SMWS 26.229 Singest of Summer in Full Throated Ease (Clynelish 14yo) & SMWS 127.37 Dinosaurs Dancing to Stravinsky (Port Charlotte 9yo)

SMWS 26.229 Singest of Summer in Full Throated Ease (Clynelish 14yo)

Region: Highlands

ABV: 54.6%

Price: £95.00

Distilled on the 2nd November 2010 and matured for 14 years in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead, this single cask Clynelish was bottled by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society under 26.229. The outturn was 277 bottles.

Nose

The nose opens with a little apple cider, strawberry jam, pear drops, Manuka honey, buttered crumpets, and freshly chopped pineapple chunks. There’s very little in the way of alcohol spice given the ABV. Going back after a little air, and there’s also Highland toffee, cream soda, and red apples.

Palate

Initially, there’s a citrus hit followed by brown sugar, vanilla syrup, and some of that honey from the nose. These notes are joined by a little too much cracked black pepper spice on a good length finish. The mouthfeel is good, with enough texture to showcase a touch of the waxiness that’s expected from the distillery. Going back, there’s a little passion fruit, flat Fanta, and a touch of pomegranate bitterness.

Nose (with water)

With reduction, we’re finding an increase in those pineapple and pear notes. The alcohol remains well integrated, though some of the other pre-dilution fruity notes have dampened slightly. In their place, new notes of milk chocolate and salted caramel have emerged.

Palate (with water)

The reduced palate comes across a touch spicier and a little mouth drying. Many of the more interesting notes feel slightly muted, but there’s still enjoyment to be had. The mouthfeel holds up well, and the finish remains a good length. Roasted coffee and dark chocolate are the standout notes now.

Conclusion

Good nose and palate pre dilution. Our biggest critique is that it’s just a little too spicy. Unfortunately, it loses more from water than it gains, making it a dram we personally preferred neat. If you don’t mind that spice, there’s plenty to enjoy here. We bought a bottle.

Score: 7/10

Value

Not a bad price considering indie Clynelish usually attracts a premium.

SMWS 127.37 Dinosaurs Dancing to Stravinsky (Port Charlotte 9yo)

Region: Islay

ABV: 66.5%

Price: £200.00 (Auction)

Distilled on 20 August 2003 and fully matured in a refill sherry butt, this Society Port Charlotte was released in 2013 at 9 years old. The outturn was 649 bottles.

Nose

Initially on the nose we’re getting Frangelico liqueur, Cadbury Fudge Fingers, peat smoke, kelp, Play-Doh, hessian cloth, and sea water. Given its whopping ABV, we’re not getting as much alcohol spice as expected, just a touch of pepper heat. A little one dimensional, but it’s a good single dimension.

Palate

The palate opens with plenty of upfront peat followed by lemon sherbet and flat lemonade. On the mid palate there’s cashew nuts, porridge oats, Cadbury’s fudge fingers, and Ryvita. The peat returns on the medium finish, joined by pepper spice, though it’s not overpowering. Very drinkable given the ABV, with a good oily mouthfeel.

Nose (with water)

With water, the nose shows a more savoury side along with some sherry sweetness in the form of caramel and toffee. The peat has been dampened slightly, but the peppery alcohol spice is also diminished.

Palate (with water)

Reduced, the spice is in better balance. It’s still very peaty, with ash appearing upfront and lingering through the finish. With the spice dampened the sweetness now has more room to shine on the finish. Mouthfeel has held up well, and while the flavours are largely unchanged, they feel better integrated.

Conclusion

First thing worth mentioning is this is far from a sherry bomb. What it definitely is, though, is a good example of young Port Charlotte, with the cask adding enough interesting flavours without taking away from the peat punch. One we’d personally add a little water to, but it’s very drinkable neat as well.

Score: 7/10

Value

Undeniably expensive for a 9 year old whisky, but we’re suckers for these younger bottlings.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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