Watch the September Hidden Gems on Youtube!
At The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, we are on a passionate pursuit of the world’s most unique casks of whisky. Oftentimes the casks that turn out to be the most memorable happen to be the most unexpected. Here are three (3) Hidden Gems to consider for your home collection this month:
Cask No. 115.26: Underground Bakery
This 11 year Speyside in a second-fill ex-bourbon barrel is an excellent example of our Juicy Oak and Vanilla flavour profile! On the nose enjoy blasts of malty vanilla, baked bread, slight nuttiness, along with citrus and tropical fruits galore. The palate is overcome with the malty vanilla and breakfast pastries. Be prepared for stoned fruits including peaches and pears. Other fruits sneaking in are apples and a slight tropical tangerine. The nose and palate combine on 115.26 Underground Bakery to make an unforgettable Juicy Oak and Vanilla whisky!
Cask 12.60: Get Into the Grove
An excellent addition to the Spicy and Dry flavour profile that you shouldn’t miss out on is Cask 12.60 Get into the Grove. This 11 year Speyside is another palate busting whisky in this profile that is growing in popularity. Aged in a second fill bourbon barrel you get an excellent look at the distillate character. On the nose lemon pepper seasoning jumps out of the glass along with custard, vanilla and some vegetal notes. The palate bursts with dry mustard, wasabi, fresh cracked black pepper, and an oily salted caramel. Add some water to bring down the spiciness and up the citrus! Water brings out a definite nuttiness and banana cream pie! Mouth watering yet? Don’t miss out on this memorable cask!
Cask 66.198: Serene Sunset Satisfaction
Did someone say Lightly Peated and a refill French Oak Wine Barrique? This 23 year old Highland is a must have for a lightly peated finished in a wine barrique. The nose bristles with honeycomb, slight peat, tangy fruits including apricots, peaches, berries, and sour grapes. Add a little creme’ brulee to top it off. Once you sip, you won’t want to quit this outstanding whisky. The palate does not disappoint with salted peanuts, light peat, burnt honeycomb, milk chocolate, lots of fruits, and white grapes. Add water to open up more oak tannins, cigar wrapper, burnt smores, light brown sugar, caro syrup and grape reduction sauce!
Slàinte mhath!
Scott Brunow