Inchmoan 10 Years Old 2006 135.6 Cones versus crones (57.1%, SMWS, Refill Bourbon HH, 297 Bottles, 2018)

• Category: Highland single malt scotch whisky
• Origin: Loch Lomond distillery
• Bottling: SMWS, Cask #135.6
• ABV: 57.1%
• Cost: £55

What they say

Official tasting notes:

The nose was easy and welcoming – bright and playful – imagine frolicking like a puppy in a flower meadow, enjoying ice-cream cones, donuts and custard creams. The neat taste was totally different – black, black liquorice, herbs, roots and willow wands; charred pepper and wasabi heat – evoking a witch’s workbench and medicinal potions of considerable power. On the reduced nose we were enticed by sweeties (Dolly Mixtures, candy corn) into a broom cupboard. The palate was now less bitter and much more balanced – a mix of sugar and spice and all things nice – ginger biscuits, sweet chilli sauce and glowing embers on the finish.

What I say

Sampled as part of the #SMWSat35 virtual tasting led by Master Brand Ambassador John McCheyne from The Vaults venue in Leith.

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: White Burgundy (5/20), fine tears, very fine legs.
• Nose: Vanilla, custard cream biscuits, vanilla ice cream, sharper, spirity/polish like aroma, fresh linen, lemon juice.
• Taste: Medium-bodied, liqourice root, tar, charred sugar, aniseed, some finely milled black pepper, strong ginger nuts or snaps, lemongrass.
• Finish: Long, ginger spice, dark toffee,

Overall

An intriguing dram this one, with a nose full of fresh vanilla and a palate of pure crazy in comparison. I actually rather liked this one, maybe a ot more than I should have. Not quite perfect for me, but a great indicator of where this spirit is headed with a little more maturation. I’ll definitely be seeking out a few more of these 135’s.

Score 81/100

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