162.5 Invigorating And Refreshing

Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask 162.5, Invigorating And Refreshing, is a single cask single malt from the Isle of Raasay distillery (SMWS distillery code 162). Distilled on 4 October 2019, this 5 year old matured in a new chinkapin oak barrel and was bottled at a cask strength of 61.1% ABV, with an outturn of 265 bottles. It was the distillery's first appearance for SMWS Canada. The Society files it under Spicy & sweet: the Tasting Panel describes dark berries, chocolate and maple-soaked oak, cherry-cola sweetness, and a creamy, lassi-like texture with cardamom, lime and honey. Like all SMWS bottlings it is presented at natural cask strength without chill filtration, under the Society's cask code rather than the distillery name.

Nose: Blackberry, cranberry jam, cloves, tobacco and dark chocolate beside maple-dipped oak; water brings rhubarb stewed in red wine and wild cherry tea

Palate: Cherry cola cupcake and an orange-zest Old Fashioned; reduced, blackcurrant, lime and coconut with a mouth-coating mango lassi texture

Finish: Refreshing, with cardamom, lime and honey

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