MAY 2018
M A LT O F T H E M O N T H : SUMMER BERRY BRULÉE CASK No. 71.51 Ready to crack open: Friday 4th May
CELLARMASTER'S NOTE Dear Members, You may recall in last month’s Outturn that I recently attended the DramFest whisky festival in New Zealand last month. With the weather starting to cool, the Australian whisky exhibitions are also lining up for their turn: Whisky Live comes to Sydney in May before continuing around the rest of the country across June, July and August. Similarly, The Whisky Show is in Sydney this month, then Melbourne in August. And there are other smaller shows and expos scattered around the country as well.
Partner Bar: Archie Rose
If you’ve not been to one of these events previously, they’re usually a good opportunity to try a healthy selection of different whiskies and brands. (And, if you’re in training for The Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship, they’re also a good opportunity to refresh and remind your palate of how the commercial brands and expressions taste!) After a bit of internal debate and discussion, The Society elected not to be present at the whisky expos this year. We’ve certainly showcased ourselves at these events in the past and poured out SMWS drams for the masses, but – in truth – we’re a slightly different proposition. For starters, we’re dealing with single cask expressions with very small allocations. If there’s only 12 bottles of something available in Australia, I’d rather
have them available for our Members, rather than pour out three or four bottles at a festival where punters are simply wanting to taste stuff and move on. The Society is a club and we offer something a bit beyond just buying and drinking whisky. To be honest, trying to “sell” membership in a club at these events is a tough ask when most attendees just want to hunt down a distillery or expression they’ve never tasted before and chalk up another notch on their belt. The other reason for our absence this year is that our network of Partner Bars has grown to the point where our whiskies are now more available by the dram than ever before. In short, if a punter (or a member!) wants to try a dram of something from the Society without splashing out on an entire bottle first, it’s pretty easy to track one down. Several of our Partner Bars are now showcasing and pouring out all the bottlings from each new Outturn each month, and – as we continually remind people – members get discounts on the drams. Also – and members often overlook this – don’t forget that we are always sending our Partner Bars exclusive bottlings that won’t ever appear on Outturn, as well as sneak previews of stock that mightn’t appear on Outturn for a few months. So, visiting a Partner Bar might give you the opportunity to taste something from the Society that you weren’t aware was in the country. If you’re in one of the capital cities, be sure to check out your local Partner Bar (or Bars) and get in on the action. Slainté
Director, Cellarmaster & NSW Manager
T R I P L E P E AT E X P L O S I O N Those with a keen eye will notice there's not one, not two, but THREE peated expressions in Outturn this month.
T
his is both welcome to peat lovers, but also quite strategic as we head into the colder months when many members love a cracking peated whisky! These three whiskies are all very different to each other (as every cask we release is utterly unique), and even when there's three peated whiskies to choose from it can sometimes be daunting. Let's take a deeper look...
1
CASK No. 93.80 ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES
This is the first '93' distillery offering we've had in a few months now and hails from the cult-like Campbeltown region of Scotland where the spirit is rich, oily, funky, and a lot of fun. The peated expressions from distillery 93 are always interesting, especially at this youthful age of just 7 years in oak. We bottle when it's ready, not when it reaches a certain pre-determined number that looks better on a bottle.
2
CASK No. 10.125 CHARRED STICKS IN A HONEY POT
Cask 10.125 which hails from the Islay region is next, and lovers of distillery '10' are again in for a treat. Definitely on the Lightly Peated end of the flavour spectrum, the peated expressions from distillery 10 are often super-buttery and just a delight, with this cask proving no different from one of the more versatile distilleries on Islay! While a large percentage of their spirit goes into some blends, a small portion is sold as single malts, and an even smaller portion as single cask, single malts!
