Review #: 44
Description: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 52.28 “Milking a Cowfish”
Spirit: Scotch
Background: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a well known Independent Bottler that, I believe, people can pay to join the society and gain access to their bottlings. The numbering system was first started as a way to identify a distillery without using the name and having a potential for naming issues or bias against where the whisky was made. Eccentric names, descriptions and tasting notes have led to people being fairly confident in breaking the code of where most come from. “52” Corresponds with the Old Pulteney Distillery and “28” being the 28th cask they’ve bottled from them. This one came from a re-fill, ex-bourbon, hogshead.
Note: Reviews 43 – 46 and 50 – 53 were done as part of a series of semi-blind samples thanks to my Secret Santa. Please keep in mind that I did not know the specifics until after posting my notes. This was labeled “Cowfish” which greatly confused me.
Distillery – Old Pulteney
Bottler – Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Brand – Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Selection – Scotch Malt Whisky Society
ABV – 59.6%
Age – 11 Years
Nose – Light citrus, sharp but not overpowering ethanol, delicate spice
Taste – Fruity, creamy honey mouthfeel, vanilla wafers, sweet malt
Finish – Big punch of warmth and spice, there’s a meaty boldness there that I can’t quite pinpoint what it tastes like, honey, tannins, lasts a long time
Guess: Scotch, 12-15 Year, Speyside, 55-60%?
Score: 7
Would I buy a bottle? I would consider it (I don’t know what this retailed for)
Thoughts: This dram improved at every step. The nose was quick to jump to ethanol but also showcase it’s delicateness. The taste brings a lot of sweet fruitiness and malt, before a big punch on a finish that goes on nicely. The finish definitely bumps it up a little for me. It was quite the change from a delicate nose and taste to a big and loud finish, which I enjoyed the dynamic.