Naked Malt 40 % Vol. vs. Famous Grouse Sherry Cask Finish 40 % Vol.

Summary

In this casual whisky review, the host compares two sherry-heavy whiskies: Famous Cross Sherry Finish and Naked Malt. Both are affordable options with distinct flavor profiles. The Famous Cross offers a smooth, velvety experience with subtle cherry, vanilla, and wood notes, making it an easy-drinking choice. In contrast, the Naked Malt, made from 100% malt whisky, has a sharper, more vibrant character with citrus and red berry hints, but with a slight artificial cherry taste. While the reviewer leans towards Famous Cross for its depth, both whiskies are solid for their price, offering a straightforward and enjoyable drinking experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Famous Cross Sherry Finish and Naked Malt are both sherry-heavy whiskies, but they differ in wood influence, aging, and composition.
• 😀 The Naked Malt is positioned as a 100% malt whisky, which is generally more expensive than grain whiskies.
• 😀 The Famous Cross range has undergone rebranding, with Naked Cross being renamed to Naked Malt due to confusion with the classic Famous Cross blended whiskies.
• 😀 Both whiskies are priced similarly (around €17-22), making them accessible options for whisky enthusiasts.
• 😀 The Famous Cross Sherry Finish is noted for its cherry notes and grain content, which is smooth and velvety but lacks complexity in flavor.
• 😀 The Naked Malt is described as having a more pronounced cherry influence and a youthful, slightly sharper taste, but also a fuller malt flavor.
• 😀 The Famous Cross Sherry Finish is easy-drinking with a simple and approachable taste, making it suitable for casual drinking or social events.
• 😀 The Naked Malt is considered a bit more mature in taste, with a noticeable malt body and a smoother, more complex character despite its youth.
• 😀 The Famous Cross range is owned by the Eddington Group, which is now part of the Eddington Beam Santorini conglomerate, involving companies like Jim Beam and Suntory.
• 😀 While both whiskies are enjoyable for their price range, the Famous Cross Sherry Finish is preferred by the speaker for its better balance of wood and cherry influence.
• 😀 The Naked Malt’s youthful sharpness and lack of a strong wood influence make it feel less mature compared to the Famous Cross Sherry Finish, though it remains a solid option for those seeking a lighter malt whisky.

Q & A

What is the main comparison in the video?

The video compares the Famous Cross Sherry Finish with the Naked Cross (now called Naked Malt), both of which are sherry-heavy whiskies.

Why did the Naked Cross range get renamed to Naked Malt?

The Naked Cross range was renamed to Naked Malt because the Eddington Group likely felt it did not fit well with the classic Famous Cross brand, which is traditionally a blended whisky.

What is the price range mentioned for the Famous Cross Sherry Finish?

The Famous Cross Sherry Finish is priced around €19-22, with discounts sometimes bringing it down to €17-18.

What is the main difference between Famous Cross and Naked Malt according to the script?

The main difference is that Famous Cross is a blend with some grain whisky, while Naked Malt is made entirely from malt whisky, resulting in a fuller, more malt-forward profile.

How does the Naked Malt compare to the Famous Cross Sherry Finish in terms of flavor profile?

Naked Malt has a lighter, maltier flavor with orange, red berry, and vanilla notes, while Famous Cross Sherry Finish is more cherry-forward with a touch of wood and a smoother texture.

What impact does the use of European oak have on the whisky?

European oak typically imparts more intense flavors than American oak. In the case of Naked Malt, the oak influence is more subtle, suggesting that it may not have been matured in European oak, which would have provided a richer wood profile.

What is the price-to-quality ratio mentioned in the review?

The review suggests that both whiskies offer good value for their price, especially considering their relatively affordable cost (around €18-22), making them a good choice for those who enjoy sherry finishes but don't want to overpay.

What is the 'youthful' characteristic mentioned in the video?

The youthful characteristic refers to the slightly sharp, youthful notes in both whiskies, particularly in Naked Malt, where the flavors seem a bit underdeveloped or rough compared to more matured whiskies.

How does the reviewer feel about grain whisky in the blend?

The reviewer is somewhat critical of grain whisky in blends, preferring pure malt whiskies for their complexity, but acknowledges that grain whisky helps create a smoother and more approachable whisky for those who enjoy easy-drinking options.

What is the overall recommendation of the reviewer between the two whiskies?

The reviewer prefers the Famous Cross Sherry Finish, as it offers a more balanced profile with wood and cherry influences, and feels it is more refined compared to the younger and sharper Naked Malt.