39.265 Waltzing With A Moscow Mule

Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask 39.265, Waltzing With A Moscow Mule, is a single cask single malt Scotch whisky from Linkwood in Speyside (SMWS distillery code 39). Distilled on 5 December 2011, it matured for 10 years in a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel. It was bottled at a cask strength of 62.2% ABV, with an outturn of 200 bottles. The Society files it under its Sweet, fruity & mellow flavour profile. Meadow flowers, hay, orchard fruit and tinned peaches open the nose, while the lively palate brings lemon sherbet, marmalade, pear chutney and lychee before a ginger and lime finish. Water softens it towards Turkish delight, rhubarb and raspberry. Like every Society bottling it is bottled at cask strength without chill filtration.

Nose: Flower meadows and hay, orchard fruit, tinned peaches and fruit pastilles; water adds Turkish delight, custard tart and white grapes

Palate: Tingling and fresh: lemon sherbet, marmalade, Buck's Fizz, pear chutney and lychee; water brings rhubarb, raspberry and peach

Finish: Ginger and lime; with water, white pepper, anise and citrus

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