05/09/2015 September outturn at the SMWS

35.137 25yo d.1989 Delightful evocation of the boudoir (52.8%, SMWS Society Single Cask, 1st Fill ex-Bourbon Barrel, 87b): slightly limited, innit. Nose: a walk under the ivy, carrying a bag of overripe pears. Perfume follows, with honeysuckle, jasmine flowers -- or are they camellias? A touch of honey and raisins (JS). Quince jelly too. Mouth: disciplined, yet  original. It has what it takes in the right place and in the right amount. Finish: good balance of fruit, flowers and drying spices. The finish is the weak point, if there is one. Tantalising nose, with the rest behind, a bit. 7/10

46.32 22yo d.1992 Summertime and the whisky is easy (53.1%, SMWS Society Single Cask, Refill ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 275b): nose: cut apple first, then more exotic fruit, as well as a spoonful of honey. Mouth: a sprinkle of green pepper on warm custard. It is pretty hot -- I like it. Finish: again, green pepper on warm custard; flowers emerge too. 8/10

7.119 11yo d.2003 Lubbly jubbly! (60.9%, SMWS Society Single Cask, 1st Fill ex-Bourbon Barrel, 227b): this one got a raving review by a SMWS Canada member a few months ago. I was astonished that it had never come out on this side of the Atlantic. Well, here it is! Nose: animal skin at first, which soon gives way to dried grain and cast sugar. Plant freshness takes over at some point to finally move towards hay and fermenting wash. Mouth: thin, yet crisp and lively. The heat picks up to reach high levels, backed by plant stems. Not a phall, yet not a korma either. Finish: powerful and invading, with warm pastry and herbs. Water does not improve it -- quite the opposite. Certainly not as good as I expected and hoped. How disappointing! 6/10

37.65 29yo d.1985 Bursting with interest and imaginings (46.5%, SMWS Society Single Cask, Refill ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 192b): nose: rich and deep, with Christmas cake and black bun. Many dried fruits, ginger bread. Later on, pot-pourri bags (the sort you put in wardrobes). Mouth: mellow and gentle, with βανίλια and a pinch of herbs (tarragon and oregano). Finish: discreet and restrained -- why scream if whispering is sufficient to be heard? Herbs, initially (tarragon and oregano, still), then it becomes fruitier. 8/10

63.32 25yo d.1989 Bitter-sweet, eccentric character (49.6%, SMWS Society Single Cask, Refill ex-Bourbon Barrel, 128b): nose: ample, with dried tobacco leaves and musty basements. There are hints of whipped cream, in the background. That is a first! Mouth: balanced apricot compote. It tastes like gold. Finish: the strong attribute of this dram, surely. Long and slightly drying, it explodes with apricot jam and blackcurrant coulis. 8/10

55.29 14yo d.2000 A barley harvest and a "fizzy buzz" (56.9%, SMWS Society Single Cask, Refill ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 239b): nose: animal farm (leather, cow dung, horse sweat) and fine smoke. Mouth: smoked wood and old furniture (fabric-cushioned chaise), complete with ironworks (it has a metallic note to it). Finish: walnut dashboards, fine smoke, plum eau-de-vie and interesting fruity notes. 7/10

41.63 33yo d.1980 Teasing and pleasing (54.1%, SMWS Society Single Cask, Refill ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 174b): an old 41 we have not tried!? This cannot be! Short notes are in order. Nose: dusty warehouse and peach stones. Mouth: peach juice and black pepper. Finish: velvety and peachy. This is nice. At the same time, it is £40 more expensive than 41.61 and not as good, I find. 7/10

We also try G1.13 36yo d.1978 Summer Fete and flower shows (56.2%, SMWS Society Single Cask, Refill ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 188b). I take no notes other than that I am disappointed.