Hercynian Distilling – The Alrik The Woodsmoked Hercynian Single Oloroso Sherry Hogshead (59.1%)

The Alrik is a single malt from Hercynian Distilling in the Harz region of Germany, bottled from a single Oloroso sherry hogshead at a cask strength of 59.1% ABV. Just 219 bottles were filled, exclusively for Best Dram. The malt is smoked over alder and beech wood rather than peat, which gives a smoke character different from classic peated whiskies. The distillery is based in Zorge and produces its own single malt under the Elsburn brand. On the nose, brown sugar and dried fruit such as plums and figs sit under a marked but well-integrated woodsmoke that is warm rather than peaty.