16.99 In The Steam Train Driver'S Cab

Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask 16.99, In The Steam Train Driver's Cab, is a single cask Highland single malt from The Glenturret (SMWS code 16). Distilled on 3 October 2013, it spent five years in an ex-bourbon hogshead before transfer to a second-fill oloroso hogshead for the rest of its 12 years, and was bottled at a cask strength of 62% ABV, with 212 bottles. The Society lists it under Smoky & fruity, though the Tasting Panel stressed that the smoke is not from peat: it evokes a steam locomotive's firebox and the oily, dusty cab, with a sooty palate and fudge doughnut sweetness. Water brings oak smoke, savoury Mediterranean notes and grilled pineapple. Bottled at natural strength without chill filtration.

Nose: Non-peaty smoke like stoking a steam locomotive, with the oily, dusty, mechanical smell of the driver's cab; water brings smouldering oak shavings, sardines in spicy tomato, anchovy-stuffed olives and fried sage

Palate: Very sooty, like a fudge doughnut eaten with coal-blackened hands; water adds caramelised brown sugar, cinnamon-grilled pineapple and creamy chipotle

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