So, I got a sample of this one based on the positive reviews it was getting on Whiskybase, by some of the people who were offering samples in my wee bottle-share group. Something-something pineapples also helped, since that’s something I really love.

Other factors that got me enthusiastic: Dailuaine, 1st fill bourbon cask, it not being too expensive. Stuff like that.

Of course, with SMWS you don’t really know what you’re getting. I find their outturn a bit erratic at best. At least, what I get to try of it, and I admit that that isn’t much. I used to be a member until the end of 2015, when whisky got so rampant and readily available that I found the entire concept of paying to be able to buy bottles utterly ridiculous.

For the last couple of years, SMWS have been trying to get a better foothold in The Netherlands, with Bob Wenting being an ambassador for the brand, and their generally being a lot more social media presence. When Covid hit they also started doing online tastings. But again, and to my surprise, only for members. So much for trying to get new people in. If you want me to join a tasting that already costs some € 30-odd, I’m not being for a membership too. What I expected, and am still surprised by the difference in approach, is that those tastings would happen to get more people to join the club. To sell memberships.

Anyway, back to the whisky at hand. Dailuaine. Generally a whisky that is used by Diageo for their blends, mostly in various expressions of Johnnie Walker, if I’m not mistaken. In my experience the whisky is of a rather heavy character, with a large variety of casks used. Therefore, it’s always a bit of a surprise what you’re going to get. Not unlike a box of chocolates.

Sniff:
Rich, with massive richness. Lots of vanilla, cookie dough, but a lot of spirity notes too. Barley, copper, notes of gin.

Sip:
Fairly neutral, spirity, hints of new make and oak. Not very mature at all. Some raw pastry dough, with barley, straw.

Swallow:
A sudden hints of cassis, blackberry muffins.

I have no idea what this whisky is trying to. Only with the suggestion of pineapples I can find some, but then not the fresh type. Just dried chunks, with the sugary dusting as well. Mostly, it’s just barley juice with alcohol, in my opinion. In short, I’m not a fan. Didn’t even finish my glass.

80/100