53.506 Rufty Tufty

Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask 53.506, Rufty Tufty, is an 11 year old Islay single malt from the Caol Ila distillery (SMWS distillery code 53). Distilled on 26 May 2014, it matured in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead and was bottled at a cask strength of 58% ABV, with an outturn of 304 bottles. The Society places it in its Bold & peaty flavour profile, and the Panel's notes explain why: fat peat smoke, anchovy, iodine and malt vinegar on the nose, a briny, umami palate likened to cask-strength mezcal with salt, wasabi, fish sauce and tar, and a long, salty, lemony aftertaste. Water thickens the smoke and adds texture. As with all SMWS bottlings it is unchill-filtered at natural strength.

Nose: Fat peat smoke, anchovy paste, medicinal tinctures, iodine and malt vinegar with sea-dried laundry, cornichons, salt cod and shellfish; water adds olives, creel nets, tar and big maritime notes

Palate: Like cask-strength mezcal: margarita salt, pickling brine, wasabi, fish sauce, tar and raw ginger; water makes the peat chewier and the smoke denser and drier

Finish: A lingering tang of seawater and lemon juice

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