Introduction
This was a bottle I’d been curious about for a while. The Sexton 11 Year Old caught my interest thanks to its age—and the fact that it’s matured entirely in Oloroso sherry casks. Irish single malts with that kind of sherry influence aren't all that common, so I wanted to see how this one balanced those darker flavours with the softness typical of Irish whiskey.
Nose
Right from the glass, the aroma is rich and rounded. I picked up raisins, baked apple, and a layer of toasted walnut. There’s a definite sherry nose, but not overpowering. Behind the dried fruit, I caught subtler notes—orange oil, cocoa powder, and a bit of old leather. It’s not wildly complex, but it’s confident and well-defined. A short rest in the glass brought out more warmth, with a soft touch of cinnamon and roasted barley.
Palate
The first sip really confirmed the sherry influence. It starts sweet, with fig, prune, and sticky toffee pudding. Mid-palate, it shifts into something drier and slightly nutty—hazelnut and dark chocolate, with a bit of black tea bitterness. The texture is smooth and medium-weight, not as oily as some Scotch equivalents but still coating enough. There’s a slow interplay between sweetness and spice, with hints of clove and oak vanilla coming through toward the end.
Finish
The finish is a little more restrained than I expected but still satisfying. It lingers with soft spice—nutmeg, a trace of pepper—and a gentle warmth. There’s a faint tannic edge from the oak and just a touch of cocoa. It doesn’t stick around forever, but it fades cleanly and leaves you wanting another sip rather than overstaying its welcome.
Price and Value
This bottle sits in an interesting spot price-wise. It’s not an everyday pour cost-wise, but given the 11-year age and full-term Oloroso maturation, I think the pricing is reasonable. It’s a whiskey that offers a deeper look into cask influence without going over the top. You’re paying for a clear step up from the younger entry-level versions, and it shows.
Background
The Sexton brand is relatively young in the Irish whiskey scene, but it’s produced at the well-established Old Bushmills Distillery—the oldest licensed distillery in the world. This 11-year-old release is exclusively aged in Oloroso sherry butts sourced from Spain, which adds a rich layer of flavour to the triple-distilled Irish spirit. The choice to bottle it at 48% ABV is also a plus—it gives the dram some extra depth and body without feeling hot.
There's a growing interest in sherried Irish single malts, and this one taps into that in a deliberate way. It’s also a bottle with a strong visual identity—dark glass, contemporary label—which suggests it's targeting both flavour-conscious and design-savvy drinkers.
Final Notes
So, would I buy this bottle again? Yes—especially for a quiet evening when I’m in the mood for something richer without going full peat or cask strength. Is it approachable for someone new to whiskey? I’d say yes, especially for those who enjoy dessert-like flavours or are coming from sherried Scotch. It’s easy to drink but still gives you something to think about.
As for when to drink it, I’d say this works best as a post-dinner sipper. The rich dried fruit and subtle spice naturally lean toward colder months or quiet nights in. Compared to other Irish single malts in this age range, it offers a more layered sherry profile—but it retains the smoothness and clarity that Irish whiskey is known for.
It’s a good reminder that characterful Irish malts do exist—and they’re worth tracking down when they’re done right.