SMWS 7.100 Hawaiian holidays

SMWS 7.100 Hawaiian holidays, 28 YO, 58,7 %

A lovely, old Longmorn is what I have for you today. This Pernod Ricard owned, Speyside distillery, is becoming something of a favorite of mine. Old Longmorns can be absolutely delightful. As far as I know, they only have one distillery bottling available at the moment, a lovely Longmorn 16 YO. We therefore turn to independent bottlers if we want to try something a bit different. This time the independent bottler is Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS).

The SMWS 7.100 Hawaiian holidays has been matured for 28 years in a refill bourbon hogshead. It was distilled 1985-09-24, and the total outturn was 200 bottles.

Juicy Sauternes and a trifle topped with maraschino cherries. Cedar and pine sap. It tasted red: gum, cherry cola, strawberry jam. A tropical rain storm and Hawaiian lei. Honey glazed monkfish and a Mai Tai. The final fling was tobacco and heavily waxed leather.

Nose (24/25): Candy store treats! Delectable, delicious, wonderful, mouth-watering! Slightly waxy, with apples, Autumn fruits, vanilla, strawberries, and cream pastries. I could happily sniff this glass for hours.

Taste (22/25): To taste it is more spicy than sweet; pepper and ginger mainly. The mouth feel is oily. After a sip or two it develops further, and I find honey, strawberries and fruit drops.

Finish (23/25): On the finish the sweetness is taking over from the spices. There is simple syrup, honey, sweet fruits and berries. It is warm and oily.

Balance (23/25): A lovely dram that just makes you sit back and smile.

Score (92/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas