M&H Elements Sherry Cask (2023)

Named the World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2023, I’ve been meaning to taste the M&H Elements Sherry Cask for a little while now. You know, just because I’m curious why my fellow judges came to this decision. Because honestly? I was surprised when the M&H Elements Sherry Cask was crowned the overall winner.

And that’s nothing to do with my opinion of M&H Distillery. I’m quite fond of them actually. I’ve spoken to head distiller Tomer Goren a few times over the years, and am convinced he and his colleagues are truly passionate, skillful whisky makers. They’re willing to try new things, have embraced their heritage and Israel’s terroir, and have expertly promoted their brand over the years.

But with all respect to the M&H Elements Sherry Cask, it is no Rosebank 31 Years Release Two, Ardbeg 25 Years, The Glenlivet 21 Years or Glenmorangie Signet, to name just a few of the other whiskies competing in the World Whiskies Awards 2023. To me it’s implausible the M&H Elements Sherry Cask was able to beat them out. Yet, somehow it did.

Of course, I’m sure there are some aspiring conspiracy theorists claiming the results were fixed. But I don’t believe that for one second. While I didn’t attend the final judging round, I was involved with a few of the earlier rounds (including the World Whiskies Awards Scotland tasting), and can attest to the integrity and knowledge of the judges.

So, really, there’s no good explanation, but I truly was happy when the M&H Elements Sherry Cask was revealed the winner in March 2023. The distillery deserves it for its enterprising approach and ability to craft a global whisky brand while being based in Israel, a country that no one used to associate with whisky.

No matter how shocking M&H Distillery’s win was, it serves as an inspiration for all the other whisky distilleries in non-traditional whisky producing countries.

M&H Elements Sherry Cask (46%, OB, 2023)

Nose: Hints of sweet figs alongside polished brass, slivers of tobacco, damp forest floor and Maraschino cherries. Some whiffs of walnuts and sandalwood too, with finally a few red apples.
Taste: Mouthfeel is properly creamy, enhanced by a light, fruity sweetness. There’s an almost tannic oak influence though, but also subtle whiffs of menthol, green walnuts, nutmeg and cloves.
Finish: Short to medium length. The leafy, oak-y bitterness and oak spices grow, alongside a sliver of toffee.

Photos: M&H Distillery