Review #432 - SMWS 16.67 'A Study in Sepia and Umber' - Glenturret 8 Year
When maturing spirit from Glenturret, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society likes to use re-charred barrels, often hogsheads, especially if that spirit is peated. That's the case here: 8 years in a re-charred hogshead, specifically of the refill variety. A refill cask with a relatively short aging time like this could provide a very spirity tasting experience.
These SMWS Glenturrets also often come out at a very high strength - 62.8% ABV, in this case. Considering the heavy peat, the high strength, and the lack of chill filtration, this could be a very intense Highland single malt. Based on the name of the bottling, we're expecting a flavor profile behind the peat to include some 'brown' tasting notes, too.
SMWS 16.67 'A Study in Sepia and Umber' - Glenturret 8 Year
Scotland/Highland - Single Malt
Price: USD 110 (2022)
Age Statement: 8 Years
Strength: 62.8% ABV
Cask Makeup: Refill re-charred hogshead
Details: Not chill filtered, no color added; distilled May 28, 2013; 280 bottles
Tasting Methodology: Reviewed 1 time from a sample. Tasted in a Glencairn glass, rested 10-15 minutes
Nose: Quite a bit of oak influence up front - barrel char and cinnamon, especially. It is a little bit spirity, but we also get fruits of orange and lemon, as well as a bit of freshly baked bread. The peat smoke level is medium.
Palate: A thick mouthfeel - spirity and strong, a little bit young, as well. A lot of wood smoke and relatively strong peat, but great texture - almost creamy at times. Sharper flavors of lime fruit, black pepper, and wood tannins add a kick.
Finish: Soft citrus and sherbet develop in the finish, and vanilla adds a sweeter side; still, there's a strong wood smoke and peat smoke focus. Tannins brings some sharpness again - a bit sharp overall in the aftertaste, in fact. It's a medium-long finish.
Final Note: Quite a lively whisky from Glenturret, if a bit unrefined. We would have liked to see this get a few more years in the cask, or for a whisky this young, maybe a more active cask. That said, if smoky whisky is your jam, this could be a great pick - both peat and wood smoke in spades. There were subtle fruits and baking notes hidden below the wave of smoke, as well.
Value is okay at this old SMWS price, a little below average. Their bottles generally come with a bit of a premium, and that's the case here: $110 for a refill cask whisky aged for 8 years is a bit much.
Our Average Rating: 6.5 / 10
In the current whisky landscape of increasing prices and variable quality, we've added a value rating to our reviews that relates to the score and the available pricing of each whisky. This roughly equates to a 0-10 scale; no reviews so far have exceeded a score of 10, although it is technically possible for the formula to produce a value rating higher than 10 with a high enough score and low enough price.
Value Rating: 5.43
About Us: We're a husband and wife review team living in the Midwest United States. Generally, our reviews and tasting notes will be a compilation of both of our experiences with a whisky over several tasting sessions.
Check out our other Glenturret reviews:
Review #294 - SMWS 16.56 'Distill My Peating Heart' - Glenturret 12 Year