3
CASK No. 53.241 D E N S E S M O K E OV E R A TA R R Y D E C K
Now this is precisely the ultimate late-night winter dram. Young, brash, beautiful, and brooding. Salty rocks on the skyline soar in this expression from distillery 53, which has not only the highest output of any Islay distillery, but also one of the most recognisable flavours by far in whisky from anywhere in the world. So what happens when you bottle a bruiser at 6 years old and 60.3%? It's a cold evening dram like no other. So peat lovers and first timers rejoice: there's really something for everyone in this month's Outturn!
F L AV O U R P R O F I L E S EVERY SOCIETY WHISKY FALLS INTO ONE OF OUR TWELVE FLAVOUR PROFILES. LET FLAVOUR BE YOUR GUIDE!
H E AV I LY P E AT E D
YO U N G & S P R I T E LY S W E E T, FRUITY & M E L LOW
P E AT E D
L I G H T LY P E AT E D
O I LY & C O A S TA L
THE 12 FLAVOUR PROFILES
SPICY & SWEET
SPICY & DRY
D E E P, R I C H & DRIED FRUITS
J U I C Y OA K & VA N I L L A LIGHT & D E L I C AT E
OLD & DIGNIFIED
Society bottlings are grouped together into 12 flavour profiles that tell you something about their character. The nature of single cask whiskies means that it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes a dram special, so each flavour profile is a broad classification which makes it simpler for you to navigate our whisky listings.
YO U R S O U L M AT E AWA I T S May Outturn offers a selection of nine wonderful casks to excite the senses. An indulgent array of flavour profiles provides an ever-changing sense of discovery with each and every single cask release. Choose your whisky soulmate and embrace the journey!
ALL NEW RELEASES WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE FROM FRIDAY 4TH MAY AT MIDDAY AEST.
S W E E T, F R U I T Y & M E L L O W
CASK No. 7.182 W H I T E V E LV E T TASTING NOTES: We were greeted by the fruity, sweet, homely aromas of making strawberry jam, possibly scented with pelargonium leaves, or cooking caramelised apple & walnut strudel alongside lavender shortbread biscuits. On the palate however the spicy fruit chutney with coriander surprised us at first before moist dark chocolate Jamaica ginger bread cupcakes topped with a silky chocolate buttercream emerged. Water relaxed and calmed the nose even more, sweet bread with raisins and warm hazelnut cream crepes and the mouthfeel as mellow as white hot chocolate laced with lavender honey syrup – deliciously creamy and as soft as velvet.
13 YEARS 1 S T
1 7 N OV E M B E R 2 0 03
F I L L
B A R R E L
A U S A L L O C AT I O N : 1 8 B O T T L E S
59.2%
SPEYSIDE
1 of 224 bottles PRICE: $185
M A LT O F T H E M O N T H S W E E T, F R U I T Y & M E L L O W
CASK No. 71.51 SUMMER BERRY BRULÉE Distillery 71 is a true 'workhorse' of a distillery with a fascinating history and almost no core range releases until even just recently. A core malt of Ballantines, this cask, rolled out and approved by the panel for members, is an example of how their fruity and mellow spirit is just a delight to imbibe and enjoy. Endless berries on the nose and palate, this might just be the 'Summer berry brulée' the doctor ordered!
TASTING NOTES: A fruity, sweet and spicy aroma filled the room like bourbon-spiked coconut cream served over oven roasted pears with a vanilla scented caramel syrup and glazed pecans sprinkled on top. The taste neat was just like a summer berry brulée made with raspberries, loganberries, blackberries and red and blackcurrants, Greek yoghurt and Demerara sugar. Water added an exotic touch as an Indian mango pudding with kiwi and strawberries emerged next to a menthol oily freshness which further developed, on the palate, into a refreshing virgin Pina Colada as well as a blackcurrant & mint sorbet and a creamy grape salad with brown sugar and pecans. 9 YEARS
3 0 JA N UA RY 2 0 0 8
R E F I L L
B A R R E L
A U S A L L O C AT I O N : 4 8 B O T T L E S
61.4%
SPEYSIDE
1 of 162 bottles PRICE: $139
$ 1 3 9 R E D U C E D F R O M $ 1 6 5 . 4 2 B O T T L E S AVA I L A B L E .
