In 2024, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) released a documentary exploring the intricate relationship between Scotch whisky and sherry. This documentary, titled “Scotch & Sherry: A Flavour Odyssey,” takes viewers on a journey from SMWS headquarters in Leith to the oak forests of Galicia and the Sherry Triangle in Andalucia. The film delves into the process of creating sherry cask-matured whisky and introduces the artisans behind both the casks and the sherry used in the maturation process.
Accompanying this documentary, SMWS has curated a tasting pack featuring three whisky samples and two sherry samples (one Oloroso and one Pedro Ximénez). Let’s review the three whiskies, but skip on the sherries.
Blended Malt 22 Scarlett Marzipan SMWS Review
Batch 22 “Scarlett Marzipan” is a 10-year-old blended malt whisky, combining Speyside and Highland whiskies. This expression was fully matured in Oloroso sherry seasoned butts, utilizing a mix of refill and first-fill casks made from both Spanish and American oak. The batch produced 2,798 bottles, bottled at 50% ABV without chill filtration or added coloring. While this particular batch has sold out on the UK and EU SMWS websites, it remains available for purchase through SMWS Switzerland.
Colour:
Tawny.
Nose:
Neat: The marzipan note is spot on. Rich aromas of blackcurrant liqueur and butterscotch emerge, accompanied by delicate hints of coconut shavings. Light whiffs of quince jam and brown sugar add to the sweetness of the nose.
With water: Surprisingly, the nose nearly disappears with just four drops of water. Faint traces of dust and orange peel emerge, and after some time, a subtle presence of red fruits, but overall, it becomes quite muted when reduced.
Palate:
Neat: Less sweet than expected, with prominent wood tannins and spice. Bitter orange marmalade, cinnamon, and dark chocolate-coated cherries take center stage, with undertones of caramel and vanilla extract reminiscent of baking ingredients.
With water: Becomes sweeter initially, then shifts back to dark cherries and warming spices. A pronounced hit of pepper and tabasco sauce appears, alongside vibrant orange notes.
Finish:
The wood influence is dominant, with lingering notes of vanilla, caramel, spice, and a touch of woody bitterness.
Comments:
It’s enjoyable but somewhat straightforward, without anything particularly groundbreaking or a real wow factor. If it was sold for £77, that feels a bit pricey for what it delivers.
Rating: 6/10
Macduff 2006 6.62 SMWS Review
Next up is a Macduff distilled on August 29, 2006. Initially matured in a bourbon hogshead for 13 years, it was then transferred to a first-fill American oak PX hogshead, reaching 16 years of age. The cask produced 228 bottles, all bottled at cask strength (54.9% ABV) with no added colouring or chill filtration. Sold out at the SMWS.
Colour:
Tawny
Nose:
Neat: A bit reserved at first, but opens up with notes of dark chocolate, damp earth, and raisins. Hints of leather and vanilla.
With water: Pretty much the same as neat.
Palate:
Neat: The bourbon cask influence is prominent, bringing vanilla and warming spices. Bright tropical notes of passion fruit, hints of pineapple, and grapefruit emerge, alongside traces of coconut shavings and oranges. The PX finish makes its presence known with dark chocolate, rich berries, and brown sugar cubes. Nice velvety mouthfeel.
With water: Becomes slightly sweeter initially, with more pronounced tropical fruit notes before the wood takes over, leaving a distinct bitterness—almost like licking oak staves.
Finish:
Spices linger, accompanied by the bitterness of dark chocolate filled with raisins and a noticeable woody presence. A light astringency lingers on the palate.
Comments:
Young-ish Macduffs tend to be enjoyable but not particularly remarkable, and this one follows suit. The Macduff 2006 SMWS is a solid dram, but nothing groundbreaking or unique. That said, it still sold out on the SMWS website.
Rating: 6/10
Glen Moray 2006 35.383 SMWS Review
This Glen Moray was distilled on January 30, 2006, and spent 13 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead before being transferred to a first-fill Spanish oak Oloroso hogshead. Bottled at 17 years old, it was released at cask strength (54.7% ABV), with no chill filtration or added colouring. The outturn was 258 bottles, and it’s still available on the SMWS UK website for £106.
Colour:
Tawny.
Nose:
Neat: Butterscotch, cigar box, and Irn-Bru-flavoured sweets lead the way, complemented by white chocolate and a touch of cinnamon. A slight sharpness is present but not overwhelming.
With water: Largely unchanged, with caramel and soft spices taking center stage.
Palate:
Neat: Rich caramel and a medley of spices—pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove—combine with milk chocolate, dark cherries, oranges, and quince. Pleasant oily texture. Notes of brown sugar, hazelnuts, almonds, leather, tobacco, and a return of the cigar box.
With water: Caramel and wood remain prominent, joined by maple syrup (and no, it’s not the same glass from the Defilement 26yo review!). The texture turns waxy, though a touch more woody bitterness emerges.
Finish:
Nutty notes linger, accompanied by leather, quince, and dark cherries. A very light astringency rounds it out.
Comments:
A pleasant and easy-drinking Glen Moray, with a well-balanced finish that stays clear of being an overpowering sherry bomb. At 17 years old for £106, the pricing is fair, yet it remains available on the SMWS UK website. Perhaps just a touch too much woody bitterness.