The month of May brings with it a vibrant whisky festival season, and the SMWS (Scotch Malt Whisky Society) takes advantage of this occasion by releasing special small batches specifically crafted for these festivals. These unique releases feature larger quantities compared to their usual single casks. To ensure that a multitude of whisky enthusiasts can savour these expressions, the SMWS organises a virtual whisky tasting event. They offer a festival pack containing five samples, which participants can enjoy alongside SMWS ambassadors during an online session. Now, let’s explore the selection of five drams that the SMWS has chosen for their May 2023 Virtual Festival.
Glasgow Distillery 2016 SMWS Distillery G16 Rare Release Review
The tasting began by introducing a brand new addition to the extensive lineup of distilleries whose casks have been bottled by the SMWS. Coded as G16, this particular offering showcases the Glasgow Distillery’s grain whisky. Labelled as a ‘rare release’, G16 is a vatting of several casks, featuring a distinctive mash bill comprising three different grains. Among them, 58% is maze, 21% is malted barley, and the remaining 21% is malted rye.
Interestingly, although the SMWS indicates that this single grain expression has been matured in 1st Fill #4 Char and Toasted Head casks, it actually gains its character from virgin oak rather than the typical first-fill bourbon or other cask types. Another notable aspect of this bottling is its reduced alcohol by volume (ABV) of 50%, deviating from the customary cask strength that the SMWS is known for. Nevertheless, it remains true to the other SMWS principles, being presented with its natural colour and not undergoing chill filtration.
1300 bottles were filled with this 6-year-old single grain whisky, distilled in 2016, and bottled for the Lowland Spirit 2023 festival. While some fortunate individuals can still find it on the SMWS country websites for the United States, Switzerland, and Denmark, it is regrettably sold out on the UK and EU SMWS websites.
Colour:
Russet.
Nose:
Neat: Initially, the rye spiciness takes the lead, followed by notes of sultanas, caramel, custard cream, and toasted oak. However, with a little time, it takes on a distinct bourbon-like aroma, showcasing the sweet oakiness derived from the maze and virgin oak.
With water: Adding water to the whisky brings about a creamier texture and brings forth the emergence of dark fruit notes in the nose.
Palate:
Neat: The palate offers a pronounced woody character and notes of caramel upon the initial sip, followed by pepper, lemon zest, and a touch of cough syrup. The peppery sensation is quite prominent, yet not overwhelming to the point of inducing tears. Similar to the nose, it continues to exhibit similarities to bourbon, with elements of roasted and slightly burnt marshmallows.
With water: Introducing water to the whisky amplifies the woodiness on the palate, intensifying the peppery quality as well. This is something I often observed when virgin oak interacts with water. Additionally, there is a subtle presence of rose water and a hint of spent tea leaves.
Finish:
The finish lingers with the enduring presence of caramel and toasted oak. It maintains a medium length, leaving a subtle dryness on the gums.
Comments:
In terms of resembling a bourbon, this expression is quite impressive. It surpasses the few bourbons I’ve had the opportunity to taste thus far (admittedly not many). Personally, I’m not particularly inclined towards bourbon as a preference, often viewing it as a suitable vessel for seasoning casks before maturing single malt whisky. However, in this case, it undeniably succeeds. It’s difficult to determine the precise influence between the maturation environment and the type of stills on the final outcome, as both factors likely played significant roles in shaping the whisky’s profile.
Rating: 83/100
Macallan 2008 SMWS Distillery 24 Rare Release Review
After the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) had bottled numerous casks of 2008 Macallan, they unveiled a small batch also distilled in 2008 specifically for the Spirit of Speyside 2023 festival. Distilled in 2008, this expression was matured in first fill and refill Spanish and American oak Pedro Ximénez (PX) barrels and hogsheads. It was bottled at a robust cask strength of 63%, and remains unadulterated by chill filtration or artificial colouring. Unfortunately, this highly sought-after release has sold out everywhere. However, there may be a chance to savour a dram if you visit one of the SMWS venues.
Colour:
Very dark: old oak.
Nose:
Neat: The nose exhibits a pleasant intensity, but it’s advisable to approach cautiously and not dive too deeply into the glass initially. There are distinct notes of rancio, leather, a subtle bitterness from the wood, along with hints of cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and a touch of musty dunnage.
With water: Nuttiness appears, accompanied by a more pronounced presence of Pedro Ximénez influence. Additionally, there is a noticeable aroma reminiscent of blackcurrant jam.
Palate:
Neat: There is a pronounced presence of rancio, accompanied by notes of dark caramel, pepper, chili, bitter orange marmalade, dark chocolate, tanned leather, and a hint of rum baba. The oak influence is quite prominent, with a touch of tannins imparted by the Spanish oak. The whisky showcases a full-bodied mouthfeel, although the sherry influence may feel slightly overpowering.
With water: Adding water brings about a sense of improved balance, reducing the dominance of oak. Despite appearing slightly thinner with a few drops of water, the whisky maintains a satisfying full-bodied character. There is a pleasant emergence of mint and liquorice, providing a fresher and more herbal touch to the overall profile.
Finish:
The finish lingers with notes of dark caramel and cough syrup, accompanied by the lingering presence of toasted Spanish oak and PX.
Comments:
The whisky presents itself as a sherry bomb, but unfortunately, it lacks balance in its current state. While adding water does improve the overall experience, it still falls short of reaching greatness.