L I G H T LY P E A T E D
CASK No. 10.125 CHARRED STICKS IN A HONEY POT TASTING NOTES: A mineralic edge of crushed flint combined with salty sea breeze and freshly sanded oak with its vanilla laced sweetness being reminiscent of pink wafer biscuits. A delicate smoke shrouded the glass like charred bonfire embers but with a sweet coating of runny honey. With water a light fruitiness evolved with freshly juiced blood oranges and tangy gooseberry tart beside a rock pool. The palate carried a delightfully nutty character with salted pistachio nuts wrapped in a creamy blanket of thick milkshake and cranachan. Blackcurrant jam and sultanas followed before a lasting finish of sea salt on lemon skin. 9 YEARS
07 F E B R UA RY 2 0 0 8
R E F I L L
61.1%
I S L AY
1 of 224 bottles
B A R R E L
PRICE: $195
A U S A L L O C AT I O N : 4 2 B O T T L E S
SPICY & SWEET
CASK No. 37.96 CINNAMON SEMOLINA PUDDING TASTING NOTES: Plenty of polished wood and new leather boots to start with but with time dark fruity sweet aromas of puff pastry plum tartlets as well as steaming blackcurrant and blackberry crumble appeared. To taste neat like ginger walnut loaf cake with cinnamon spiced cherry syrup and raspberry jam coconut slices. Adding water it turned into vanilla and honey panna cotta with boysenberries served with pomegranate smoothie. On the palate, Thai steamed coconut-pandan cake and warm semolina pudding with cinnamon and raisins. After 12 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, we transferred this whisky directly into a 1st fill American oak Pedro Ximenez hogshead for the remainder of its maturation. 13 YEARS
05 NOVEMBER 2003
58.7%
1ST FILL AMERICAN OAK PEDRO XIMENEZ HOGSHEAD A U S A L L O C AT I O N : 1 2 B O T T L E S
SPEYSIDE
1 of 292 bottles PRICE: $195
D E E P, R I C H & D R I E D F R U I T S
CASK No. 24.129 MEETING AN OLD MASTER Continuing our release of spectacular bottlings from The Vaults Collection, this month is the turn of Cask 24.129 ‘Meeting an old master’ – an absolute gem from an iconic Speyside distillery. Cherished around the world and famed for its sherry influence, this bottling follows the distillery’s traditional style and has aged for 27 years in the finest sherry casks. Matured in an ex-oloroso butt before being moved to a first-fill Pedro Ximenez cask to give it the complex, rich, layered flavours that have become synonymous with the famous distillery. This sumptuous whisky falls under the Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits flavour profile.
TASTING NOTES: The whisky cascading into the glass was like a sunset over the Sahara dessert, burning the sky with a life-enhancing deep orange radiance. First nosing revealed an artist’s studio with old easels and the smell of thick canvas and linseed and sandalwood oil. The blinds had been pulled shut to direct a single beam of sunlight through the darkness, illuminating a still life with stark contrasts. It intensified the vibrant colours of the oranges, prunes and dried apricots that had been carefully positioned beside a dusty bottle of tawny port and a glass of sweet Tokaji wine. The palate was also dark yet sweet with chocolate covered brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, figs, prunes and old leather. Then muscovado sugar, all spice and a finish of rye whisky with dark, strong coffee. After spending 25 years in an ex-oloroso butt this was transferred to a 1st fill Pedro Ximinez butt for the remainder of its maturation. 27 YEARS 1 S T
F I L L
0 7 M AY 1 9 9 0
P E D R O
X I M E N E Z
A U S A L L O C AT I O N : 1 2 B O T T L E S
53.6% B U T T
SPEYSIDE
1 of 414 bottles PRICE: $1750*
*BALLOT SYSTEM – REGISTER YOUR INTEREST! ONLY 12 BOTTLES AVAILABLE. How to buy: Due to the extremely limited availability of Cask 24.129, we invite interested members to enter the ballot by emailing their name and membership number to ballot@smws.com.au Closing date for entries: Thursday 10th May midday AEST.
