Description
The Gold Cock Single Cask 2016 Sherry Finish is a rare, limited-edition expression that represents the pinnacle of artisanal Czech whisky making.
Distilled in 2014 and bottled as an eight-year-old malt, this release captures the successful marriage between Moravian grain and the intense influence of fortified wine.
Produced in a strictly limited run of only 330 bottles, this single cask expression is presented at a robust 55.0% ABV (Cask Strength), offering a concentrated and unadulterated glimpse into the distillery’s modern era of production.
The Craft: Double Maturation
This 2016 vintage release is defined by a meticulous two-stage maturation process designed to layer complexity onto the robust Gold Cock spirit.
Initial Maturation: The spirit was first aged for seven years in reconditioned European oak casks, which provided the structural foundation and traditional spicy notes of the brand.
The Sherry Finish: For its final 12 months, the whisky was transferred to a hand-selected Sherry butt. This secondary maturation imparted deep ruby hues and a rich, dried-fruit character that balances the natural tannins of the Czech wood.
Natural Integrity: Consistent with its collector-grade status, the whisky is bottled without chill-filtration or any added coloring, ensuring the texture remains oily and authentic to the barrel.
The Appearance: Deep amber with dark copper highlights.
The Nose: A decadent bouquet of dark chocolate and roasted hazelnuts. The initial sweetness is framed by rich aromas of dried figs, raisins, and a delicate hint of old leather and warm baking spices.
The Palate: Intense and full-bodied. The entry is marked by syrupy plum jam and molasses, which quickly gives way to the heat of black pepper and ginger. The mid-palate reveals the classic Gold Cock maltiness, now draped in velvet-like sherry sweetness.
The Finish: Long, warming, and sophisticated. It leaves a persistent trail of dark cocoa, espresso beans, and a pleasant oaky dryness.
Producer Profile
The Pioneer of Czech Single Malt
GOLDCOCK is the oldest and most storied whisky brand in the Czech Republic, representing a legacy of distillation that dates back to 1969. Originally founded at the Tešetice distillery near Olomouc, the brand is now the crown jewel of Rudolf Jelínek, the world-famous fruit distillate producer based in Vizovice.
GOLDCOCK is a “true original,” crafted entirely from local Moravian ingredients and aged in the unique microclimate of the Wallachian hills, making it a definitive expression of Central European whisky-making.
The Terroir: Moravian Gold
The character of Gold Cock is deeply rooted in the agricultural richness of Moravia. The distillery uses 100% local Moravian barley, which is malted in traditional floor maltings to preserve its enzymatic integrity and rich, cereal profile.
- Pristine Water: The whisky is proofed using soft water from the distillery’s own wells in the Vizovice mountains, ensuring a clean and silky texture.
- The Vizovice Climate: The aging cellars in Vizovice experience significant seasonal temperature variations. This “breathing” of the casks allows for a robust interaction between the spirit and the wood, imparting deep notes of dried fruit and spice that define the Gold Cock signature.
The Craft: Heritage & Innovation
Under the guidance of master distiller Miroslav Motycka, Gold Cock balances traditional production methods with a bold, experimental spirit.
- Traditional Distillation: The whisky is double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills, creating a heavy, flavorful spirit that is built for long-term maturation.
- Cask Mastery: While heavily charred European oak was the historical standard for the brand, the modern range explores a variety of finishes, including Oloroso Sherry, Madeira, and even casks that previously held traditional Czech fruit brandies (Slivovitz).
- The “Peated” Evolution: Gold Cock has recently gained acclaim for its peated expressions, using local peat sources to create a “continental” smoke profile—earthy and herbal rather than medicinal.
