Sherry’s Flavor & Influence

In our most recent Proof Reads, we touched on the significance of sherry, most importantly what its barrels impart onto spirits. Unlike other spirits that use sherry casks as a finishing move, Patrón Sherry Cask Aged Añejo spends its entire two-year lifespan inside an Oloroso sherry cask. The notes of caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, and pecans are reminiscent of sipping a complex glass of sherry but are shared in deliciousness with the unmistakable allure of cooked agave found within Patrón tequila.

Bartenders that learn about sherry are able to find ways to integrate it into their drink making as they ponder the addition of something dry, sweet, or that succulent middle ground. Sherry can be used as a way of adding a particular dry salinity, as well as in place of where simple syrups would once reside. To have a bottle that plays the role of base and modifier is as intriguing as ever. In this Proof Read we focus on what happens after the bottle has been opened, and the many ways this spirit can be utilized. From the bold and stirred, to the shaken and refreshing, the versatility of sherry is only magnified when it is reimagined with delicious tequila.


Introducing Yeray Monforte, 2018 Patrón Perfectionist

To lead us through some of the thoughtful ways both sherry and Patrón Sherry Cask Aged Añejo can be used, we reached out to our friend and crowned 2018 Patrón Perfectionist Yeray Monforte. Sherry is in his blood, holds familial ties, and is a constant when it comes to his favored creations. His winning cocktail ​‘Wind’ that uses Patrón Silver and Fino sherry, took him from local great to Global Winner in 2018, and has been recreated all over the world as he travels and tells the good word of sherry and tequila.

Join us and our friend Yeray as we explore a luscious mix of cocktails that examines closely the many uses of Patrón Sherry Cask Aged Añejo.

Q&A with Yeray Monforte

Tell us a bit about the region where you’re from, and where you live/​work.

I am from Spain, the country of sherry wine, my father is from the center of the country, my mother from the south and I was born in the east, in the Mediterranean, and I have three cultures deep inside. I am the owner of a bar in Madrid called bad company 1920.

What does sherry mean to Spain? To its residents?

It depends a little on the area of​the country. Especially for people from the south, it is something very very important. It is what they have grown up with and they have a lot of respect for it. In the rest of Spain there is a little ignorance around sherry but little little the culture around it is growing.

How do you most commonly see it enjoyed in your region?

Sherry is an aperitif wine. It is usually taken before lunch especially as it whets the appetite. But in the south, it is very common to take it during lunch or dinner, as it is a perfect complement since it cleanses the palate and adapts to the many profiles of a meal.

Why do you enjoy using sherry in your cocktails? What elements does it bring to a drink?

This answer to this question could be very extensive but in the cocktail bar, as it has a very marked flavor, sherry is an ingredient that adds complexity. Depending on the variety of sherry wine it can work perfect in both unaged or aged drinks, giving dryness or sweetness. There is always a special sherry perfect for each drink when creating it.

What sherry cocktails do you recommend to those wanting to explore the flavor profiles?

Without a doubt the two most famous (and low alcohol) drinks that best capture what sherry can contribute to a cocktail are Bamboo and Adonis. I am not going to tell you what each one features as I would like, if you are reading this, for you to investigate. You’ll end up as passionate about this type of wine as me. 

Tell us about the inspiration for your winning cocktail and how you ended up choosing the sherry you did.

Sherry wine reminds me of my childhood, my family, my culture, and my grandfather using the technique of venencia to oxygenate the wine. He chose Fino, a dry wine, without oxidation, which adds complexity to white distillates. I chose Patrón Silver in a sweet cocktail like mine, with honey. The Fino in the cocktail comes through even in a small amount, and is enhanced by olive oil and thyme making for an experience like drinking Spain, drinking the South …

What do you wish more bartenders knew about sherry?

One of best things is the price: you can find 30 – 40 year old wines for less than $30 – 40 , something that I know in the future will go up. That’s why I would tell the bartenders that it is time to buy. 

Do you have any resources (links, books, people, etc) that you’d recommend to those looking to dive into the sherry world and learn more?

English-speaking there is still little, but my recommendation is come to Spain and live it. If you cannot this website is fantastic. https://www.sherry.wine.
You can also buy my favorite book, ​“The Great Book of Sherry,” an authentic wonder. Also, ​“Tio Pepe” is doing a great job teaching about sherry in the UK and the USA.

SHERRY COCKTAIL RECIPES

WIND

Created by 2018 Perfectionist Yeray Monforte // Barcelona, Spain

Named for and inspired by the powerful force, Monforte’s​‘Wind’ included a mix of Patrón Silver, orange honey, lemon juice, olive oil, egg white, fino wine and a spritz of Patrón Reposado macerated in bee pollen.

“From submitting my entry to competing in front of the judges during the final, the Patrón Perfectionists Cocktail Competition has been an unforgettable experience.”

RECIPE

2 oz Patrón Silver
2 oz Eternal Youth Mixture*
.5 oz Fino Sherry Wine
.5 oz Egg whites
+ 3 Branches of thyme
+ 3 Sprays of Patrón Reposado infused in bee pollen**

*Eternal Youth Mixture:
2 oz Honey
2 oz Lemon juice
1.25 oz Olive oil
Mix ingredients in a blender until combined.
**Patrón Reposado infused in bee pollen:
Soak 10 grams of bee pollen with 3.5 oz of Patrón Reposado for 1 hour. Strain and store in a spray bottle.

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a shaker tin with ice and shake to chill and combine.
Double-strain into a chilled coupe.

GARNISH

Garnish with fresh thyme sprig.

Five Seasons

RECIPE

1.5oz Patrón Sherry Cask Aged Añejo

.75oz Oloroso sherry

.75oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice

.5oz pumpkin puree

.25oz blood orange syrup, such as Liquid Alchemist brand 

1 barspoon St. Elizbeth Allspice Dram 

1 dash Bar Keep Baked Apple Bitters

Grated cinnamon and edible flower, for garnish


METHOD

Combine all ingredients except garnish in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously with ice and fine strain into chilled coupe glass over a single chunk of large, clear ice.


GARNISH

Garnish with grated cinnamon and edible flower. 

Show Your Cards

RECIPE

1.5oz Patrón Sherry Cask Aged Añejo

.5oz Apple brandy

.75oz Honey syrup

.75oz Fresh-squeezed lemon juice

5 Cardamom pods

Apple fan, for garnish

METHOD

Gently toast the cardamom pods in a pan (or with a torch) and muddle in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the liquid ingredients and shake well with ice to chill. Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with an apple fan. 

How Sherry Old Fashioned

RECIPE

2oz Patrón Sherry Cask Aged Añejo

.25oz PX sherry

2 barspoons demerara syrup

2 dashes walnut bitters

Orange peel, for garnish

METHOD

Combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir to chill. Strain over an ice spear in a rocks glass. Express the oils of the orange peel onto the surface of the drink, and use the peel for garnish. 

A tremendous thank you to our friend and Patrón Perfectionists Yeray Monforte, and a special thanks to you for your continued interest in Patrón releases and education.

For more information and to look out for Patrón Sherry Cask Aged Añejo trainings in your community- follow us @academia_patron to stay in the loop. We post the most up-to-date ways to interact, recipes, and more available on Instagram, and deeper dives can be found here on the website. Stay tuned for more, and please enjoy this latest release!