Whilst only in digital form, our first Outturn of 2023 is packed with some exceptionally delicious casks including our branch’s first ever single cask, cask-strength Canadian malt — Cask 152.2 Tropical cornucopia.
But if you’re undecided on what to pick up this month, of haven’t quite found the time to peruse January Outturn, do not fret because our team has curated our top SMWS cask picks for the month!
Cask 105.37 Let’s Get Fizzy-cle!
Reminiscent of bubbly Prosecco and Champagne, this makes for an intriguing summer sipper. Matured for 11 years in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel, the palate has a tangy sweetness in the form of lemon meringue pie and butterscotch, but with the addition of chilli flake spice — a dram worthy of its assigned Spicy & Sweet flavour profile — whilst a dash of water brings out notes of beeswax and coconut whip before returning to the bubbles in the finish (think Frangelico Prosecco).
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Cask 122.46 The inland shore
Mainland peat is back and here to stay. We don’t often see peated expressions from this innovative distillery in those mid-teenage years so we’re really excited about this one. Citrus and coastal notes on the nose with some salt and vinegar crisps — preserved lemons and wood-charred sardines. Smoky hay bails, inkwells, fragrant dried herbs, and cured white fish with grubby, organic peat to finish on the palate. 15 years in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead — you’d be forgiven for thinking this dram is from Islay.
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Cask 5.98 A passionate pavlova
Like vanilla-bean ice cream and passionfruit purrée straight off the bat — 18 years in a 1st fill bourbon barrel carries a lot of cask flavour and it shows in this delightful lowland release; certainly one for the sweet tooth. The palate has those classic tropical Juicy, Oak & Vanilla notes — think apricots and pineapple — whilst a bit of reduction brings tangy lemon curd and white chocolate.
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Cask 13.91 A colourful companion
Turkish delight and saffron on the nose may deceive what awaits on the palate — matcha green tea, green peas and green sweet jalapeno jelly chilli sauce, nose it with your mouth closed and you’re sure to get hints of pink brioche. A true myriad of flavours. Don’t be fooled, though, some buttery sweetness awaits after reduction.
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Cask 78.58 Crunchy crystallised ginger candy
Four years of extra maturation in a 2nd fill oloroso hogshead in the Spicy & Dry flavour profile — honestly, what’s not to love? Dark chocolate, orange zest, honeycomb, gingersnap biscuits and honey-roasted peanuts on the nose. On the neat palate, you might find notes of braided yeast bread lightly spread with salted butter, naturally crystallised granulated honey and just a hint of caramel syrup (that syrup will come through stronger on the nose after you’ve coated your mouth with it). After a few sips, you might detect some lingering spicy, savoury notes in the aftertaste.
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Be sure to head over to the shop to pick up these casks (and over 60 other amazing bottlings) from January Outturn; if you’re still looking for a more personalised recommendation, then you can get in touch with our Dram-cierge team at [email protected] or 02 9974 3046.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to jump into January Outturn below and check out the other casks available (plus some cool reads).