An absolutely gorgeous dram and a wonderful example of this distillery’s traditional style of classic sherried whisky, as it was made in a previous era. It is big, voluptuous and stimulating, with a deeply complex texture. Precious as it is, I wanted to pour myself another dram immediately.” CHARLES MACLEAN Scotland’s leading whisky expert
O I LY & C O A S T A L
CASK No. 112.18 C U L I N A R Y T R I P A R O U N D B R I TA I N TASTING NOTES: On the nose neat this felt like a traditional English ploughman’s lunch consisting of nutty golden mature cheese wedges, herb flavoured sausages, mango chutney, pickled onions, beetroot and celery sticks. On the palate neat a Welsh rarebit, cheese on toast seasoned with chilli pepper chutney and Worcestershire sauce and maple glazed walnuts were added. With water the gastronomic journey continued and aromas of hearty lamb Scotch broth with winter root vegetables were followed by a tasty surprising twist as flavours of oven roasted sardines with tomatoes on sourdough bread and cured salmon with dill, tarragon and fresh horseradish rounded of the culinary delights.
9 YEARS 2 N D
20 FEBRUARY 2008
F I L L
60.0%
HIGHLAND
1 of 311 bottles
H O G S H E A D
A U S A L L O C AT I O N : 1 8 B O T T L E S
PRICE: $160
P E AT E D
CASK No. 53.241 DENSE SMOKE OVER A TA R R Y D E C K TASTING NOTES: As the heather burnt and gorse bushes sizzled and cracked in the heat, huge plumes of dense and earthy smoke surged into the sky above the salty rocks of the coastline. Watching from the safety of our fishing trawler, fine ash rained down around us and settled on the tarry deck and what had now become trays of smoked mackerel. The skipper, dressed in his old sealskin waterproofs, began making not only Bloody Marys abundant in Worcestershire sauce and spicy Tabasco but also Margaritas with smoked tequila and plenty of fresh lime. We opened a packet of balsamic vinegar crisps and tucked into barbequed pork ribs as we watched the flickering flames reflect of the nearby rock pools. 6 YEARS R E F I L L
27 APRIL 2011
H O G S H E A D
A U S A L L O C AT I O N : 3 0 B O T T L E S
60.3%
I S L AY
1 of 318 bottles PRICE: $169
L I G H T LY P E A T E D
CASK No. 93.80 ‘ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES’ TASTING NOTES: On the nose neat it was a real mixed bag of aromas ranging from smoked mussels and Thai sweet chilli scallops, to custard creams served with mint tea to a freshly laid tar road and finally a hint of medicinal cough remedy. Quite an experience which was aptly followed by the taste; an explosion of peat smoke and chilli heat combined with tart cherries, slightly unripe gooseberries and a freshly brewed Lapsang Souchong tea. After dilution sweeter notes appeared like that of a smoked cardamom vanilla latte while on the palate a spicy smoky crab cake Panini and to finish plenty of salty liquorice.
