SMWS releases — October 2023

In short · Highland Park (Islands), 13 years.

“One Panellist created an image of grilled pineapple, plus chocolate bananas from the campfire with a dusting of cinnamon and some remnants of charcoal.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Macduff (Highland), 13 years.

“A frightfully sweet and generous nose came full of Jamaica cake, parkin, glacé cherries, rum and raisin ice cream, and cinnamon pastries at first nosing.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glen Grant (Speyside), 28 years.

“It opened like an artist’s paint box – Monet in his garden perhaps; then mouth-watering fruits appeared; white grape, melon, pear and the deep, honeyed sweetness of…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Bunnahabhain (Islay), 18 years.

“Imagine a sunny autumn day and a group of lumberjacks walking off the CalMac ferry at Port Askaig.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Tomatin (Highland), 8 years.

“At first we found an intriguing subtle earthiness that suggested white mushrooms and red ales.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Linkwood (Speyside), 11 years.

“The Panellists contemplated lilies in a cool spring garden, savoury-sweet and calming.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Dailuaine (Speyside), 13 years.

“After nine years in ex-bourbon wood, we transferred this into a first fill Spanish oak oloroso hogshead.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Craigellachie (Speyside), 18 years.

“After 14 years in ex-bourbon wood we transferred this into a first fill Spanish oak oloroso hogshead.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glenlossie (Speyside), 12 years.

“The neat nose suggested new leather, shoe polish, mineral oils and heather honey with a glug of grassy olive oil.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Balmenach (Speyside), 14 years.

“There were plenty or aromas on the nose neat, ranging from elderflower, gorse and lilies to vanilla slices, cinnamon buns and doughnuts, then finally shoe polish, dried…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“Big smoky notes were married with a sweeter side and a hint of spice – imagine burning old fish boxes for a barbecue on the beach as you throw cloves, aniseed and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Royal Brackla (Highland), 15 years.

“The nose was sweet and toasty – roasted nuts, cherry jam on burnt toast, egg custard tart and spiced cola, with hints of leather and charred wood.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Teaninich (Highland), 12 years.

“Whether you’re planning a lively soirée with friends or enjoying a quiet night under the stars, we’ve got the perfect companion to your Bonfire Night, with our cheekily…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Mannochmore (Speyside), 11 years.

“After nine years in ex-bourbon wood, this went into a second fill Guyanese rum barrel.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Balblair (Highland), 15 years.

“Deep, rich brown sugar melted into navy rum and was poured over sweet-scented tobacco and bay leaves before a fresh wave of menthol vapour rub coated new oak.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Aultmore (Speyside), 12 years.

“This was very green and herbal at first, as notes of freshly cut meadow grass in spring merged with an orchard bringing fruity notes of crisp green apples and cherry…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Ben Nevis (Highland), 9 years.

“Devoid of a map, or any notion of destination, we followed our noses through rum and raisin fudge, old yet soft leather and seasoned logs from a eucalyptus tree.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glen Elgin (Speyside), 15 years.

“The nose picked up pleasant sweetness (barley sugars, brownie, tinned fruit salad) and clean notes of freshly ironed laundry, expensive new carpets and soft leather…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Auchroisk (Speyside), 17 years.

“The nose combined peaches, plums, red wine and plump sultanas with candy floss, vanilla slice, sugared almonds, honey and pine cones.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Loch Lomond (Rhosdhu) (Highland), 8 years.

“At first we found freshly laundered and starched linens.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · New York Distilling Co. (New York, USA), 5 years.

“We found ourselves picking bright red apples in an orchard and as we collected them in a smooth leather satchel, we imagined how they would taste in a cider brandy?…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS