Scotch Malt Whisky Society 121.74

$139.49

A BOX OF CHOCOLATES

A 14 year old Islander at 55.7% from a refill hogshead

Flavour profile:  Juicy, oak & vanilla

Outturn:  315 bottles

Panel's tasting note:  "Sweet caramel on the nose – Tunnock’s Caramel Wafers to be exact – then Newberry Fruits (sugar-covered fruit jellies with runny centres), then a host of other fruity scents – mango, light orange, raspberry, apricot. The first taste matches some of this – ‘mango cream fondant chocolate’; ‘Thornton’s Summer Fruit Chocolates’ – but there is also a tropical spiciness like mango chutney with a dash of chili. With water the nose folds into emulsion paint for a moment before resuming the fruity/chocolate theme – Maltesers, Bakewell tart, croissant with strawberry jam, white chocolate. The taste? Sweet and fruity (Gallia melon), with light spice and peppermint Aero in the finish."

Drinking tip:  "After school"

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 123.10

$107.99

SWEET TREATS ON DECK

This 9 year old Southern Highlander is from a 1st fill barrel at 57.6%

Flavour profile:  Sweet, fruity & mellow

Outturn:  238 bottles

Panel's tasting note:  "The panel were whisked into a flurry of fresh linen on board a freshly varnished yacht. They found sliced pear with angelica, vanilla ice cream and wafers. The taste delivered flavours of continental bakeries heavy with butter icing, French fancies, amaretto biscotti, iced gems, butterscotch and honey. Water released elderflower cordial, lemon and lime jelly sweets while reclining on warm, newly polished decking with elements of burlap rope. It had a fizzy quality that reminded the panel of champagne tea with bread and butter pudding, chocolate truffles. Kick back and relax!"

Drinking tip:  "A good holiday dram"

Glenfarclas 1953 Cask

$1,940.39

Tasting note by George S. Grant (Brand Ambassador): Light oaky flavours emerge on this whisky, which has beautiful sherry flavours shining through it. Tastes nothing like you would imagine for such an old whisky. Allow the whisky some time to wake up in your glass and, after a while, some nice earthy tones develop, reminding you where it has been for more than half a century. While the flavour is surprising for such an old whisky, the finish is just what you would expect from a great Glenfarclas. Many different flavours present in the glass and in your mouth – all melding together perfectly.

Glenfarclas 1980 Cask 1942

$519.29

Cask 1942. A light golden sheen. The nose is fruity with some strong citrus scents emanating from the centre of the glass. After a while, a slight leathery aroma emerges. It is a very sweet whisky. The texture is almost like a good butter shortbread – and it really does dissolve in your mouth. It has an ample finish which produces a delightful coating on your tongue and throat. Bottled 2007

OMC Ardmore 30 Year

$173.69

OMC Jura 16 Year

$106.19

Ardbeg Blasda

$85.04

From the distillery: "We all know Ardbeg packs a peaty punch, but if you remove some of that peat, can Ardbeg still retain its perfect balance? The mind bog-gling answer is "yes"! By taming our usual mighty peating levels we have created Blasda, peated to an average of just 8 parts per million phenol (8ppm) compared to the more usual 24ppm. Blasda is still perfectly balanced, but light, sweet and delicious."

PB Braeval 18 year Single Malt

$137.69

J & G Grant Glenfarclas 1976 Cask

$585.89

Tasting note by George S. Grant (Brand Ambassador): This is a very fruity whisky – lots of wine comparisons can be made. It's also a very fresh whisky. I suggest comparing this with our Glenfarclas 30 Years Old, and exploring the differences. It is a very creamy whisky; peaceful with a little malty sweetness and pear drops apparent at the back of the mouth.