155.2 Katsu amid the maple

Description

This is the first whisky to ever be distilled in Israel, and is the beneficiary of Dr Jim Swan’s work as their first master distiller and cask consultant. Dr Swan’s pioneering work as a chemist and biologist in the whisky trade also included the ‘STR’ casks we see in use today, which stands for ‘shave, toast, re-char’ process of wood reinvigoration. A double first, an important whisky, and an odd working from our SMWS spirits team. This cask is 50% peated new make, and 50% unpeated. Our expert tasting panel put it in the Spicy & Sweet profile, but see where this lands for you! This isn’t just a first for the Society, but the first appearance of code 155 in Australia.

A burning mincemeat pie was being extinguished with simple syrup, brandy and a blend of treacle and golden syrup. On the palate we found katsu breadcrumbs, roast chicken, black pepper, smoked cherries and strawberry tarts. Water introduced orange soda to the nose, complementing rum and raisin ice cream and resinous pine needles. The palate was now buttery, with raisins, maple syrup and coal dust atop panna cotta. This cask was filled with 50% unpeated and 50% peated new make.