SMWS Outturn 280 - Serving Summer

SMWS G3.10 - The lady varnishesAnother month, and the year seems to be going so quickly! Fortunately, we have some good whisky to help it go by pleasantly...

The July outturn from the SMWS isn’t celebrating a festival, or anniversary, or any other special theme. It’s just a collection of good whiskies. Also, many of them are lighter and sweeter, which in the current heatwave is very welcome.

My pick of the list is the Caledonian, which is a superb example of aged grain, and for a closed and sought after distillery is also something of a bargain! The varnish and fruits combine very nicely, with a hint of spice in there too. I want more than one bottle! Following hot on its heels is the slightly spicy Glenlossie, which has a divine nose that made me want a bottle despite the warm finish. And finally I’d also like a bottle of the Ardmore, as it’s the right balance of peat and sweetness for this heat.

In terms of things worth a dram or two, the Inchmurrin must be mentioned. It’s an unusual cask and will therefore inspire love and hate in equal measure. The superbly floral Longmorn is worth trying, and the Glen Ord adds fruits to the Longmorn’s floral theme.

As always Matt has done his own tasting notes over at The Dramble which are well worth reading.