78.83 Heathery And Leathery

Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask 78.83, Heathery And Leathery, is an 11 year old single cask single malt Scotch whisky from the Ben Nevis distillery in the Highland region (SMWS distillery code 78). Distilled on 22 November 2012, it spent eight years in an ex-bourbon hogshead before a move to a first-fill heavy toast, medium char hogshead. It was bottled at cask strength, 57.6% ABV in a 700 ml bottle, with an outturn of 265 bottles, and the Society files it under its Spicy & sweet flavour profile. The Tasting Panel were transported to a riding-school tack room full of fine leather, then found gingerbread biscotti and espresso on the palate; a splash of water adds heather honey, treacle and fudge, with a touch of salt at the close. Like all Society bottlings, it is presented without chill filtration.

Nose: Well-groomed horses in a tack room, with polished leather saddles and bridles

Palate: Gingerbread chai biscotti dunked in espresso; water brings raw heather honey, treacle, fudge and caramel with a malty, earthy edge

Finish: A hint of salt

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