Whisky Focus - The Scotch Malt Whisky Society The Vaults Collection

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has just unveiled The Vaults Collection, a new series of prestigious single malt whiskies which launches with the two very rare single cask single malt whiskies, a Rosebank 26 year old  ‘In a Perfumed Garden’ and a Macallan 27 year old ‘Meeting an old master’ which will be released on the 2nd October.

The SMWS The Vaults Collection ‘In a Perfumed Garden’ is a 26 year old Lowland region single cask, single malt whisky, it carries the SMWS Cask No. 25.70 which tells us that the whisky was distilled at the now closed Rosebank distillery. A limited release of only 170 bottles, it was matured in a refill barrel before being transferred for further maturation to a second-fill Sauternes hogshead for 18 months. Finally, it was moved back to a second-fill bourbon barrel where it rested for a further year before being released under the Society’s Sweet, Fruity & Mellow flavour profile. The Society’s expert Tasting Panel describes the whisky as transporting the drinker to "a perfumed garden on a sunny day, with herbs, roses, and delicate, gentle blossoms."

Charles MacLean added his thoughts on the Rosebank 26 year old ‘In a Perfumed Garden’, saying: "This is an exceptional example of this closed distillery’s remaining stock, which is rare and diminishing with every passing day. Its freshness and vibrant character shine through in a classic example of what was considered the Lowland region’s leading distillery. You’ll never see its like again."

Next up we have The SMWS The Vaults Collection ‘Meeting an old master’ is a 27 year old Speyside region single cask, single malt whisky, it carries the SMWS Cask No. 24.129 which tells us that the whisky was distilled at the Macallan distillery. A limited release of only 437 bottles, the sherried Macallan fans amongst you will be pleased to hear that it was matured in an ex-Oloroso sherry cask before being finished in a first-fill Pedro Ximenez sherry butt. From the Society’s Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits flavour profile, the whisky is described as being "dark yet sweet, with chocolate-covered Brazil and macadamia nuts, figs, prunes and old leather, followed by Muscovado sugar, all spice and a finish of rye whisky with dark, strong coffee".

Commenting on the Macallan 27 year old, Charles MacLean said, "An absolutely gorgeous dram and a wonderful example of this distillery’s traditional style of classic sherried whisky, as it was made in a previous era. It is big, voluptuous and stimulating, with a deeply complex texture. Precious as it is, I wanted to pour myself another dram immediately."

As you would expect, two such prestigious whiskies from The SMWS treasure trove of single malts will be a little more expensive than there usual outturn of whiskies, in fact they are amongst the most expensive whiskies ever released by the Society, the Rosebank 26 year old ‘In a Perfumed Garden’ will be priced at £875 and The Macallan 27 year old ‘Meeting an old master’ will be priced £980.

If you fancy getting your hands on any of the SMWS The Vaults Collection bottles ‘In a perfumed garden’ and ‘Meeting an old master’ they will be available to full SMWS members in the UK and EU from 2nd October with key allocations following in the US and Asia. So if you want a bottle head over to the SMWS web site and sign up
 

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