SMWS 35.223 A Theta State of Mind
Whisky Review
- ABV: 56.5%
- Age: 31 Years Old
- Bottling: Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Cask 35.223
- Category: Speyside single malt scotch whisky
- Cost: £205 out of stock
- Origin: Glen Moray distillery
- Vintage: 1986
What they say
- WHISKY ABV 56.5%
- AGE 31 years
- CASK TYPE First Fill Ex-Sauternes Barrique
- WHISKY FLAVOUR Old & dignified
- WHISKY OUTTURN 1 of 139 bottles
- WHISKY REGION Speyside
Official tasting notes:
Give this one time – this is a meditative dram. Imagine being in an incense ceremony at a Buddhist temple; the air is heavy with the scent of sandalwood, peony and Kyara (meaning ‘precious’ – the highest grade of agarwood). Following ‘the sound of the gong’ we had a sip. It was still lively for its age yet also smooth, like a Buddhist monk’s satin robe with a hint of fragrant smoke. A drop of water and it burst into life, like the cherry blossom in Japan, and on the taste so soothing and relaxing with a lingering spicy finish. After twenty-nine years in an ex-bourbon hogshead we transferred this whisky into a first-fill Sauternes barrique.
What I say
Dram #2 from EWB’s Movember tasting was this Glen Moray expression from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. A single cask expression matured for 31 years; 29 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead and finished in a 1st Fill ex Sauternes barrique.
My tasting notes:
- Appearance: Amber gold (10/20)
- Nose: Sweet and spicy, fruity white and red grape, apple, blackberry, some citrus grapefruit and orange oil/zest a touch floral and plenty of cinnamon, sandalwood and polished antique oak.
- Taste: Medium-bodied, fruity and woody, again fruits lead with mixed woodland berries and orchard fruits, followed by grapefruit and orange citrus, oak wood, sandalwood, cinnamon and white pepper spices.
- Finish: Long, woody oak overpowers the sweetness in the finish, tannic and drying.
Overall
Another lovely and well-aged dram, the Sauternes finish may have added plenty of sweetness and fruit but the impact seems really rather subtle and I suspect I can taste just as much French oak influence here as I can from the sweet Sauternes wine.
Score 86/100
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Categories: Glen Moray, Single malt
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