Q&A with Miguel Martín, our Sherry cask supplier

31st October 2025

At Ardgowan Distillery, our appreciation for Sherry cask maturation, and more specifically the rich character of European oak, is at the heart of our vision and philosophy. So much so that we began laying the groundwork years before our distillery was completed.

We chose to partner with José y Miguel Martín S.L. (JMM): a renowned, family-run Sherry bodega whose legacy of craftsmanship and tradition dates back over a century to 1917. Together, we began soaking casks with organic Sherry in the coastal warehouses of Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Spain, no less than three years before we began distilling.

Our cask collaboration with JMM has also seen us invest millions of pounds to develop our own bespoke design: the Infinity Cask, a pioneering creation engineered for extended maturation of 18 years or more. Representing the first new cask size to be introduced in over a century, it stands as a symbol of our long term vision and commitment to quality, innovation and patience.

To explore the story behind our Sherry partnership, the art of cask maturation, and the creation of the Infinity Cask, we sat down with Miguel Martín himself – the man whose family name has become synonymous with excellence in Sherry wood.

As the company is family-owned, how important is that legacy in the creation of your casks?

Miguel: “For us, family is at the centre of what we do. Our casks are not just a product but a result of generations of knowledge, respect for tradition, and endless effort of trying to make them better every day. Out of respect for our customers and for what we have been doing for so long, we maintain the highest standards while staying true to our values.”

How involved were you in the company while growing up?

Miguel: “We have all been involved somehow in the company. All the members of the family have been working in the grape harvest for many years since we were very young; it has been a family tradition. Beyond that, growing up around the winery and the cooperage gave us a natural connection to the business.”

What part of your job makes you most fulfilled?

Miguel: “Seeing how our clients are satisfied with the result of their spirit maturing in our casks is incredibly fulfilling, and our goal. We constantly innovate and experiment with different types of oak/casks so we can offer our clients the best quality possible.”

What’s your favourite Sherry style to produce?

Miguel: “Each style has its charm, but our favourite is Amontillado. It is a very misunderstood wine but offers a very versatile style: the freshness of a biological ageing, but also the complexity of oxidative notes. It’s not so common in whisky maturation, but we find it fascinating because it brings balance, structure, and a wide aromatic spectrum.”

How does the choice of Sherry cask (Fino, Oloroso, PX, etc.) and level of toast/char influence the final flavour development of the whisky?

Miguel: “In the casks we produce, we do not apply a traditional toast or char. Instead, we heat the casks for approximately 50 minutes, gradually increasing the internal temperature until it reaches between 230°C and 250°C. The goal of this process is to open the grain of the oak, allowing for a greater interaction between the wood and the Sherry. This enhances the seasoning process and, later, results in a more intense and complex maturation of the spirit.

“The toast is a natural consequence of this extended heating, rather than an intentional separate step. We apply this method consistently across all Sherry styles used. Moreover, each Sherry style (Oloroso, PX, Amontillado, Palo Cortado…) imparts a distinct flavour and aroma profile to the same spirit during maturation, contributing to a unique and diverse range of whisky expressions.”

Is there a Sherry style that you really feel is underrated by Scotch whisky distilleries?

Miguel: “Amontillado and Palo Cortado are distinctive Sherries to use for very long maturations. Their balance of character and complexity allows the casks to bring depth and elegance to the spirit over time, making them especially suitable for extended ageing.

“Anyway, in my opinion, the one that gives the best results for what we consider a ‘Sherry style’ profile is mainly the Oloroso, followed also by PX.”

At Ardgowan, we will use European oak exclusively for our Sherry matured Single Malt. What kind of impact will that bring to our whisky?

Miguel: “The oak used is Spanish and French oak. This oak has a higher tannin content and a tighter grain than American oak. This leads to more structure, spicier notes, a deeper colour, and generally a more robust impact on the whisky. American oak tends to be sweeter, with more vanilla, while European oak is more intense and complex.”

Can you talk us through the process for creating the Infinity Cask?

Miguel: “These casks are made manually, as they exceed the normal size of standard butts, and the cooperage machines cannot adapt to them, which makes the production more time-consuming. For the seasoning process, we have built special racks to store them. As they are larger and contain less oak surface per litre, they are ideal for longer maturation. The influence of the oak on the spirit will be softer, resulting in a very smooth character during long-term ageing.”

Ardgowan commissioned you to start laying down the Infinity Casks years before the distillery was even built, exclusively using European oak. How does it feel to be involved with Ardgowan and part of this vision?

Miguel: “I am very proud that Ardgowan trusts us to make and prepare the casks for maturing their spirit. I feel a strong responsibility in preparing these casks, as they will shape the character of the whisky. In this way, I consider myself part of the distillery’s project, and I will do my utmost to help achieve the best possible maturation and for Ardgowan to be recognised as a top premium Scotch whisky.”

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Our partnership with Miguel Martín and his team is centred on a shared belief in the importance of quality wood in whisky making. As we patiently allow our whisky to mature in these expertly constructed Sherry casks, we take pride in knowing that the character of Ardgowan will be shaped by the same dedication and expertise that define JMM’s world-class bodega.

Thank you to Miguel Martín and María Martín Reche for their time and support in producing this blog. If you would like to visit the Home of the Infinity Cask, find out more and book a tour here. Our Private Casks are also created by JMM; discover more and secure yours here.