SMWS Cask No. 48.26
Speyside, Spey
50.5% ABV
Distilled March 1988
$155
US Allocation: 120 bottles
December 2012 Outturn Release
What the SMWS Says:
Distinctly floral to start – jasmine, lilac – with earthy, ‘mushroom grow-bag’ notes behind. We were reminded of a wild garden, but the heavy scents balanced by emerging lemon sherbets – and this citric note also modifies the sweet taste, with traces of paprika. Fresher and more Speyside-like with water, but still earthy, with a whiff of smouldering leaves, and a fresh note of ‘lemon-scented fabric-softener’. The taste is soft, sweet and quaffable; rounded and centre-palate – ‘mashed strawberries with black pepper’ – with a medium length finish. This remote distillery overlooks the Haughs of Cromdale, where once a battle was fought, and its make is not currently bottled by its owner.
Drinking tip: Whilst watching someone else gardening
What Richard Says:
Nose: Cherry hard candies, heather, and sauteed mushrooms.
Palate: Lightly sweet reminding me of mixed berries followed by a pinch of cayenne pepper. Water opens up more flavors of orange peel and Ouzo.
Finish: Black pepper and old oak.
Comments: Lovely, very drinkable, but not terribly complex. I really did enjoy this dram but it was a bit of a one trick pony.
Rating: Stands Out
Review sample provided courtesy of the SMWSA and is available to society members through their website or 800.990.1991.