Solera: Sherry, Patience, Club Qing
Since the introduction of Club Qing whiskies into the United States, many of you who have tasted our whiskies have reached out and commented on how special our whiskies are. In particular, many in the whisky community have commented on the unique sherry influence that is evident in Club Qing’s whiskies. We thought we would shed light on the cask strategy that Club Qing pursues that makes their products so incredibly unique.
Beyond a cask
Not all sherry casks are created equal, and not all bottlers invest the same level of care and patience in whisky maturation. In a recent conversation between Club Qing cofounders Aaron, Kennis, and The Whiskyfind’s founder Odin (also Club Qing’s Taiwan distributor), they revealed their secret to crafting great sherry cask whiskies: patience, exceptional casks, and the willingness to invest in quality.
Image courtesy of The Whiskyfind
Patience
In this conversation, Aaron emphasized that crafting a great sherry whisky demands patience, often measured in years rather than months. Even with an exceptional cask, he explained, it takes well over twelve months to achieve greatness.
Exclusively Solera Casks
Club Qing whiskies undergo second maturation exclusively in solera casks, not seasoned sherry casks. Solera casks are part of a sherry maturation system that uses a fractional blending process, resulting in a mature and nuanced flavor profile.
Under the Solera system, fractional blending of newer and older sherry happens slowly (typically no more than 1/3 of the total volume), and newer wine gradually gets blended downwards towards the casks in the bottom row, named “solera casks”. As the oldest casks in the system, these casks are prized for imparting rich, complex notes to the whisky without the heavy tannins often associated with younger casks.
Image courtesy of foodswinesfromspain.com
Solera casks are both expensive and difficult to source due to their high demand within the whisky industry. They are released only when deemed unsuitable for further sherry maturation or when a bodega (in the Jerez region, a bodega is a company or a warehouse where sherry is produced and aged) permanently shuts down. Of course, the old casks’ fragility and transport challenges make them especially elusive for whisky makers.
Image courtesy of foodswinesfromspain.com
The Solera system, full of heritage and filled with great wisdom, is worth a separate blog post on its own. A link to a great, relevant article is included at the end.
Beyond their colorful, sometimes quirky labels, Club Qing whiskies offer far more than visual appeal. Whether matured entirely in one cask or finished with a sherry cask second maturation, each bottle reflects Aaron and Kennis’ thoughtfulness, passion, patience, and serious investment to creating whiskies that are both delicious and intriguing.
Drinks Reimagined is excited to introduce Club Qing whiskies that have benefited from further maturation in solera casks to the United States. Be sure to check out Club Qing Happy Loner’s Linkwood, Retrofuturism’s Secret Lowland & Caol Ila and find out where to buy.
Full lineup of Club Qing 2024 releases available in the United States
