121.120 Low Key Smoky Locus

Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask 121.120, Low-Key Smoky Locus, is a single cask single malt from the Arran distillery (SMWS distillery code 121). Distilled on 27 November 2015 and matured for 9 years in a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel, it was bottled at a cask strength of 62.2% ABV, with an outturn of just 235 bottles. The Society places it in its Smoky & fruity flavour profile, and the Tasting Panel describes a gently smoky, coastal island dram in which honeyed orchard and tropical fruit keep the peat in check. Like every SMWS bottling it is presented at natural cask strength without chill filtration, and the label carries the Society's cask code rather than the distillery name. A rare, small-outturn release for fans of Arran and of fruit-led, lightly smoky single casks.

Nose: Rock pools and fishing nets with delicate smoke and embers over honey, vanilla, lemon zest and heather; water brings citrus sherbet and tart fruit

Palate: Peat smoke balanced by green apple, banana and grassy herbal notes; with water, honeyed fruit set against coastal smoke

Finish: Tar, tobacco, coconut and chilli

Serve: Neat, then with a few drops of water to open up the aromas; at full cask strength it rewards patience.