Scotch Malt Whisky Society G10.4

$160.19

A WITCH'S CHRISTMAS TIPPLE

A 23 year old single grain whisky from a refill hogshead at 57.9%

Flavour profile:  Old & dignified

Outturn:  261 bottles

Panel’s tasting notes:  “Something quite Christmassy gift-wrapped the nose – oranges, mixed peel, Brazils, pecan pie, floral perfumes, varnished wood and pine trees. Water introduced dark chocolate, toffee, fudge, and coconut, with hints of spice. The palate had unexpected medicinal impact (cough syrup) and a broomstick whoosh of impressive dark sweetness that could have come from a cauldron (molasses on wood, dark honey, thick-cut, sticky marmalade, treacle scones, cinder toffee, cola bottle sweets). In reduction, caramelized sugar and sweet coffee dregs maintained the sweetness while the medicinal aspect now encompassed throat lozenge heat and suggestions of menthol. From column stills in the Gorbals.”

Drinking tip: “A conversation piece – something different and curious” 

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 28.25

$184.49

SWEET NUTTY PERSONALITY

A 23 year old Highlander from a refill hogshead at 51.9%

Flavour profile:  Spicy & dry

Outturn:  237 bottles

Panel’s tasting note:  “Many years in cask had given the nose linseed oil, linoleum, waxed canvas, new car, sandalwood and allotment shed characters – but the darling barley seed bestowed the creamy sweetness of crème Anglaise and choux pastry chocolate éclairs; watermelon and pear completed the picture. The neat palate supplied the typical sweet and nutty personality (the whisky, not the panel!) – Crunchy Nut cornflakes, peanut brittle ice-cream, hazelnuts, walnuts, muesli and digestive biscuits. With water, the nose found putty, macadamias, lemon curd and fruit cocktail, while the palate became much more honeyed and we liked it better. The distillery is in Blackford village.”

Drinking tip: “A bit of indulgence, say with a midnight snack” 

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 36.72

$144.89

ZORBA'S DRAM

This 16 year old Speysider is from a refill barrel at 57.2%

Flavour profile:  Sweet, fruity & mellow

Outturn:  198 bottles 

Panel’s tasting note: “Before water the panel were awakened by the scent of breakfast in a flower filled garden. Dried raspberry-filled muesli covered in peach yogurt was served up alongside a Kir. On the tongue we skipped to dessert. Bread and butter pudding covered in sugared almonds was accompanied by Toblerone chocolate and lemon bonbons. With water the panel’s nose took in the scent of Amalfi lemons stuffed with vanilla ice cream. Then mace lingered whilst aniseed soothed. On the tongue a wax dipped concoction of pineapple, mango and honey.”

Drinking tip: “On holiday or in need of one”

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 3.219

$125.99

SOLD OUT! - Not expected to return to KWM!

NEVER FAR FROM THE SEA

A 13 year old Ileach at 54.3% after maturing in a First Fill Barrel.

Profile: Peated.

Panel’s Tasting Note: “This nose was never far from the sea – seaweed-covered rocks, sea-breezes, whelks, golden sand and ship’s timbers – but we also got wood-smoke and fireplaces, syrupy pancakes, pepper, lemon peel and minty toothpaste. The tongue-numbing, lip-licking palate had sweet, floral smoke (elderflower, lavender, violets), lemon and orange peel in bittersweet marmalade and touches of tobacco and eucalyptus on the finish. The nose turned fresher with water – succulent samphire, furniture polish, laundry, lime and harbours. Water made the palate less intriguing, more straightforward but still elegant – beach barbecues and lemon and white pepper over smoked salmon. From the 1779 distillery on Lochindaal.

Drinking Tip: “For contemplative moments - or reading tales of the sea.” 

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 29.151

$196.19

POLISHED VIOLINS AND VINTAGE CARS

A 24 year old Ileach at just 50.8% after maturing in a Refil Sherry Butt.

Profile: Peated. 

Panel’s Tasting Note: “The nose transported us in vintage cars to exotic locations (leather sofas, Iranian rugs). We felt excitement and anticipation; Benedetti was rosining her polished violin. A sumptuous buffet was presented – including hibiscus flowers in syrup, elderflower fritters, sticky dates, cashews and dark honey cake – there was also a seafood table with oysters and barbecued prawns. The palate, however, was the star turn; at natural strength intensely tasty, without any aggressiveness – barbecued ribs in sauce, honey-smoked ham, cigar ash, treacle toffee, dry oak, clove and leather. Sweeter with water, we found the honey, caramelized nuts and heathery smoke lip -smacking, delightful and perfectly integrated.”

Drinking Tip: “After a meal, with coffee and maybe a cigar - a drop of water improves it.”

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 10.77

$90.89

SOLD OUT! - Not expected to return to KWM!

BEWARE THE MONSTER

A six year old at 61.4% from an Islay distillery and a Refill Hogshead.

Profile: Heavily Peated.

Panel’s Tasting Note: “A fruity and meaty nose initially with wine gums and honey glazed ham. Earthy notes are found alongside aniseed, fried mackerel skins, fabric Elastoplast and antiseptic. Smoke is present but be prepared as something much bigger than anticipated is lurking... As you take your first sip the full wrath of this peat monster is unleashed, singeing the tongue with hot charcoal and lavender ash. This adolescent beast can be tamed by adding water, bringing out heather, gorse and a light soapiness but the meaty notes - now mussels and spare ribs are long-lasting. Salty and ashy with soy sauce on the palate from this usually mild Islay malt.”

Drinking Tip: “Dare to be different, the monster won’t bite.” 

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 35.111

$119.69

A CHALET GIRL'S DRAM

A 12 year old Speysider at 59.3% after maturing in a refill Chardonnay hogshead

Flavour profile:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

Panel’s tasting note: “With this whisky the panel were transported to an alpine cabin. On the nose they fancied pork crackling with red currant jelly and tom yam paste. Rich sherried notes of crème brûlée and ginger snaps. One was reminded of hot ski wax. To taste they found a meaty feast of biltong, paté on rye toast and coq au vin. It was as if a pan had been deglazed with Grand Marnier or trappist beer. With water, hot chocolate and tangerines in brandy developed. A leather pig skin football was kicked about. A curious and quirky dram.”  

Drinking Tip: “Après ski” 

Samaroli Glenfarclas 1997 17 Year

$178.19

Springbank 17 Year Sherry Wood

$151.19

Only 9,120 bottles of this limited release Springbank, bottled in 2015 have been released Worldwide. Matured exclusively in Ex-Sherry casks and bottled without colouring or chill-filtering.

Springbank is Scotland's most traditional and oldest family owned distillery. The core namesake expression from the Springbank distillery is two and half times distilled and lightly peated.

Distiller’s Tasting Note

Nose: A sherry explosion with winter fruits, spicy gingerbread and a hint of peat.

Palate: A winter warmer. Dark orange chocolate, Christmas cake and brandy snaps. Honey and spices develop over time.

Finish: The finish is long and smooth. Espresso coffee, liquorice, marzipan and sherry conclude the tickling of the taste buds.