We feel like explorers this month travelling to exotic, idyllic, faraway places without moving.  The September Outturn is a journey for the senses bringing a bountiful selection of daydreamer drams – 7 new single cask whiskies to be carried away with.

CASK No. 44.71  INVIGORATING AND INSPIRING

11 years old; refill barrel; 58.3%; Spicy & sweet

Aromas of an old-fashioned dunnage warehouse created a zen like ambience and with the surprisingly snowballing chili heat on the palate, we felt truly invigorated. Water released a bunch of freesias and on the taste it was all about perfect balance.

CASK No. 36.97  GINGER PASSIONFRUIT TRIFLE

18 years old; refill barrel; 57.9%; Spicy & sweet

Bouquet of bright coloured flowers and autumn berry crumble were the aromas with the taste of a full flavoured IPA; sweet, citric and ginger in perfect balance. Water added an exotic fruity, floral dimension and in the finish a passionfruit trifle.

CASK No. 77.42  PORTUGUESE CUSTARD TARTS

14 years old; 2nd fill Sauternes hogshead; 58.4%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

Juicy fruit chewing gum, mint toffees and orange flavoured toothpaste were replaced by sweet porridge aromas neat, whilst in the taste we discovered spicy eggnog. Water added poached pears and Portuguese custard tarts. This whisky previously inhabited an ex-bourbon hogshead.

CASK No. 71.42  SINBAD PREPARING FOR A JOURNEY

17 years old; refill butt; 57.5%; Spicy & dry

The nose has crème brûlée, smoky bacon crisps, pork crackling and patchouli; an old-fashioned boat-builder’s yard, and Eastern rugs. The palate is big, tasty and dark – treacle cake, caramel popcorn, chili chocolate, caramelized apples with pork; beef jerky, leather and cigars.

CASK No. 3.261  RECORD SHOP AT THE RACES

14 years old; refill hogshead; 55.7%; Lightly peated

Lavender buttonholes and Parma Violets candies. Vinyl and fake leather jackets. Pit lanes at Le Mons: overalls and leather seats. Smoked ham and tobacco. Damp tweed and scorched heather.  A burnt twig used a dipstick. Red vinyl in a mahogany chest.

CASK No. 33.143  THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT

8 years old; 2nd fill butt; 59.9%; Peated

Big licks of maple bacon, sticky pulled pork over hickory smoke. Tropical fruit kebabs roasted over white hot coals. ‘Properly good smoke!’ Charred pork crackling with a Bloody Mary. Blood oranges in a smoky greenhouse.

CASK No. 53.234  SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE

16 years old; refill hogshead; 64.1%; Heavily peated

Smoked bacon, smoked sea salt, smoked salmon, smoked scallops and smoked brown sugar. The taste neat had a chili heat and plenty of big, deep and penetrating – smoke. Water released smoked plum lemonade and Arbroath smokies with cream and mustard.

SMWS Canada