Rating: 84/100
Glen Scotia 2014 SMWS Distillery 93 Rare Release Review
Let’s journey to the Campbeltown Malts Festival as we now explore a Glen Scotia small batch. This release was distilled in 2014 and matured for an eight years in first fill ex-bourbon casks. A total of 1,276 bottles were filled in 2023, each at the cask strength of 60.2% ABV. While it has unfortunately sold out in both the UK and the EU, but you can still find this expression available in Switzerland, Denmark, and the United States.
Colour:
Old gold
Nose:
Neat: The nose presents a notably intense aroma. There are intriguing hints of olives and anchovies, accompanied by subtle notes of light dirty smoke, mechanical grease, wet linen, and citrus. However, the alcohol presence is slightly overpowering.
With water: Adding water reveals a combination of orange and dark chocolate. The character leans more towards orangette, reminiscent of the chocolate-covered orange peel, rather than Jaffa cakes.
Palate:
Neat: The palate offers a creamy texture with a lively prickle. There is a delightful interplay of saltiness and pepper, complemented by nuances of cocoa powder. In the background, a subtle minty note emerges. The whisky showcases a pleasant soft cold smokiness, akin to the sensation of a cold wood stove.
With water: Introducing water brings forth a citrusy transformation, with the emergence of flavours reminiscent of blood orange and pink grapefruit.
Finish:
The finish is characterised by a lingering presence of smokiness, fresh gaze and cocoa powder that extends for a substantial duration.
Comments:
I thoroughly enjoyed this Glen Scotia expression. Its distinctive notes of dirty smoke and coastal saltiness truly appealed to me. Moreover, it improved even further with the addition of a few drops of water. It seems that the recent releases of Glen Scotia bottled by the SMWS have garnered positive feedback, and I must agree based on my experience with this one. The quality of the recent Glen Scotias I’ve tried, including this particular release, has been impressive.
Rating: 87/100
Bowmore 2004 SMWS Distillery 3 Rare Release Review
Like last year’s Bowmore Rare Release, this one was distilled in 2004. However, this time, it was matured for 18 years in a mix of Second Fill Bourbon and Spanish Oak Oloroso Hogshead, before being bottled at 56.9% ABV. The 1,173 bottles are as usual non-chill filtered and natural colour. There is some stock left on the Danish and Swiss SMWS online shops as well as is in the US.
Colour:
Deep copper
Nose:
Neat: The nose presents aromas of charred pineapple, mango, a hint of cigar ashtray, wood polish, brown sugar, and a touch of vegetal oil.
With water: Dilution brings forth delicate notes of tar and soot, along with the subtle presence of petrichor, the earthy scent that follows rain.
Palate:
Neat: On the palate, the flavours of pineapple and mango continue to shine, accompanied by the addition of blueberries and blackcurrant. There is a distinct presence of smoked dark chocolate, and with subsequent sips, the smokiness intensifies while the sweetness becomes more pronounced. A subtle hint of black tea adds a delicate touch to the overall profile.
With water: Diluting the whisky enhances the mouthfeel, resulting in a creamy texture. The palate now reveals notes of chili pepper and orange, along with the pleasant flavors of quince and a gentle, soft woodiness.
Finish:
The finish is long-lasting and characterised by the enduring presence of tropical fruitiness, accompanied by an enveloping smokiness and a lingering dryness reminiscent of ash on the tongue.
Comments:
This whisky is truly delicious. While it may not possess the same level of fruitiness as last year’s Fruity Time Travel rare release, it compensates with exceptional balance. I passed on this bottle as I already had the previous one, and I regret now that I did pass (but well, you can’t buy everything anyway!)
Rating: 90/100
Caol Ila 2008 SMWS 53.446 Review
Finally, we come to the fifth whisky in the tasting pack, a release in honour of the Feis Ile Festival like the Bowmore we reviewed just above. This particular expression is a 2008 Caol Ila single cask named ‘Blowtorched Mexican Mousse’. It underwent maturation for 11 years in an ex-bourbon cask, followed by an additional 3-year finish in first fill American oak PX hogshead. With an outturn of 234 bottles, each filled at 57.7% ABV, it has unfortunately sold out everywhere to the best of my knowledge.
Colour:
Tawny
Nose:
Neat: The nose reveals aromas of barbecue coal smoke, grilled lamb meat reminiscent of a flavourful kebab, dried kelp, ginger biscuits, and a hint of zesty lemon mousse.
With water: Introducing water unveils additional herbal notes alongside a hint of wet socks and the earthy freshness of rain.
Palate:
Neat: The palate offers a zesty lemony arrival, accompanied by the vibrant flavours of blood orange, grapefruit, and ginger, all intertwined. A peppery heat emerges, complementing the creamy mouthfeel. There are distinct hints of smoked milk chocolate with a cocoa content of around 50%, alongside notes of espresso dried crema. Subtle herbal undertones linger in the background, providing additional complexity.
With water: Dilution brings forth dried dark fruits, such as red grape juice and blackcurrant, contributing to the evolving flavour profile. The heat from the alcohol subsides, allowing the other elements to shine through more prominently.
Finish:
The finish is characterized by a creamy chocolate flavor, accompanied by subtle wisps of light wood smoke and a lingering citrusy undertone. There is a delightful presence of buttery biscuits, reminiscent of Irish shortbread (In my experience, dryer than its Scottish counterparts.)
Comments:
I found the initial nose to be quite appealing, but the palate had a slightly overwhelming peppery character at first, despite the other flavours being relatively enjoyable. Unfortunately, adding water did not improve the nose, as a peculiar wet socks aroma (if we can use this word) emerged. However, on the palate, after dilution, there was a pleasant shift towards a slightly sweeter and fruitier profile, with a welcome reduction in alcohol intensity.
