SMWSA Cask No. 2.81
Highlands, Speyside (Livet)
59.9% ABV
Distilled April 1996
$120
US Allocation: 210 Bottles
September 2012 Outturn Release
What the SMWSA Says:
Rich and heady aromas of butterscotch, molasses adn rum soaked raisins together with creme brulee, orange oil, geraniums and a greenhouse on a warm day. Toffee sweetness was balance by balsamic and a trace of struck matches. The taste was hot, there was liquorice, black tea tannins, toffee and black pepper. Water improved it offering smooth buttery toffee, tobacco and balsamic. The palate was still tannic (like chewing sticks) with brown sauce bitterness but also sweet with vanilla, butterscotch and caramel. This Speyside distillery is close to the famous pack horse bridge.
Drinking tip: A pudding dram.
What Richard Says:
Nose: This one noses somewhere between a Kentucky rye bourbon and a robust California Cabernet. Water brings out more of the sherry.
Palate: Rich, dark, and chewy like a plum and raspberry Starburst candy. Water lightens the load again toward pronounced sherry notes.
Finish: The finish is a little hot out of the barrel with a heavy dry oak influence. Water mellows the dry oak nicely and leave a pleasant liquorice flavor.
Comments: In reviewing the provided tasting notes after I did my tasting I zeroed in on “molasses” and “balsamic” vinegar. Those are great descriptors that permeate the nose and palate. However, they were foreign to me until pointed out because they are unusual for me to find in a scotch. This is a very rich thick dram that is fun to explore. Aberlour maybe?
Rating: Must Try
Review sample provided courtesy of the SMWSA and is available to society members through their website or 800.990.1991.