2/12/2017 December outturn at the SMWS

Much time has passed, but JS, adc and I are back to try this month's new outturn. Well, some of it, at least: forty-or-so bottles came out. We will stick to a more reasonable tally.

50.96 27yo 1990/2017 A day trip to heaven (53.7%, SMWS Society Cask, Refill ex-Bourbon Barrel, 94b): nose: delicate honeysuckle, jasmine, gentle custard-filled pastry and yellow flowers -- ah! Bladnoch's yellow flowers... Mouth: yellow flowers again, mellow, but it has a bite all the same. Finish: more flowery goodness, with a soft bitterness, and also milk chocolate. Love it. 8/10

125.74 11yo d.2005 Caribbean semi-freddo (57.9%, SMWS Society Cask, 1st Fill ex-Bourbon Barrel, 199b): nose: buttery pastry with apricot jam, glazed lime, very fragrant. The nose even has a hint of tobacco. Mouth: warm and honeyed, it is strong indeed. It is augmented with a pinch of dried herbs. Finish: more lovely honey, a gentle heat and another touch of herbs -- chiefly dried sage. Lovely. 8/10

93.78 25yo 1992/2017 Like a vintage dessert wine (53.3%, SMWS Society Cask, 2nd Fill ex-Sherry Oloroso Butt, 186b): nose: this is a mechanic's workshop, with engine oil, hot metal and Victorian-era machinery. It reminds me of the old 100 Proof Scotia JS and I had at Dornoch Castle, last year. Smoke and engine fumes. Mouth: pickled vinegar, more engine oil and exhaust fumes Finish: it is rounder than anticipated, but still has flavours of hot metal and mild peat smoke. This is excellent. Will try it again and might revise my note upward. For tonight, it is 8/10

46.55 24yo d.1992 Raindrops on a lavender bush (52.7%, SMWS Society Cask, Refill ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 281b): nose: soft and mellow, it has peach skins and the associated warm velvet. Mouth: fruity, with green grapes, white wine, even. Is that a hint of nail polish too? Finish: super fruity, with tons of grapes and peach flesh. Love it. 9/10

G10.12 39yo d.1977 Chocolate-covered macadamia nuts (57.9%, SMWS Society Cask, 2nd Fill ex-Bourbon Barrel, 67b): nose: sweet corn, powdered sugar on doughnuts, then pine cones and a walk in a forest clearing. Finally, wood varnish and putty. Mouth: sweet pastry, creamy doughnut. This is unbelievably sweet, while also pretty hot. Finish: sweet again, with caster sugar, more doughnut goodness (not that Krispy Kreme dross) and a mildly metallic note. Another winner. 8/10

5.60 16yo d.2000 Sweet surrender (56.5%, SMWS Society Cask, 1st Fill ex-Oloroso Sherry Hogshead, 220b): nose: green soap bar (yes), then something gently burnt. Mouth: mellow, with apricot flesh, pine needles and lots of chilli. Finish: sweet, with lots of pepper and chilli. Behind that, lashes of fruit. Lovely. 8/10

What a selection! BA joins us for a bit, then PS does the same. The latter explains there is an Imperial behind the bar that appeared out of nowhere, not part of any outturn. It does not take long before JS has a glass of it.

65.5 21yo d.1995 Old-school Speyside (50.8%, SMWS Society Cask, Re-Charred Hogshead, 65b): nose: extremely fragrant, it reeks of rose water, flowers, ivy leaves (?), honeysuckle, jasmine and an unexpected touch of ash. Mouth: soft and sweet, with more flowers, apple compote, crushed pears and a pinch of pepper. Finish: long, fruity and sweet, elegant, soft and -- dare I say -- feminine. Winner. 9/10

Cannot remember such a good selection for a looooong time. Then again, that was seven out of over forty. Thanks to everyone at the venue, who offered advice.

Chirp