11.48 A Rumour Of Sherry

A Rumour Of Sherry is Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask 11.48, a single cask single malt Scotch whisky from Tomatin. The Society labels its bottlings with a numbered code instead of the distillery name, and code 11 is Tomatin. The Society lists its region as the Highlands. Distilled on 26 September 2014, it spent four years in an ex-bourbon hogshead before being moved to a second-fill oloroso sherry hogshead, for 9 years in total. The Society's Tasting Panel placed it in the 'Deep, rich & dried fruits' flavour profile. Like all Society whiskies it was bottled at cask strength, here 59.5% ABV, without chill filtration. This listing is the 700ml bottle.

Nose: Fruit jellies, pineapple, candied hazelnut, malt loaf, walnut and old pipe tobacco; water adds pickled ginger, bay leaf and walnut oil.

Palate: Brown bread with molasses, dried exotic fruit and serrano ham; water brings plum wine, raisins, sultanas and dessert wine.

Finish: A salty, earthy bodega tang.

Serve: Taste it neat first, then add water a few drops at a time; the Panel's notes change noticeably once the whisky is reduced.