SMWS 53.474 Ultimate Pub Grub Smackdown Caol Ila 13 Year Old

SMWS 53.474 “Ultimate Pub Grub Smackdown” is a 13 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilled at Caol Ila Distillery on 16 November 2010 and independently bottled by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Matured in a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel, this single-cask whisky was bottled at 59.3% ABV with an outturn of only 214 bottles. SMWS places it in its Peated flavour profile, with an intensely maritime and savoury character combining peat smoke, seawater, pickled and salty flavours, roasted nuts, shellfish, citrus and barbecue-like notes. 

Food Pairing: Pair with grilled oysters, barbecued prawns, smoked salmon, fish and chips, bacon, grilled sausages, salted almonds, mature cheddar, or other smoky and salty pub-style dishes.

Tasting Notes: A powerful maritime Islay malt combining vigorous peat smoke with sea salt, savoury snacks, roasted nuts, pickled flavours and charred seafood.

Nose: Roasted peanuts and salty, vinegary notes lead into maritime aromas of seawater, pickled vegetables and capers, with medicinal peat and smoke underneath.

Palate: Powerful peat smoke surrounds charred shellfish and savoury cured-meat character, joined by salted nuts, liquorice, chilli and briny coastal flavours.

Finish: Long, smoky and maritime, with preserved citrus, wet seaweed, malt vinegar, salt and lingering barbecue smoke.

Serve: Enjoy neat in a tulip-shaped whisky glass. At 59.3% ABV, allow it to rest before tasting and gradually add a few drops of water to open its maritime, citrus and smoky characteristics.