5.139 Delightful Development

Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask 5.139, Delightful Development, is an 11 year old single cask single malt from the Auchentoshan distillery in the Lowlands (SMWS distillery code 5). It was distilled on 11 November 2013, matured in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel and bottled at a cask strength of 60.5% ABV, yielding 204 bottles. The Society lists it under its Fragrant & floral flavour profile. The Tasting Panel noted a creamy, fruity nose of banana split and strawberry yogurt that sharpens towards jam and sherbet, a sweet, honeyed palate and a spicier finish, with water revealing brighter citrus and orchard-fruit notes. As with all Society bottlings it is presented at natural cask strength and without chill filtration.

Nose: Creamy, sweet fruit - banana split and strawberry yogurt sharpening to chocolate limes, plum jam, quince jelly and sherbet; water brings lemon drops and perfumed pear

Palate: Crystallised honey, marzipan, vanilla cheesecake and chocolate-dipped candied orange; reduced, gooseberry, lemon zest, nutmeg and sour plum balanced by custard creams and brown sugar

Finish: Spicier, with cinnamon apples, clove and coffee granules

Serve: Neat, then with a few drops of water; at full cask strength it opens up noticeably with a little dilution.