The Single Malts of Scotland (S.M.O.S.) is an independent bottling company that also part of a group that also produces the Elixir and Black Tot brands. Seeking out the finest casks of Scotch whisky has always been at the heart of the team’s philosophy. Since 2002, these have been released as The Single Malts of Scotland, a range of superb vintage single malt Scotch whiskies selected for their individual quality and character. Glen Deveron Distillery, makers of both the Deveron and MacDuff brands, was founded in 1962. The main objective was to produce enough malt for the then booming blend market. But Elixir Independent Bottler was able to get their hands on a sherry butt from 2011, which they brought to market in 2021. Total outturn: 648 bottles.
Nose: Raisins, Christmas spices, tobacco candied fruit.
Palate: Paradoxically it is both a bit sharp and very sweet. Anise and black pepper and gently drying on tannins of the wood, before the dark sweet fruits are noticed. On the back palate there is chocolate and menthol.
Finish: Medium length – with an initial hit chocolate but finishing bitter.