SMWS releases — February 2025

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

“We combined selected eight-year-old hogsheads from this distillery and then matured that single malt further in a variety of casks, of which this first fill bourbon…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Bunnahabhain (Islay), 10 years.

“The neat nose suggested to us such appealing things as caramelised ginger, heather ales, buttered pumpernickel bread and salted Dutch liquorice.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glen Garioch (Highland), 21 years.

“The nose took us simultaneously to a farm shop café and to the orangery, where we found warm rubber boots, a shaved fennel salad topped with rapeseed oil, coffee…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glenrothes (Speyside), 31 years.

“A warm glow flickered and radiated as a Christmas cake, liberally dowsed in brandy, was set ablaze.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glen Moray (Speyside), 9 years.

“Fresh tangerine juice joined an effervescent sparkle in a classic buck's fizz while strawberries and cream were served alongside dark cocoa powder and tobacco.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Craigellachie (Speyside), 18 years.

“This multidimensional nose ranged from toasted nuts and jamon serrano to chocolate raisins, lavender oil and the smoky dryness of spiced vanilla.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“We imagined joining a barbecue on the beach with an array of shellfish just about ready for us to enjoy.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Teaninich (Highland), 17 years.

“Perusing the library shelves, we found a slice of toast among the dusty leather-bound volumes, accompanied by seaweed, rapeseed oil and toffee.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Aberfeldy (Highland), 10 years.

“A fresh aroma greeted the Panel with the scent of grass, cherries, strawberries and gooseberries, while in the background we noted hints of heather honey and a floral…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glen Spey (Speyside), 13 years.

“This complex, slightly understated nose combined light-touch brush strokes of fruit (pear belle Hélène, lemon drizzle cake and flambéed pineapple) with…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Glen Scotia (Campbeltown), 8 years.

“A coastal scene in winter: with reeking lums, saltwater-soaked hessian on freshly laid tarmac, and the scent of applewood-smoked bacon in the air.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Tormore (Speyside), 10 years.

“An inviting aroma of figs drizzled with honey and buttery toffee was followed by rum and raisin ice cream with florentines.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Allt-a-Bhainne (Speyside), 13 years.

“We imagined walking on a sunny afternoon through alpine meadows with snow-capped mountains wherever we looked and, around us, a sea of flowers: yellow gentian,…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“The Panel immediately noted such things as bandages, ointments, mouthwash, plasters, mercurochrome and all things hospital!…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“At first sniff our body language included nodding and smiling – under the influence of vanilla, barley sugars and syrup tarts, lemon, dried pineapple, polished wood…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Loch Lomond (Highland), 16 years.

“A wonderfully zesty and vibrant initial nose was dominated by crushed nettles, tart exotic fruits and impressions of New Zealand sauvignon blanc.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Nantou (Taiwan), 5 years.

“Bunches of fragrant lavender and heather flowers were blackened and sooty with the dark dust from a coal skuttle.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Nantou (Taiwan), 5 years.

“We closed our eyes, sat back and relaxed.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · FEW Spirits (Illinois, USA), 4 years.

“Juicy berry fruits opened the doors to a world of sunshine on orange skins and spicy cinnamon mingling with crushed coriander seeds.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

“Our Triple Treat Trio includes three ‘Heresy’ bottlings, 70s Chart topper a cognac, Underwater barbecue a small batch blended malt and Spanish splendour, a small batch…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS