SMWS G12.1 Oh So Sweet

SMWS G12.1 Oh So Sweet, 11 YO, 58.9 %

I recently “discovered” some old samples in a drawer in my office. They had to be opened and tasted, of course.

The SMWS G12.1 Oh So Sweet is a single grain whisky from the Nikka owned Miyagikyo distillery. This is a Nikka Coffey Malt, so called because it is made using their coffey stills. A bit confusing maybe that in this case the grain type used in production is barley, hence a Coffey Malt.

Anyhow, let that not confuse you. It is more often than not a very, very good whisky.

The SMWS G12.1 Oh So Sweet was distilled on 2003-03-06, matured in a re-charred hogshead, and finally bottled in 2014. A total of 246 bottles was the end result.

Nose: Earthy and aromatic. Ripe coconut and banana. Creamy vanilla. Warming and comforting nose. Softly oaky.

Taste: Very rich and full bodied. Fruity and acidic, though not sour. Orchard fruits and dried citrus. Dark and sweet.

Finish: Long finish. Creamy vanilla. Softly bitter and acidic still; lime juice and sherry. Banana and hints of pineapple. Drying on the finish.

Comment: Strange but strangely good!

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas