September 2012

SMWSA Cask 53.157

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, SMWSA Whiskies /

SMWSA Cask No. 53.157
Islay, North Shore
58.0% ABV
Distilled December 2000
$95
US Allocation: 120 Bottles
Late August 2012 Outturn Release

What the SMWSA Says:
Peat smoke drifts from a nearby island across calm waters – the sun is going down after a hot day on the beach – a driftwood fire is now lit on shingle between rock-pools – barbecued pork ribs, langoustines, lobster, then lemon meringue pie for dessert – nose the dram – ginger, Germolene, tobacco, boxing gloves – paint your own picture – Bruce Willis in Pulp Fiction? – taste it now – root beer, ice-cream, bananas, Old Holborn tobacco, liquorice cigarette papers, burnt heather, barley sugars rolled in ash – this whisky evoked all of these for us – now test your own imagination – it’s from the Sound of Islay.

Drinking tip: Sunset beach dram.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Briney sherry sweet with notes of fresh pine straw. Water tames the brine and brings out more sherry and freshly split wood.
Palate: Juicy ripe red fruit and very hot with doses of brown sugar. Water tames it down to a light sweetness with peaty floral notes.
Finish: Brine and black peppercorns that fades to dry oak before clearing. The finish takes the water and keeps on rolling. It’s less dry (ironically) but still hot and woody.
Comments: This one can be a bit of a rough youngster. I’m think at 15 it would be smashing. An interesting Caol Ila none the less.
Rating: Stands Out

Review sample provided courtesy of the SMWSA and is available to society members through their website or 800.990.1991.

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SMSWA Cask 4.153

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, SMWSA Whiskies /

SMWSA Cask No. 4.153
Highlands, Orkney
58.6% ABV
Distilled October 1999
$100
US Allocation: 150 Bottles
Late August 2012 Outturn Release

What the SMWSA Says:
Plenty to keep you occupied – smoked bacon, Golden Crunch Creams, Fry’s chocolate cream, ylang ylang, cherry liqueur, coal scuttles, Eton Mess, glossy magazines, and clean wood smoke. On the palate this multifariousness had become solventy – petrol, lighter fluid, kerosene – but was thick and mouth coating with ginger beer and lime pickle. Water drew forth pink grapefruit, orange, peardrops, Swarfega, coal tar soap, tinned fruit salad, faraway creosote and haggis spices. It had softened but still with a hint of petrol to taste, Lily of the Valley talcum powder and smoke (as if from a really large drawing room fire). From Orkney’s premier distillery.

Drinking tip: Enjoy while on a camping trip.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Delicate and slightly herbal with a wisp of sherry. Water opens it up to heater, honeysuckle, fresh cut grass, and a hint of smoke.
Palate: Rich, creamy, sweet milk chocolate covered caramels. Mouth coating. With water the sweetness is more honeysuckle with a little wheat grass.
Finish: The palate quickly fades to wood smoke, barrel char and bitter high cacao chocolate. Water leaves the finish extra dry and chalky.
Comments: This is a journey in a glass. The nose, palate, and finish all stand apart giving no hints of the others, each it’s own island of sensation. You don’t just drink this one, you experience it. Is there ever really a bad Highland Park dram?
Rating: Must Try

Review sample provided courtesy of the SMWSA and is available to society members through their website or 800.990.1991.

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SMSWA Cask 39.83

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, SMWSA Whiskies /

SMWSA Cask No. 39.83
Highlands, Speyside (Lossie)
53.9% ABV
Distilled October 1982
$180
US Allocation: 120 Bottles
Late August 2012 Outturn Release

What the SMWSA Says:
The inviting nose was intensely floral (chrysanthemums, dahlias, elderflower, pot-pourri) but an array of other aromas (mocha, almond cakes, Crunchie bars, painted wood, blueberry bubblegum) suggested a coffee shop and book shop combination. The palate was rich and warm, giving thick heather honey, sweet coconut, Sunday roast, flower salad and varnished wood – we were bowled over. The reduced nose continued beautifully perfumed with the coconut of gorse flowers and sweet and sour Peking duck. The reduced palate became yummy and mouth-watering, with vanilla, meadowsweet and perfumed elderflower champagne. The distillery, dating from 1824, sits on the eastern edge of Elgin.

Drinking tip: To share with best friends.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Floral with almond scented Italian shaving soaps. The floral notes really need water to open up. There is also something that reminds me of chewy candy.
Palate: Creamy mouth feel with a light honey sweetness. Water brings out a weird varnish note and make it very peppery.
Finish: Out of the barrel the finish is clean and fading. With water it’s bitter and peppery.
Comments: There is a lot here to like. I’m just not fond of how it fits together. There is a distinct lack of balance. It’s a nice Miltonduff but not anything special.
Rating: Average

Review sample provided courtesy of the SMWSA and is available to society members through their website or 800.990.1991.

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SMWSA Cask 76.84

/ / Review, Scottish Whisky, SMWSA Whiskies /

SMWSA Cask No. 76.84
Highlands, Speyside (Dufftown)
57.8% ABV
Distilled August 1989
$145
US Allocation: 239 Bottles
Late August 2012 Outturn Release

What the SMWSA Says:
Someone reported a hint of paint at the start, but we mainly identified dried fruit (dates, figs, pineapple, papaya, Christmas cake). We also found orange zest, spearmint, black currant and liquorice. The palate had a nice chewy texture and feisty assertiveness, with flavours of leather, pepper, tobacco, Madeira wine and spicy marmalade on burnt toast. The reduced nose offered prunes, Jaffa cakes and lemon and lime jelly, with slightly burnt fruit-cake. Candied orange, dark chocolate and glazed ham graced the reduced palate, making it mouth-watering, but with a dry finish. King Malcolm defeated the Danes at a spot near this distillery.

Drinking tip: With coffee.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Lovely, lovely nose. Ripe berries, treacle tarts, and spearmint. Water opens up a nose reminding me of orange glazed roasted meat. Mouth watering.
Palate: Delicious sherry sweetness. Black pepper, aged leather, and a fine cigar. It’s like a whole evening out at an exclusive men’s club all rolled into one dram.
Finish: Fresh cracked pepper, polished oak, and sherry on the finish. Surprisingly smooth at barrel proof. WHile water makes for additional depth on the nose and the palate it makes the finish a little too dry.
Comments: An all around lovely dram. For those with the means and access I couldn’t recommend this enough. Mortlach makes some seriously good whisky. It’s a shame Diageo doesn’t bottle more of it.
Rating: Must Buy

Review sample provided courtesy of the SMWSA and is available to society members through their website or 800.990.1991.

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