SMWS Cocoa Drift 11 Year Old Batch 35 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

SMWS Cocoa Drift 11 Year Old Batch 35 is a distinctive blended malt Scotch whisky from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society's experimental Heresy collection. Created from a selection of Speyside single malts, this 11-year-old expression represents the first release from the Society's innovative sherry-cask solera system, established in July 2024. Matured using carefully selected oloroso sherry hogsheads of Spanish and American oak, the whisky brings together multiple malt components to create an exceptionally layered flavour profile. Bottled at 50.0% ABV with a limited outturn of 1,517 bottles, Cocoa Drift offers an indulgent combination of dark chocolate, candied citrus, rich fruit preserves, caramel and warming aromatic spices.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate truffles, chocolate-orange desserts, black cherry tart, aged Gouda and roasted hazelnuts. Its rich sherry character and warming spices also complement sticky toffee pudding, cinnamon pastries and roasted duck with a fruit glaze.

Tasting Notes: Rich and complex, combining dark chocolate, candied citrus, blackcurrant preserves, caramelized sweetness and aromatic spice. Layers of dried fruit, liquorice and polished oak develop into an indulgent, sherry-influenced drinking experience.

Nose: Black pepper and polished wood open into orange glaze, miso caramel, candied yuzu and cherry-filled chocolate. Hints of brandy snaps and delicate spice contribute further depth, while water reveals menthol, polished leather, charred citrus and poached pear.

Palate: Decadent flavours of cherry clafoutis, cinnamon liqueur, chocolate bars and blackcurrant jam unfold alongside caramelized sage and rich fruit sweetness. With water, exotic spices, coconut-infused strawberry syrup and cinnamon pastries add further complexity.

Finish: Long, warming and intricately spiced, with lingering black liquorice, mace, allspice, cinnamon and a delicate herbal suggestion of bay leaf.