SMWSA Cask No. 9.62
Speyside, Spey
62.1% ABV
Distilled August 2002
$85
US Allocation: 149 bottles
Winter 2012 Outturn Release
What the SMWSA Says:
The nose started out really fresh – laundry flapping on the line, lemon, pineapple, strawberry and polished wood, but changed to caramel, toffee and cinnamon; then later, to leather and musk. The palate was spicy, oaky and astringent – suggesting chilli heat or spicy boiled sweets (aniseed balls, clove balls). The reduced nosed offered soft spice, butterscotch, some wood shavings and plasticine (‘a carpenter’s workshop’) with lemon spikiness. The reduced palate became mouth-waterlingly sharp and sweet (like Moffat toffees) but also had little flickering flames of gentle drying spice – Fisherman’s Friends, cinnamon. The distillery has a secret dram safe in the gardens.
What Richard Says:
Nose: Out of the bottle that is a seriously hot nose. It’s hard to break through the alcohol. Even with water the nose is clean and muted. Not enough time in the cask?
Palate: Bitter and vegetal. Water improves it a lot and leave me with saltwater taffy and chilli powder.
Finish: Damn the finish is as hot as the nose. Chalky, woody, bitter and hot! Water tames the heat but leave it very woody.
Comments: Definitely a dram in need of some water. Apply liberally. This isn’t a bad dram but there isn’t anything that make me want to come back for more.
Rating: Average
Review sample provided courtesy of the SMWSA and is available to society members through their website or 800.990.1991.