Henstone's Ex-Pedro Ximénez release is the kind of whisky that needs no introduction once you nose it: sweet sherry influence upfront, backed by dried fruit, warm spice and a richness that the base ex-bourbon spirit doesn't deliver alone.. The process is a two-stage maturation. The new make spirit spent more than three years in an ex-Heaven Hill bourbon cask, building vanilla, light oak and a creamy barley character. It was then transferred to a 125-litre ex-Pedro Ximénez quarter cask for a further twelve months. The smaller cask size increases the spirit-to-wood ratio significantly, which means the PX influence comes through quickly and with real concentration: sticky dark fruit, espresso, gingerbread, and a finish that lingers warmly.. Bottled at 46% Alc. with no added colouring and no chill filtration. The result is a whisky with natural texture and full flavour in the glass. This batch runs to just 140 bottles.. In our view, this sits comfortably alongside the better-known PX-influenced whiskies from much larger producers. The size of the cask and the 12-month finish mean the spirit absorbs the character fully, rather than just being washed over by it.. Henstone Distillery was founded in 2017 in Oswestry, Shropshire and makes whisky, gin, vodka, apple brandy, and a corn liquor. All whisky is distilled, matured, and bottled on site in a 1,000-litre pot/column still named Hilda.
