I was kindly given a subscription to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for my 40th birthday and have remained a member ever since. A few friends are also members and so we now meet on the first Tuesday of every month to sample the many delights (and occasionally folly) of the Society's unique approach to single cask, single malt Scotch whisky.
Yesterday, we had a good crack at the whiskies and chose a Highland theme as our guide (at least for the majority of the evening - more on that later). After quenching our thirst with a small lager, we kicked the night off with a 27 year old Clynelish from an ex-sherry butt, bottled at 57%. Neat, this proved a lovely dram with sweet sherry notes and just a gentle heat. But add just a little water and the heat ignited to jalapeños level. Fabby! This allowed the lovely loft odours and a sweet, almost effervescent grain like finish to come through. The dry lingering sherry notes stayed on the lips and in the mouth for some time. Really nice dram. Given the distillery's history of peated whiskies, there was surprisingly little (if any) smoke on this one.
Next up was a 20 plus year old Glen Moray which had the most intense highland toffee and buttered popcorn nose. Neat, there was apple, melons and a hint of sweet spangles! Grapefruit notes came through with a little water and the heat moved from the front to the sides of the tongue. Lovely French polish and sherry aspect to this one, with nice length and a very slight smoky note. There was no fizz on this one. Two of the company thought it was the winner of the night.
Third up was a 21 year old Glen Ord from the Black Isle. We had this sucker with a coffee and it was delicious! The big flavour notes on this one were banana custard and liquorice. A big strong whisky perfectly suited to accompany a nice coffee.
Fourth (getting late by this stage) we have another Clynelish, but this time a 28 year old. This one had gentle heat and subtle orange and gentle oak. The sherry finish really sat well in the glass and hung around as a lovely reminder of a yummy treat long after the dram was gone.
Finally, a wee palate cleansing lager and then off to Islay to finish the night. John selected an 8 year old Port Charlotte and it was a stonker. Toffee, nutty, creme brulee characteristics with smoke and oak and black pepper to finish. Great barley nose. Just perfect before we headed off in search of our various travel routes home.
Next month the theme is sherried finishes. Looking forward to it already.
