SMWS 36.73 Tired vampire gets a massage

SMWS 36.73 Tired vampire gets a massage, 22 YO, 54,7 %

We have tried a lot of whiskies from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) lately, which means you have to suffer through a lot of these SMWS reviews. I hope this is not too painful, the whiskies are on average very good - which is why we keep going back to their venues.

SMWS 36.73 Tired vampire gets a massage is 22 year old Benrinnes, matured in a 2nd fill ex-bourbon hogshead. It was distilled on 1991-11-29, and the outturn was 255 bottles. And it has a very cool name on the label, right?

Here are the SMWS tasting notes for reference:

The nose is dry, spicy, earthy and pleasantly woody (allotments, joiners' workshops, cedar, sandalwood) with biscuit tins and Edinburgh Rock. The palate has various herbs (lavender soap, bouquet garni) and aromatheraphy oils, with spicy lozenge heat and candy floss sticks.

Normally I find these tasting notes to be funny, and surprisingly accurate - very often they use references I feel at home with. But this time, not so much. Except for the fun name, I am not sure what to make of these tasting notes. Which means - I have to make my own!

Nose (22/25): Champagne soda, ripe apples, vanilla, and a sharp-ended piece of wood (ok...somewhat oaky). It is quite oily.

Taste (22/25): Oak notes and spices; pepper and ginger mostly. Dry and dark chocolate. Warming and smooth.

Finish (22/25): Fresh and almost prickly/tingly. Ginger fizz! Warming, and medium to long finish. Dark chocolate mousse, mocha and chocolate truffle.

Balance (22/25): Nice! This vampire still had a bit of bite...

Score (88/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas