Scotch Malt Whisky Society Blended Batch 15

 

From time to time, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society ("SMWS") pulls a move out of the Compass Box repertoire and releases a curated blend, usually at 50% ABV. This one is Batch 15, which is peated Islay and Orkney distilleries matured for ten years in a wide variety of casks: ex-bourbon, ex-PX sherry, ex-Oloroso sherry, American oak, French oak, etc.

Clynelish 8 Year (SMWS 26.137 "Chasing Chameleons")

 

There is something really fun and engaging about young Clynelish. I've heard the older version of Clynelish can be sublime, or near perfection - but I've never had it. Instead I've had plenty of bottles like this one, a young 8 year independent bottling from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society ("SMWS"), nicknamed Chasing Chameleons. 

Port Charlotte 10 Year (Second Take)

 

This is a second look at Bruichladdich's standard heavily peated offering, their 10 year Port Charlotte bottling. This was recently named Whisky of the Year 2023 by YouTube whisky icon Ralfy, and has since become almost unobtainable here in DC. At 10 years old, it's priced right around the same point as Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 - heavily competitive territory.

Clairin Sonson 2018 (unaged rhum from Cabaret in Haiti)

When I was 13, a Haitian/Salvadorean family moved in next door to me, and they had a son my age who I got along with amazingly from day one. Now, 30 years later, our two families are one family, and consequentially I love all things Haitian - the music, the culture, and - of course - the rum. 

Aultmore 11 Year (Blackadder "Legendary" Raw Cask)

 

While browsing at one of my favorite liquor stores here in Washington DC, I came across four dusty bottles of Blackadder. One was a 21 year Auchentoshan (far from my favorite distillery), two were Miltonduffs I already have, and the fourth ... was this 11 year "Legendary" Aultmore. Why is it legendary? I have no idea. Blackadder's website doesn't explain. I assume it's a particularly good cask? I guess I'll find out soon enough...

Miltonduff 10 Year (Blackadder Raw Cask, PX Finish)

 

Another uncommon Miltdonduff (think: Chivas Regal) bottling from Blackadder, this time a 10 year with a Pedro Ximenez sherry cask finish. Unsure how long the finish is - safe to guess 1-2 years. Bottled at 57.1% ABV, and zero filtration of even the most basic variety. 

Blackadder Smoking Islay (9 Year Islay Blend)

 

A blend of two unnamed Islay distilleries, married, vatted, and aged 9 years before bottled at a very nice 60.5% ABV (full cask strength), with zero filtration of any sort. I have been in the winter-inspired mood for smoky whiskies lately, so I picked this up on sale. 

Varela Hermanos 16 Year Rum (SMWS R9.11 "Zipwire")

 

I can't say I've ever had any Panamanian rum before this 16 year bottle from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society ("SMWS"). But their single cask rums have been uniformly excellent, so I immediately took a chance. Spoiler alert: I was well rewarded, this is fantastic.