Glen Scotia 18 Year SMWS 93.116 “Dystopian cyberman lubricant”
Whisky : Glen Scotia 18 Year SMWS 93.116 “Dystopian cyberman lubricant”
Country/Region : Scotland/Campbeltown
ABV : 50.4%
Cask : Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead
Age : 18 Years (Distilled 16 Feb. 2001)
Nose : Industrial with hints of seafood and dessert. Dirty fireplace, charcoal disposal pit, machine grease, watch oil, metal polish, and wrought iron on a hot day. Sweeter notes slide in slowly: vanilla, licorice, old shoe polish rag, honey butter, and a clean barbershop. Grilled prawns and butter garlic crab hide in the background, but come out more with a few drops of water along with used up fireworks.
Palate : Mild flavor profile with an oily almost velvety body. Layers transition between creamy florals, metallic, and savory maritime. Floral nutty olive oil, citrus zest, and vanilla yogurt. Sink cabinet with a leaky pipe, dirty oiled rags, pool chemicals, leather seats, and automotive shop. Undertones of mineral oil, wet slate, moss, dried nori, and smoldering straw.
Finish : Lingering honey, salt, and mineral water.
Score : 7
Mental Image : Secret seafood joint on the docks.
Something Better : Octomore 6Y Sauternes R&BT (similar olive/mineral oil, more smoke/brine)
Something Similar : Caol Ila 17Y “Unpeated Style” (similar mineral oil/maritime, more citrus)
Something Similar : Cragganmore 12 Y, 2019 Special Release (similar olive oil/body, more nutty)
Notes : This was the first SMWS bottle I ever bought just for myself. I thought the name was ludicrous and the SMWS Glen Scotia rarely disappoint. Glen Scotia has consistently been a favorite distillery among our local tasting group. This was a complex dram with loads of depth and different distinct layers to the palate. If I could change one thing, I do wish the flavors were even bolder and the finish a bit longer.
The SMWS name does actually sense to me this time— I can see how you might sip on this and get to picturing the Terminator. There are enough salt-machine-oil notes that I can picture the leather jacket clad robot assassin bearing down on me. SMWS enjoys a special relationship with Glen Scotia and gets access to casks that show off a variety of, sometimes wildly, different flavor profiles. This one was unique and quite good— definitely a treat to take off the shelf and share.
