SMWS releases — September 2024

In short · Glenfarclas (Speyside), 12 years.

“We transferred this from a first fill bourbon barrel into a first fill American oak oloroso hogshead after nine years.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Highland Park (Islands), 14 years.

“We grilled on a sandy beach on a sunny day, searing ahi tuna with a lavender-pepper crust and chargrilled sun-dried tomatoes.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glen Grant (Speyside), 20 years.

“A pleasure from start to finish: the nose had the freshness of melon, pear drops, lemon sorbet, cut meadows and peppermint – and then beeswax, sackcloth, mahogany and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Bunnahabhain (Islay), 9 years.

“The immediate aroma presents us with notes of peat and campfire smoke, while sweet sherry and syrupy nuts linger in the background.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Tomatin (Highland), 9 years.

“With its warming, sweet aroma, we Panellists found ourselves dipping a marzipan croissant into a hot chocolate or spreading spiced orange marmalade on a slice of sultana…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Inchgower (Speyside), 15 years.

“We had an early breakfast of blueberry flax cereal with cinnamon, apple slices and pineapple tarts before heading to the first tee of a links golf course on a sunny,…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Macallan (Speyside), 15 years.

“We found ourselves transported into a world of flavours, as dried figs and dates were served alongside serrano ham and toasted almonds.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Tullibardine (Highland), 18 years.

“This cheerful nose combined green grapes, sherbet lemons, stewed pears and cherry bubblegum with sun-kissed barley fields, sugared almonds and honey drizzled over…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Laphroaig (Islay), 23 years.

““The name is a bit of a clue as to the peating levels, and explains how this unique old Islay whisky is properly punching above its peat levels.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glen Moray (Speyside), 10 years.

“Hessian sacks were piled high, gathering dust in a nutmeg-processing factory in Grenada.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Benrinnes (Speyside), 12 years.

“A fragrant, floral sweetness of heather honey-cinnamon cream cheese spread on cinnamon raisin bagels or as a dip for apple slices made us all smile.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Linkwood (Speyside), 11 years.

“This delivered a big blast of Turkish delight, rosewater, hibiscus, orange blossom and floral runny honey or, as one Panellist described it, "like a strawman doused in…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Balmenach (Speyside), 15 years.

“The airways were cleared by camphor and menthol, paving the way for the wonderful aromas of juicy slices of red apple fused with peanut butter and jam sandwiches.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Balmenach (Speyside), 10 years.

“Tart fruits tantalised our noses – gooseberry fool, lemon drops, waxed orange, redcurrant jam, marshmallow twists and popping candy – with traces of pink peppercorns and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Teaninich (Highland), 13 years.

“We unrolled our very well-used leather pipe tobacco pouch with all the necessary utensils to fill and light a pipe a“ a warm feeling of homecoming.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Aberfeldy (Highland), 9 years.

“The first thing we noticed, pouring the samples, was the very pale colour which would indicate very little influence from the cask.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Ardmore (Highland), 25 years.

“Up on a forested hillside by a freshly painted gate we were taking a break after a very wet ascent through peatbogs.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Aultmore (Speyside), 11 years.

“A very fragrant and fruity aroma on the neat nose delivered freshly squeezed orange juice, vanilla wafers, caramel toffee, honeyed flapjacks and freshly sawn wood.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Aultmore (Speyside), 12 years.

“We encountered a clean, subtle nose, where a sponge flan full of strawberries, raspberries and cherries mingled with vanilla ice-cream cones.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Ben Nevis (Highland), 13 years.

“The neat aroma brought to mind creamy dark chocolate and salted liquorice.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“The Panel was divided.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Auchroisk (Speyside), 10 years.

“This reminded us of cranachan, a Scottish traditional dessert but this time with a twist.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Allt-a-Bhainne (Speyside), 15 years.

“A fruity, interesting nose; first we imagined walking through autumn vineyards, then we found toffee apples, sugared plums, fruit cake and boozy trifle.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“A sweet floral scent coming from lavender, gladioli and lilies appeared at first before, with time, blondies (chocolate brownies where the cocoa is substituted with…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Loch Lomond (Rhosdhu) (Highland), 9 years.

“On a bed of crushed sea shells, peach syrup was poured over milled wheat and sliced banana.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · The Borders Distillery (Lowland), 1 years.

“Definitely perfumed, the nose exuded parma violets, beeswax and mint, lemon travel sweets, green tea and polished wooden furniture.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Kyrö Distillery (Finland), 6 years.

“Against a stunning backdrop of doughnut hills topped with a dusting of cinnamon, and rivers of dark chocolate ganache, we broke apart some warm rye bread and poured a…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS