A little background

The Single Malt Whiskey Society (SMWS) is known for their bottling prowess but not as you know it. Not because they pander to the sensitive palates of people who want a ‘smooth’ dram. They bottle it because they like it, it’s interesting, it’s unusual or old fashioned. Each barrel selected develops in their own way and they do not consolidate barrels to make a flat profile that ‘everyone can enjoy’. You have to train yourself to do it, like lifting bricks with your nipples or 2 finger push ups, conditioning may be required.

This is the SMWS Cask No. 85.50 – The Glen Elgin Distillery. Glen Elgin does not bottle many as a distillery bottling and most go to blends so having a single malt and single barrel expression is exciting and the fact that they still use worm tubs – Old fashioned condensers that let in heavy elements to help smash your face with flavor!

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Light Gold

Nose

Green pepper and grassy note straight away, pine resin. Rich and thick – nutty, spicy, unripe apricots, sickly sweetness going through the back of the nose at the end. It’s an irony, it’s savoury in many ways but sweet at the end of the nose. It starts to remind you of a baby changing table, Talc powder and baby wipes. How strange. Slightly Herbal, white pepper

With water:
Herbal notes come out more, Pepper comes out more, Coconut syrup.

Palate

Very spicy, potent, Definitely a jalapeno heat – don’t mistake it for alcohol burn, it is a heat, like a chilli heat. it builds. tad sweetness, not much else.

With Water:
Wow, much improved. It opens up. The heat is still there, the jalapeno heat is undeniable but it tames it a tad. Some fruit now, slight floral notes. Water tames the punch and lets you taste the subtle flavours.

Finish

Finish is long, substantial, hot and heated.

In closing

Not very Glen Elgin esque at all – but very interesting experience. Not too expensive so go for it. This is not a session whisky unless you are conan the barbarian. This is a confusing whisky, its savoury and sweet. I would recommend buying this bottle, it’s a good palate trainer too!