Average

SMWSA Cask No. G1.8
Grain
62.9% ABV
Distilled December 1990
$145
US Allocation: 60 Bottles
September 2012 Outturn Release

What the SMWSA Says:
Lots of fruit on the early nose (pear flan, rhubarb, lemon curd, apricot) growing richer in the glass – soon we found marzipan, fudge, toffee, Bakewell tart, butterscotch, vanilla and straw. The palate was just as fruity but also sweet and nippy (some found it fiery) – like a bag of assorted boiled sweets. In reduction, the nose split between citric components and banana toffee – also some dustiness, like rubbing butter into flour. The palate opened and became cleaner and fresher, but evaporation from the tongue left rich joys of tobacco, liquorice and dark chocolate Bounty bars. From Edinburgh’s only grain distillery.

Drinking tip: A summertime dram – or maybe while making cakes.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Rum soaked golden raisins, pears, fresh ginger, saltwater taffy, and heavy cream that’s sat out on the counter too long.
Palate: Old pot coffee, navel oranges, liquorice, and old rubber.
Finish: Water or no water….this is a hot finish with a little bit of charred coconut skins.
Comments: Nose – yes. Everything else – not so much. I would probably send this one packing for the price. Irrespective of price it’s pleasant enough but nothing remarkable stands out. Although, you don’t see much North British bottled so if you can go splits with some folks on the bottle it is an interesting curiosity.
Rating: Average

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

SMWSA Cask No. 23.72
Islay, Loch Indaal
66.4% ABV
Distilled July 2002
$90
US Allocation: 90 Bottles
September 2012 Outturn Release

What the SMWSA Says:
The nose forced shotgun shells and fireworks on us – but also gave barley sugars, custard and chocolate-coated foamy bananas; peppermint tea, liquorice, smoked ham and old bonfires. The palate’s big, eye-watering sherry slap took our breath away – sweet red liquorice, cinder toffee, creme brulee, treacle, cooked apples, ash and peat. The reduced nose suggested barbecued lamb chops dripping on embers, singed mint leaf and burnt lemon skin. Water definitely improved the palate – now sweeter (toasted coconut, vanilla, golden syrup, raisins, cherries) – also woody spices, crispy sage, and grilled lobster. The distillery is on the road from Port Charlotte to Bridgend.

Drinking tip: Let some water open it up and don’t rush it.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Fresh cut pine, sherry, and brined rose petals. Water gives it an almost meaty aroma. I definitely prefer this at cask strength.
Palate: Sherry, candied apples, pepper vinegar barbeque sauce, and a little bit of raisins.
Finish: The finish needs the water that the nose shrugs aside. Ash, peat, burnt wood and just a little bit minty.
Comments: This one’s a little young for me. Not my favorite Laddie. It’s a freshman all dolled up with padding in her bra trying to get into the senior prom. Sweetheart, your time will come. It’s just not right now.
Rating: Average

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

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.

SMWSA Cask No. 7.69
Highlands, Speyside (Lossie)
61.6% ABV
Distilled May 2003
$85
US Allocation: 150 Bottles
Early August 2012 Outturn Release

What the SMWSA Says:
The enticing nose – ‘attractive as apple pie’ – offered maple syrup, toffee, vanilla, Danish pastries (with cinnamon and almonds) and hints of tobacco and hay. Even with water, it remained beautifully warm and inviting – ice-cream, toffee apples, fudge and jasmine perfume. The palate was hot but smooth – flavors of honey, apple, and butterscotch, spiked up by a zing of Fentimans Victorian lemonade with ginger; some tobacco and leather tannic dryness lengthened the finish. Water seemed to allow the toffee and syrup sweetness to come through, while retaining the chilli, peppercorn heat. The distillery has links to one Saint and many sinners.

Drinking tip: Would suit early evening – but is very versatile.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Cherry ice cream, apple turnovers, cinnamon, and black peppercorn. Oak, vanilla, and oranges play a minor supporting role.
Palate: The dry chardonnay of single malts? The palate is very clean. Almost too clean. The flavors try to bob and weave away from you. It reminds me of a well aged cigar in a leather furnished men’s club lounge.
Finish: The finish is where the dryness really gets you. It’s been a while since a whisky made me thirsty just drinking it. Hints of Pernod linger before everything fades.
Comments: Another pleasing yet somewhat shy malt. This is a nice aperitif or palate cleanser at the end of a meal. The nose was my favorite part but the rest left me a little wanting. Maybe this one is still needs to grow up a little.
Rating: Average

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