SMWSA Cask No. 33.113
Islay, South Shore
60.4%% ABV
Distilled July 2003
$85
US Allocation: Unknown
October 2012 Outturn Release
What the SMWSA Says:
You’re in a fabulous pavilion – soaking in a bubble-bath – sweetly peaceful. Nearby, a platter of exotic fruits (pineapple, papaya, lychees) and a dram of this. Across the room there’s a fire of fragrant pine cones. Outside, the eighteenth green of the world-class golf course that you have just completed way under par. The door opens and another serving girl appears with poppy seed biscuits, Italian fennel-flavoured salami and a beaming smile. You are tired but still feeling strong and proud of your achievements. Everything is in balance and harmony – the dream, the feeling, and the evocative scents and flavours from this ‘small headland’ dram.
Drinking tip: The perfect dram for unwinding after a hard day.
What Richard Says:
Nose: Brine, iodine, hints of canned cherry pie filling, and matchbook strike strips. Water opens up rubber bands and fresh asphalt.
Palate: Light, green, and smokey. The high alcohol content leaves a cayenne like burn in the mouth and numbness on the lips. Waters kills the burn but leave cracked fennel seed and more rubber bands.
Finish: Bitter and dry.
Comments: I like Islay as much as the next scotch fiend but this too young dram isn’t doing it for me at all.
Rating: Probably Pass
Review sample provided courtesy of the SMWSA and is available to society members through their website or 800.990.1991.