So the Scotch Malt Whisky Society is known for botteling single cask whiskies.
But did you know they also bottle batches known as the heresy series?
These single or blended malts are the results of some cask experiments.
The name Heresy is reflecting their aim to defy tradition and explore with experiments.
I previously reviewed one: Dunnage Nougat and I know I like others that have passed the review. (While writing this I even ordered another from the series, don't tell my wife.)
But this one, this one I had to get.
On my section malternatives you will find only mezcals for now. Why? Not that I do not like other malternatives, but I never really buy them. But mezcals, I do get them, but them and enjoy them.
And this Smouldering Mojo by the SMWS was "matured in a selection of 1st fill mezcal-seasoned barriques and refill bourbon and sherry casks.
It is the first time the SMWS uses mezcal casks for one of their expressions. And I'm all up for it!
This 10 year old blended (Islay) malt was bottled at 50% Vol. Like other Heresy bottles. While pouring the dram in my glass, I can smell some fresh smoke coming of the stuff. And thick drops run down my glass like a curtain of whisky after a firm twirl of my glass.
On the nose I get quite a lot at the same time which makes me lose my first impression. My mind races to lamb on the bbq with rosemary and pepper.
But then some sweet, warm lemon pops up. All served on a fresh cut wooden board. In the back of the nose, a thin layer of cinnamon mixed with ginger and nutmeg. But that one disappears in a thin veil of smoke.
My first sip is smoke. Pure liquid smoke fills my mouth and then teases the parts where the smoke has hit with sugar, spice and everything nice. (With the name Mojo, I could not resist that pop culture reference. IYKYK.)
It is the first time I get a hint of the mezcal. That unique mezcal note of smoke and agave forms a base on which oranges, ham, coriander and mint pop up.
It makes me want to enjoy that grilled lamb I got on the nose earlier and pair it with this dram.
The finish gives me memories of a peated fudge I once made and has this thin ashy note on which the smoke lingers.