18.60 Supping Sherry ...

Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask 18.60, Supping Sherry From Polished Wooden Cups, is a single cask single malt from Inchgower (SMWS distillery code 18) in Speyside. Distilled on 19 February 2008, it matured for 11 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead before transfer to a first-fill Spanish oak oloroso hogshead, and was bottled at 15 years old at a cask strength of 55.5% ABV. The outturn was just 138 bottles. Listed under Deep, rich & dried fruits, it showed the Tasting Panel roasting chestnuts, pecan pie and orange in brandy syrup, then chocolate-coated nuts, savoury crackling and sweet vermouth. Like every SMWS bottling it is presented at natural cask strength without chill filtration.

Nose: Chestnuts roasting by the fire, a warm scented candle, pecan pie, frangipane and oranges in caramel brandy syrup; water brings black olive tapenade, sherry vinegar and sweet vermouth

Palate: Chocolate-covered brazil nuts, chocolate spread on burnt toast, pork crackling and mushrooms in herb butter; reduced, oloroso sherry and grilled octopus salad

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