For many years sherry was an afterthought at bars, mostly ignored amongst the younger crowd and reserved for collecting dust behind the bar. Last year we were excited to tell you that sherry was making a comeback and news from London makes it clear it’s not going anywhere.
We educated you on the basic facts of sherry but here’s a refresher course. Sherry is a fortified wine, produced in the “Sherry Triangle,” of Southwest Spain. Sherry wines go through a solera system, which basically blends wines of different ages. Younger casks are progressively mixed with older ones creating a consistent blended wine. The two main types are Fino (very dry) and Oloroso (richer in flavor and body). For a first timer we recommend a good Fino.
UK retailer Marks & Spencer is reporting that sherry sales as a whole are already up over 30% from last year, with a majority of customers under the age of 45. Andrew Bird, M&S head of trading for drinks says the, “increase in sales is coming from younger customers, who are venturing beyond the cream styles that were drunk by their grandparents.” Part of the reason for this trend is that specialty sherry bars have become a huge hit in London. Barafina perfectly matches their tapas to their sherry while Moro offers sherry flights for tasting.
Looking for the perfect sherry bar in the U.S.? The Jakewalk is Brooklyn, NY is a DIA favorite. The wine and cheese bar offers a speakeasy type feel and a delicious cocktail known as the Rory Sparrow. Served with Dry Oloroso Sherry, rum, maple syrup, lemon juice and allspice liquer, it is the perfect sweet cocktail for a cold night.