Enjoy another sensory journey with our April Outturn as we explore bold and balanced flavours. And be sure to download the pdf of this month’s Outturn from our website to read the latest instalment of our yearlong look at whisky and sherry, as well the background to Cask No. 53.456 chosen by Canadian member Mathieu Dureau.

LEMON AND LIME SHORTBREAD

CASK NO. 35.348

REGION:  Speyside

CASK TYPE:  2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  10 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet, fruity & mellow

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Green apples and mango coconut smoothies were followed by vanilla malted milkshakes. Reduction added papayas as well as lemon and lime shortbread.”

PUSH PINEAPPLE, SHAKE       A BEE

CASK NO. 39.284

REGION:  Speyside

CASK TYPE:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  11 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Juicy, oak & vanilla

BOTTLE NOTE:  “The busy bees collect pineapples, guavas and apples to make marmalades and chutneys, while others create crème brûlée and coconut sponge.”

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

CASK NO. 46.140

REGION:  Speyside

CASK TYPE:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  12 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Spicy & sweet

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Presented with flowers and coconut and almond white chocolate truffles before we enjoyed malted milk biscuits, and a lemon, lime and chilli sorbet.”

GARBANZO’S CAJUN TRAIN RIDE*

CASK NO. 78.65

REGION:  Highland

CASK TYPE:  2nd fill oloroso butt

AGE:  9 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Our journey began in a sooty, treacly old train carriage with worn leather seats and corduroy curtains. In the buffet car, we snacked on Cajun-seasoned French fries, turmeric-roasted garbanzo beans, dried mango and black cherry.” *Giving Spirit bottle – sales profits will go to charity; read more here

BRAMBLE RAMBLE

CASK NO. 68.106

REGION:  Highland

INITIAL CASK:  Ex-bourbon hogshead

FINAL CASK:  1st fill Spanish oak oloroso hogshead

AGE:  14 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Crème brûlée, chocolate fudge sundae and peaches in syrup confronted tannic oak, burnt heather, aniseed balls, PX, espresso and charcuterie.”

‘POUDING CHÔMEUR’ AT  THE SHACK*

CASK NO. 53.456

REGION:  Islay

INITIAL CASK:  Ex-bourbon hogshead

FINAL CASK:  1st fill American oak hogshead

AGE:  9 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Peated

BOTTLE NOTE:  “An escapade to a sugar shack in a room smelling of burning firewood with lots of maple syrup.” *Cask chosen and name/tasting note by Canadian member Mathieu Dureau

A FLASHING BLADE

CASK NO. 144.4

REGION:  Sweden

CASK TYPE:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  7 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Heavily peated

BOTTLE NOTE:  “A swooshing Swedish blade of raw peaty energy! Medicines, minerals, peat ashes, brine and suggestions of bonfires, cured fish and raw iodine.”

BROWSE APRIL OUTTURN HEREThe Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “Oak is vital for the Scotch whisky industry. It’s the only wood that we are legally allowed to mature our new make spirit in to make whisky. There are different types of oak, mainly American oak and European oak. And oak is what actually gives the whisky its colour and gives it a lot of its flavour.”

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🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

Phil is on vacation and will return on the 24th …

A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY DEBUTS ABRAHAM BOWMAN OAK SERIES: AN EXPERIMENTAL WHISKEY SERIES EXPLORING OAK VARIETALS

Launching with French Oak, this limited-edition whiskey will be available through an online lottery

FREDERICKSBURG, VA – A. Smith Bowman Distillery today announces the launch of Abraham Bowman Oak Series, a new set of experimental American whiskeys joining the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection. This exciting new series demonstrates A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of American whiskey making methodologies while celebrating the legacy of Abraham Bowman, the great-grandfather of the Distillery’s founder, Abram Smith Bowman.

The Abraham Bowman Oak Series explores cask maturation in different oak varietals from around the world, as well as the effect charring has on the flavor of whiskey. For the inaugural release, A. Smith Bowman Distillery introduces Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak. This unique whiskey is made from an award-winning mash bill and brings a flavor profile unlike any of its counterparts in the collection, blending a mix of liquids aged for 12 years in French Oak barrels both with and without char.

“These barrels sat for an extended period of time to maximize the differences among them,” said Head Distiller David Bock. “Once blended together, the vanilla from the no-char barrels helps balance out the pepper notes from the charred barrels, creating a dynamic and delicious blend. We are very pleased with the final result.”

Bottled at 100 proof, Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak has a muted caramel color, similar to that of a newly minted penny. On the nose, the aroma of cherry and caramel engulf your glass. A sweet vanilla and a spice note are very pronounced on the pallet, as is the oak from the extended aging. The finish is a crisp cinnamon apple.

“French Oak is teaching us that experimenting with wood can bring some exciting nuances to the flavor profile of a distillate,” said Bock. “As the upcoming Oak Series releases continue to age, we are excited to explore what will come next in the Abraham Bowman collection.”