7 YEARS 1 S T
F I L L
04 MARCH 2010
B O U R B O N
60.6%
B A R R E L
A U S A L L O C AT I O N : 2 4 B O T T L E S
C A M P B E LT O W N
1 of 222 bottles PRICE: $179
SPICY & SWEET
CASK No. 2.99 J OY F U L R A M B L I N G TASTING NOTES: As soon as the bottle was opened it was like Springtime had entered the room. Birds began singing and the air filled with the fragrance of rose gardens, fruit blossom and freshly cut grass. The smell of peaches and lychees combined with the aromas of fresh herbs and the revitalising tang of menthol and camphor. A spicy element was present like fruit chutney, hot cross buns and cigar tobacco. A sprinkling of water unveiled new pastures of coconut, chocolate and nutmeg. The palate assumed a fizzy and lively demeanour with the fruity sweetness of apricots, poached pears and yellow plums. The finish however was rich in oak timber and the pleasant presence of wood spice. 10 YEARS
29 SEPTEMBER 2006
R E F I L L
B A R R E L
A U S A L L O C AT I O N : 3 0 B O T T L E S
58.8%
SPEYSIDE SPEY
1 of 207 bottles PRICE: $199
AMBASSADOR’S ADDRESS It's May Outturn time! By the time you're reading this very column, there's a very good chance I'll be slinging Society spirits behind the Mezzanine Bar at Archie Rose for our pop-up 3-night Society bar. If you read this before that, however, and are based in the Sydney area, I encourage you to introduce a friend to the Society via a few drams behind the bar during those three nights. We'll be opening current releases to try, past gems, and some brilliant upcoming casks that you'll get to sample before anyone else. No entry fee, just pay for what you want at one of Sydney's best bars and easily one of Australia's best distilleries. On that point of Partner Bars, as Andrew has also mentioned, they are evolving. They are growing, and we are growing with them in providing excellent meeting points and full-flavoured experiences. We now have two Partner Bars that generally carry the full Outturn each month, those being Shirt Bar (NSW ) and Whisky & Alement (VIC). Plus we also have a range of unique offerings at our myriad of Partner Bars across the country. It's well and truly beyond just Outturn selections however, and if you hunt around, you'll find some truly dearly-departed drams that you'll be able to come back to and relive the experience at our Partner Bars. Up until very recently there was a stunning old '37' @smws_matt
still at Rockpool Bar & Grill, there's still a few drams left of the cult-status 132's at Melbourne Whisky Room, and there are some truly stonking good casks along the top shelf at The Rob Roy in Adelaide. I encourage you to have a poke around, see what you find!
Lastly, and I know I mention this every month, but the Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championships is getting closer every day. Saturday 28th July, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. It's not a big 'serious' affair, it's a lighthearted big-event of nosing and appreciating whisky, taking a stab at what's in the glass, and hey, there's every chance you might win something! For 2018, I can confirm that we have our friends over at William Grant & Sons on board as partner and 2nd prize sponsor, and also joining us is the incredible Oak Barrel for 3rd prize and other activations on the night. This is going to be HUGE. Someone will take the biggest-ever 1st prize home, which we're inches away from being able to announce, so keep an eye on your email and our social media. As always, happy dramming, and I hope you are finding the time to enjoy the finest Society spirits with friends, and enjoying all the benefits of being a member of the world's biggest, and best, whisky club!
bailey@smws.com.au MATT BAILEY, SMWS NATIONAL AMBASSADOR
ARCHIE ROSE DISTILLERY & SMWS POP-UP BAR The Archie Rose x SMWS pop-up bar collaboration is here! Kicking off on Thursday 3rd of May for three nights only from 4pm until late, we're truly bringing The Vaults to Sydney at the Mezzanine Bar upstairs at Archie Rose. As well as current and upcoming gems from the Society, we'll also be serving up a limited edition Archie Rose Signature Serve Cocktail made from a Society selection, of which there will only be eleven available each night. Also, keep an eye out for casks that are well and truly 'archived' which we'll be opening and serving at attractive dram prices – taking us on a trip through history, as well as looking forward, with the SMWS.
THE AUSTRALIAN M A LT W H I S K Y TA S T I N G CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 Drink whisky, win big! July 28th will see a fun night of whisky, nosing, tasting, and an exciting after-party with Society bar, live music, cocktail bar and more, all included in the ticket. Someone will take home the trophy, first prize, and bragging rights in 2018. Everyone will have an unforgettable night! BOOK NOW!
DETAILS
BOOKINGS
Saturday 28th July 6.30pm until late
Book now for a chance to win – snooze and you lose! Early Bird tickets closing soon:
Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo, Sydney
www.amwtc-smws.com
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All day every day
Mon-Fri, 9:00am–5:00pm AEST
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Society whiskies are offered and sold through The Wine Empire Pty Ltd, Liquor Licence LIQP770010175.