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.
I really don't know what to expect with this, so rather than belabor the description, let's just dive in:
Nose: Peppery BBQ smoke is the first and most predominant scent here. Spicy oak, leather, peanut husks, and hints of sweeter sherry notes come after, along with the expected slab of peat. Surprisingly shy nose on this one - doesn't give itself away at all.
After quite some time in the glass, I finally get raisins, dates, and figs - the expected lineup of sherry flavors. Also, a touch of honey.
Mouthfeel: Quite thick and chewy on the tongue.
Palate: Follows the nose pretty closely: pepper, white wine, BBQ sauce, meat, peat, smoke, hints of fruit, leather, sawdust, nuts. Nothing earth shattering here, but also reasonably solid for what it is.
Finish: Last a long time - here is where the sweetness finally comes through: red fruit, ketchup (!), pepper, oak, lots of smoke, and maybe some honey.
Verdict: A perfectly cromulent sherried Islay blend. Doesn't excel in any particular direction, but gets the job done in a very straightforward and basic way, especially for 50% ABV.
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