Inspired by his pioneering spirit, the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection honors Abraham’s legacy of innovation, mastery and adventure. More than 150 years before his great-grandson established Virginia’s oldest distillery, Abraham traversed the territories of the Thirteen Colonies as a Colonel of Virginia’s 8^th Regiment. The 8^th regiment was heavily engaged in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, solidifying their role in the American Revolution.

The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection of whiskeys began in 2010 with the release of Abraham Bowman Rye Whiskey. Each edition of the Abraham Bowman Collection reflects innovation and creativity coming from our Master Distillers Brian Prewitt, the late Truman Cox and current Head Distiller David Bock. Previous releases in the Abraham Bowman Collection have explored different mash bills, aging techniques, proofs, finishes and more.

The opportunity to purchase a limited bottle of Abraham Bowman Oak Series: French Oak will occur through an online lottery taking place from April 4 – April 11. Consumers nationwide are invited to enter the lottery, however winners MUST purchase in-person at the A. Smith Bowman gift shop within three weeks of winning. Limit one entry per person. To enter, please submit a form here. Winners will be randomly selected on April 15, 2024 and notified via email immediately following the selection. Each 750ml bottle will be sold at the suggested retail price of $99.99, excluding state taxes and fees.

For more information about the Abraham Bowman Collection, visit asmithbowman.com/spirits.

About A. Smith Bowman Distillery 

As Virginia’s oldest distillery, A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s rich history dates back to 1927, when Abram Smith Bowman purchased 7,200-acres in Fairfax County, Virginia. Named Sunset Hills Farm, the Bowman Family were grain and dairy farmers until the fields became so abundant that Bowman needed a use for the excess grain. In 1934, he built a groundbreaking distillery on the farmland and, with the help of his two sons, produced the first-ever batch of Virginia Gentleman Whiskey

Today, the historic distillery has relocated 60 miles away to Fredericksburg, where it operates as a small, family-owned company continuing the time-honored traditions on which it was founded, producing premium handcrafted spirits in small batches and experimental editions that embody innovation at its core. Award-winning products produced at A. Smith Bowman Distillery include Bowman Brothers Small Batch Bourbon, John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon, A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon, the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection, Deep Run Vodka, Sunset Hills Gin, George Bowman Caribbean Rum and Mary Hite Bowman Caramel Bourbon Cream, among others. In 2023, Cask Strength won Gold medals at multiple competitions including the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the American Whiskey Masters.

For more information on A. Smith Bowman Distillery, visit asmithbowman.com.

Jim Beam Kentucky Coolers Welcomes Fresh Wave of Flavor with Four New Varieties

We’re delighted to announce that we have partnered up with Rothes Glen, The Luxury Castle for Whisky Connoisseurs, to give you the opportunity to experience the Ultimate Whisky Experience, in the heart of Speyside, Scotland this summer.

Offering breath-taking views down the glen and within easy reach of Inverness and Aberdeen airports, Rothes Glen is the perfect sanctuary for those looking for the finest whisky experiences. With space limited to just 28 guests, the Ultimate Whisky Experience includes tastings, distillery visits, fine dining and sharing time with distillers and friends with a passion for whisky.

Your Ultimate Whisky Experience at 

Rothes Glen includes:

 A welcome dram on arrival.

 The Whisky Magazine Editor’s Blend in your private suite.

 Discovering the Rothes Glen miniature whisky barrels tucked away in the grounds.

• Exploring the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame and tasting room.

 Experiencing the incredible in-house dinners attended by guest distillers.

 Whisky tastings hosted by the Rothes Glen team.

 PLUS Whisky cabinets which contain the house collection, available to buy by the dram or decanter and access to 46 distilleries within 30 minutes of the castle.

Three-night all-inclusive stay at Rothes Glen

£3,950 per couple in a king-size en suite bedroom

£2,950 single occupancy

5% discount for bookings of 2+ rooms

 10% discount for booking the whole castle

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE

FIND OUT MORE

Spring has sprung, offering the perfect opportunity to revel in the rich tapestry of tastes that tantalise our taste buds. Join us for an exhilarating exploration of the fundamentals of flavour, where we delve into the five taste qualities: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami, igniting a flavour journey like no other.

At the heart of our adventure lies whisky, the ultimate flavour magician, ready to dazzle your taste buds and leave you spellbound and thirsty for more! The diversity of flavours whisky can conjure is so extensive that we can pinpoint whiskies that perfectly encapsulate all the fundamental tastes.

If you’re thirsty for more knowledge, dive into our latest article by Kami Newton, where he uncovers the secrets of our senses, taking you on a journey beyond the glass.

Each dram goes much further than taste alone; it’s a complete experience for the palate, as Kami rightly says: “We see. We touch. We smell.” Taste is a grand place to embark on your flavour journey, but with flavours as intricate as these, it can only ever be a fraction of the story.

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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

ralfy review 1022 Extras – Controlling our own malt-narrative.