55% ABV, PX Finished single cask released for The Whisky Show London 2019.

• Red flags to avoid: Misidentifying this highly limited PX finish with other M&H single casks, or bottles lacking the specific 55% ABV and event provenance.

• Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): Pristine label condition and original packaging are mandatory due to the collectible nature and minimal outturn.

• Margin/velocity expectations — qualitative: Velocity is slow but stable due to extreme scarcity. High margin potential when sold to specialized collectors.