SMWS releases — December 2023

In short · Bowmore (Islay), 19 years.

“The primary impression upon initial nosing was of outdoor swimming pools by the sea, perhaps ones full of star anise, with a tang of camphor and menthol ointment and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“The neat nose appeared gently ashy, with impressions of coal scuttles, fire embers in a cast-iron hearth and feelings of lightly smoked pork scratchings.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Auchentoshan (Lowland), 19 years.

“A pronounced nose of mango chutney, ginger biscuits and desiccated coconut morphed with time into the soft aromas of peach yoghurt, buttery shortbread biscuits and milk…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Macduff (Highland), 17 years.

“The starting note for this small batch was two bourbon hogsheads of single malt Scotch whisky.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glen Grant (Speyside), 19 years.

“A lovely and harmonious nose opened with runny honey, wispy peat smoke, mentholated tobacco and hints of tree sap, dried rosemary and cinder toffee, plus touches of shoe…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Bunnahabhain (Islay), 9 years.

“Welcome the new year with a blast of balsamic-glazed crispy seaweed on a platter of sea water-soaked hessian and driftwood.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Dalmore (Highland), 10 years.

“We drank a glass of chianti out of typical fiasco wicker-wrapped glass bottle, bursting with resplendent black, blue and red fruits yet also fine-grained tannins and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Ardbeg (Islay), 16 years.

“A deep and distinctly peaty nose – as expected, we agreed – but this example of the cult southern Islay make really did brim with peat embers, burning gorse wood, coal…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glen Moray (Speyside), 16 years.

“Dried apricots, sultanas and figs joined toffee and fudge before meaty notes of ibérico ham and peppered sausage emerged alongside kalamata olives, dark chocolate-coated…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caperdonich (Speyside), 30 years.

“We imagined lying on grass, looking dreamily towards the blue sky where a few fluffy white clouds floated effortlessly.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Linkwood (Speyside), 15 years.

“An amazing amber colour was noted before we nosed the dram.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Dailuaine (Speyside), 14 years.

“One Panellist had childhood memories of freshly baked double chocolate malt cookies made with dark and white chocolate, ground almonds, sweet malted hot milk drink…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Craigellachie (Speyside), 16 years.

“The Panel felt this one displayed an immediate and enveloping aroma of old leather and cracked wax, along with old trinket boxes, pipe tobacco, crushed brazil nuts, and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Old Pulteney (Highland), 10 years.

“A soft cloud from the ocean drifted across our noses, as we discovered peppered mackerel and crab salad with rock samphire served on the machair – all combined with…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 12 years.

“Our nose was greeted with peppercorns in a warm leather satchel, tucked away in the pocket of a waxed cotton jacket.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Royal Brackla (Highland), 17 years.

“We were transported to the countryside, strolling among pine forests, cedar trees and wild cherries, with stacks of freshly cut logs and geraniums growing here and there.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Teaninich (Highland), 11 years.

“A curiosity dram that took a bit of unravelling.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Mannochmore (Speyside), 17 years.

“The starting point for this small batch was two bourbon hogsheads of single malt Scotch whisky.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Ardmore (Highland), 15 years.

“Smouldering heather on a beach bonfire created a seductive smog like treacle over hot chimney soot.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Balblair (Highland), 15 years.

“On the nose we were greeted by vanilla slices, raspberry yoghurt, peach melba, orange cream soda and demerara sugar, all with a hint of cherry blossom in the background.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glenburgie (Speyside), 11 years.

“A gentle aroma arrived at first, like black tea spilled on a wooden picnic table, hay on a hot summer day, fresh, sweet potting soil and bran flakes breakfast cereal.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Mortlach (Speyside), 19 years.

“The distinctive aromas of a dunnage warehouse brought the earthy fragrance of rain drops on dry soil, while the scent of heavy oak danced with sweet, toasted toffee and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glen Spey (Speyside), 14 years.

“One Panellist bought fresh honeydew melon in a petrol station, one melted plastic and another enjoyed churros with a chocolate-hazelnut dip – take your pick.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glen Elgin (Speyside), 14 years.

“The aroma reminded us of, what the Italians call, Malaga – when rum meets raisins.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Auchroisk (Speyside), 10 years.

“The nose started with Danish butter cookies, crème brûlée, banana split and ice cream with toffee sauce, before veering to ginger biscuits, Christmas incense and new oak…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Auchroisk (Speyside), 14 years.

“A slab of rich and spicy fruitcake with the density of a black hole slammed down with an earth-shaking wallop as it crushed chestnuts, marzipan and rhubarb crumble…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Isle of Arran (Islands), 8 years.

“Basking in a warm breeze from Iberia, we nosed pastel de nata with cinnamon, packets of raisins and slices of caña de lomo served with fig jam.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“A straight-up wee fruit bomb, this much was obvious from the outset.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glenmorangie (Highland), 18 years.

“Fuelled by lemon jelly sweets and peach schnapps, the pastry chef shuffled around the kitchen, merrily preparing brioche, pulling hot croissants from the oven and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Balcones (Texas, USA), 3 years.

“Fragrant wood smoke and candyfloss puffed from the locomotive's chimney as it chugged along the line.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Balcones (Texas, USA), 3 years.

“With the sound of horseshoes on dry earth and hay, the prairie breeze rustled through gorse bushes as we rode into town.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Yuza Distillery (Japan), 3 years.

“Plenty of fresh, crisp, citric notes on the nose neat reminded us of our childhood days when we were served a Shirley Temple cocktail – lemon-lime soda and grenadine…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · George Dickel (Cascade Hollow) (Tennessee, USA), 7 years.

“The nose needed some time, eventually producing a log cabin vibe, dark chocolate, pain aux raisins, black forest gâteau and clove-spiced apple.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“At first, we noted such aromas as dried sage, sandalwood, new leather and umami paste.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Varela Hermanos (Ron Abuelo) (Panama), 19 years.

“The pirate ship was heavily laden with a hoard of old oak casks filled with fig syrup, balsamic glaze and sweet chilli sauce.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

“To create this expression, we opted for some rather unusual casks.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS