Review

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.

SMWSA Cask No. 29.104
Islay
58.2% ABV
Distilled October 1990
$140
US Allocation: 120 bottles
Winter 2012 Outturn Release

What the SMWSA Says:
A big nose with lots going on. Carbolic soap, sticking plasters, treacle, hot smoked salmon, burnt heather and liquorice root added to the the anticipation. Then a youthful woody spiciness together with jerk chicken sauce (rosemary, thyme, cloves, honey). The palate was massive with concentrated flavors and bitter woodiness. Water brought out prunes, raisins, lemon juice and old camp fires. A musky aroma accompanied some lighter floral notes. A brief hint of struck matches to taste gave way to tannins, burnt heather, liquorice sticks and lots of sweetness. It benefited from some water t calm it down. Of the three Kildalton distilleries, this is the one closest to Port Ellen.

Drinking tip: When you aren’t planning on sampling another whisky that evening

What Richard Says:
Nose: Burnt rubber and iodine with hints of peat. There’s also a meaty backbone that’s almost discernible right before the alcohol overwhelms it.
Palate: A quick hit of sweetness from dried fruits that plays at the beginning and end of the palate but plays hide and seek while you’re rolling it around in your mouth. It’s viscous to the point of almost being chewy.
Finish: Refreshingly smoky? A peat smoke breath mint? It sounds crazy but that’s what it’s like. Long after all this fades away it leaves you will light woodiness.
Comments: This is a complex malt that reveals itself in an iterative way. You can’t take one pass at it. Spend time with it. Explore it and you will be rewarded.
Rating: Stands Out

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

SMWSA Cask No. G2.2
Grain
53.6% ABV
Distilled November 1976
$250
US Allocation: 60 bottles
Winter 2012 Outturn Release

What the SMWSA Says:
Once the largest grain whisky distillery in Scotland, it was closed and dismantled in 1983. Its make was never bottled by its owner and is very rare in indie bottlings. Jaunty for its age: ‘red patent-leather dancing pumps’ came to mind. A school art-room, with poster paint, Gloy glue, ink, vinyl and coated card – all behind vanilla fudge. Sweet and oaky to taste, with vanilla, coconut and light liquorice. With water it became a newly crafted coffin, wax-polished and resinous. A light texture and a short finish, with a hint of Murraymints and strong, lorry-drivers, tea, and condensed milk.

Drinking tip: While watching a school tap-dancing class

What Richard Says:
Nose: Astringent and antiseptic opening to hayrides and hints of honeysuckle.
Palate: Buttery sweet with light vegetal, herbal, and floral traces. It reminds me a lot of pot still Irish whiskey.
Finish: Dry, clean, and short.
Comments: Nice, light, and pleasant. This reminds me so much of a good Irish whiskey that it’s a little creepy. Very tasty and a good exercise in the aging of grain versus malt. The nose and finish haven’t acquired much over the years but the palate is lovely.
Rating: Stands Out

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