SMWS 1.211 Ironing a lemon

Posted 01 August 2019 by Matt / In Glenfarclas
The Dramble reviews SMWS 1.211 Ironing a lemon

Bottle Name: 1.211 Ironing a lemon

ABV: 60.5%
Distillery: Glenfarclas
Bottler: Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Flavour Profile: Young & spritely
Region: Speyside Age: 8

This month’s outturn starts at the beginning with distillery no.1. The cask was laid down in April 2011 in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel before being bottled 8 years later.

View on SMWS

Nose: Fresh, crisp and floral with an array of honeysuckle, cut grass, mossiness and clean cotton laundry. Confectioner’s sugar and strawberry loot laces sit with vanilla cream, whilst dusty but peppy chilli is joined by cooling mint for quite the juxtaposition of aromas. Reduction introduces doughy bread and cotton candy sweetness whilst hints of lemon peels are enhanced by further floral cues of sunflowers and chopped stems.

Taste: The arrival is bold and punchy – it’s still fresh and crisp, but there’s much more grunt than the nose suggested. Viscous and clingy in texture - preserved lemon and limes are joined by a slice of Battenberg and a side of lemon fondant fancies. Chopped almonds and sunflower oils provide further body and curiosity whilst in the back palate, oven-baked pastries and charred cask ends are tempered with elderflower and gorse flowers. The addition of water softens the attack considerably, adding further sweetness with honey, citrus balms and zesty preserves.

Finish: Medium, combining zingy lemons with cooling mint and a sprinkle of pepper.

This Glenfarclas is certainly young, but is it spritely?! The nose gives the impression of daintiness, but once in the mouth, this is bold, intense and somewhat hulking. There’s a ton of character here, but to my palate, dilution feels rather essential.. Don’t be thinking that the light pink Society colour code means meek or placid – this certainly isn’t.

Score: 84/100


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