July 2016 Outturn Offerings
Cask No. 76.124 $270
A symphony of oak
Speyside, Spey
Nosing this one neat was an awe-inspiring moment, like stepping into a grand house standing in the entrance hall with open eyes and mouth. Aromas of polished wood and shiny marble mixed with luxurious leather and the sensual fresh scent of orange blossom. The taste was like a symphony of oak played in perfect harmony with spicy notes of ginger and clove and the bittersweet finish of a Turkish coffee. Water transported us into an antique woollen mill still using the old fashioned spinning jenny and the flavours dry, bitter, oaky, sweet and fruity, all beautifully interwoven like in a Persian oriental rug.
Drinking tip: With a dark chocolate mousse
Colour: Thick-cut orange marmalade
Cask: Refill hogshead
Age: 28 years
Date distilled: September 1987
Alcohol: 55.9%
USA allocation: 120 bottles
Flavour profile: Old & dignified
*PRESIDENT’S CHOICE*
Cask No. 70.13 $100
Neat heat, turning mellow and sweet
Highland, Northern
The nose had various elements – pencil shavings, Weetabix and hay, toffee bonbon and honey sweetness, Murray Mints and Pandrops plus subtle hints of Imperial Leather soap. The minty heat came through on the palate – aniseed, chilli, white pepper and Extra Strong Mints – we also got a lot of biscuity sweetness (Hobnobs, Digestives) and some exotic fruits. The reduced nose suggested a variety of unconnected things – plastic poolside furniture, citrus, raisins and tomato ketchup crisps. The palate had mellowed somewhat, replacing lively heat with moreish drinkability – now combining sweet, mild spices with tangy citrus, Atholl brose (honey, oats) and a chocolate fountain.
Drinking tip: A Sound of Music dram – mountain air, log cabins etc.
Colour: Orion’s belt buckle
Cask: Refill barrel
Age: 9 years
Date distilled: May 2006
Alcohol: 57.8%
USA allocation: 90 bottles
Flavour profile: Young & spritely
Cask No. 95.20 $155
Glazed cocktail sausages
Speyside, Spey
Crème brulée then thick custard over pears, soon becoming more savoury (“quiche Lorraine with brown sauce”), chorizo sausage, Bovril, with traces of treacle toffee. At natural strength the taste echoes this: burnt sausages with toffee glaze – meaty and spicy. Water raises classic Spanish oak notes initially: dry overall, with matchbox striker, dusty dried fruits and baking spices. jam roly-poly pudding in the mouth, then a return of the savoury flavours (Marmite, Bovril), drying towards a spicy finish. Umami…After 17 years in a refill hogshead, we transferred this whisky directly into a sherry butt for the remainder of its maturation.
Drinking tip: Kirkaldy prom on market day
Colour: Pale amber
Cask: Second-fill butt
Age: 18 years
Date distilled: August 1997
Alcohol: 53.2%
USA allocation: 90 bottles
Flavour profile: Spicy & sweet
Cask No. G1.14 $215
Banana walnut cornbread
Grain
The nose neat was clean and fresh, but at the same time invitingly rich, like a newly, well-polished wooden bar top. In time, a seductive sweetness developed; candied almonds, toffee apples, fondant fancies and a quality ice wine. Given its age the taste was surprisingly vibrant with a ginger, chilli heat but again the attractive sweetness of caramel apple cake and lemon blossom honey. Water released honey porridge, scones with clotted cream and toasted flaked almonds. On the palate now a dry spiciness of banana walnut cornbread and cinnamon rolls, all washed down with a sparkling elderflower fizz.
Drinking tip: After dinner playing snooker or pool
Colour: Honey Gold
Cask: Refill hogshead
Age: 37 years
Date distilled: August 1978
Alcohol: 54.1%
USA allocation: 60 bottles
Flavour profile: Spicy & dry
Cask No. 53.231 $160
Eat until I die
Islay
The hunger pangs began on first nosing. One panellist was transported to a Mediterranean village, sat outside enjoying sun dried tomatoes, Serrano ham and fresh tarragon. There was also a green element, like tomatoe vines and stripped twigs. The taste was “super spicy” and brought smoked salmon sushi with wasabi to the table. The delicate oak let the smoke do the talking but provided a subtle guiding hand to keep things in order. With water, sweet roast pork with crackling, hickory BBQ smoke, peanut brittle and a platter of mixed fruits to finish (white grapes, lemon and grapefruit).
Drinking tip: A fishing trip hip-flask filler
Colour: Morning sun
Cask: Refill hogshead
Age: 19 years
Date distilled: September 1996
Alcohol: 59.3%
USA allocation: 90 bottles
Flavour profile: Heavily peated
Please visit the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America at www.smwsa.com