Henstone DistilleryEx-Peated Cask Release

Henstone Distillery, founded in 2017 and nestled in Oswestry, Shropshire, has rapidly made a name for itself as a purveyor of exceptional quality and craftsmanship in the world of spirits. Their Peated Cask Release is a testament to this reputation, offering a unique twist on traditional whisky flavour profiles. Contrary to what might be expected, this distinctive release does not derive its peated character from the spirit itself. Instead, the intriguing peaty notes are imparted entirely through the cask influence. The casks used for this process are sourced directly from Islay, the renowned heartland of Peated Single Malt whisky. This choice of cask ensures an authentic and deeply resonant peat character, enveloping the spirit in the traditional smoky essence that Islay is famous for. Before its transformative encounter with the peated cask, the spirit spends over three years maturing in ex-Jim Beam (bourbon) casks. This initial maturation stage lays a complex foundation of flavours, typical of bourbon cask aging—notes of vanilla, oak, and a subtle sweetness. Following this, the whisky is transferred to a 125-litre ex-peated quarter cask for its finishing stage. This smaller cask size allows for a more intimate interaction between the wood and the whisky, intensifying the infusion of peaty nuances.