16.42 - Top notes of covfefe

9 years old, distilled 16th December 2009, 63.7% abv, Re-charred Hogshead, 228 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 16.42 - Top notes of covfefeThe nose has smoked meat and burnt crackling, caramel and a farmyard earthiness. The mouthfeel is thin with a little cling. The body has an almost acrid smoke - earthy, dry - with burnt crackling and soft caramel in the background. The finish is burnt crackling and dry earthy smoke.

Water brings out tight, thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains toffee and more caramel, and hints of geraniums. The body gains soft toffee and a hint of lemon, plus floral air freshener - but the smoke is still there. The finish gains caramel and intensifies the dry earthy smoke.

It’s a peated Glenturret. It’s here to chew gum and defy expectations, and it’s all out of gum. Smoky, sweet, with unexpected turns at many points - yet never unbalanced. A true delight for the explorer, but not a session dram!

One for winter evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5

Personal preference: I’d like more than one bottle.

This whisky was provided by the SMWS in a preview session - thanks to them for that. Full editorial control has been retained in the tasting process.