SMOS Res Casks No.11 Orkney 11 Year

Tasting Notes

Andrew's Tasting Note

Nose: dark, nutty, and chocolaty; lets start with some decadent, nutty sherry, and loads of chocolate; it reminds me of these cookies made from nuts and fruit resting on a layer of dark chocolate from an old European deli; chewy black licorice, candied ginger, and dried dark fruits: raisins, dates, and figs; a hint of soft maritime peat can be found if I dig deep for it. 

Palate: rich, sherried, and very chocolaty with soft ashy peat; more of those nutty, fruity European deli cookies (is it still a cookie if there is no flower only nuts, fruit, and chocolate); more nutty sherry, with a fine balance of dry and sweet tones; honey, heathery, sweet floral smoke; loads of dried fruits: raisins, dates, figs, and apricot; more chewy licorice and a hint of salted caramel.

Finish: rich, nutty, and chocolaty; building spices, leather, and tobacco as the dried fruit, soft peat, and sherry tones fade away. 

Comment: this is in some way more Highland Park-esque, than the core distillery bottlings of the last decade or so; regardless it is great bang for your buck, and a lovely sherried whisky! 

Producer Tasting Note

Nose: Dark chocolate kirsch cherries with fresh ginger and star anise.

Palate: Heady and dense with flavours of lebkuchen, walnuts and whisky-soaked sultanas. A gentle heather smoke adds to the depth.

Finish: Warming with more of the chocolate and ginger with a touch of citrus.