121.112 The Unexpected Meander

The Unexpected Meander is Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask 121.112, a single cask single malt Scotch whisky from Arran. The Society labels its bottlings with a numbered code instead of the distillery name, and code 121 is Arran. The Society lists its region as the Islands. Distilled on 2 December 2015, it matured for 8 years in a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel. The Society's Tasting Panel placed it in the 'Spicy & dry' flavour profile. Like all Society whiskies it was bottled at cask strength, here 62.8% ABV, without chill filtration. The cask yielded 228 bottles, and this listing is the 700ml bottle.

Nose: Waxed brown paper, sage butter, banana in custard and grapefruit, light like a new hay barn; water adds lemon drizzle cake and anise chocolate sauce.

Palate: Sugar-sweet with chilli, mint and eucalyptus, toasted oats, pear, white pepper and salty mango, threaded with smoke; water dries it with cumin, bergamot and driftwood smoke.

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.