SMoS Directors Special 22 Year Old Laphroaig 1998

Only 421 bottles were produced from a single ex-Sherry Butt of Single Malts of Scotland’s Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch whisky, which was aged for more than 22 years. Bottled at 52.6% ALV/VOL

NOSE Initially, heapings of spiced plum chutney and blackberry compote. This is accented by a touch of smoke from bonfire embers and plenty of sticky, smoked chipotle glaze. Lastly, vanilla-infused tobacco leaves appear.

PALATE Crunchy maple syrup brittle coats the palate, followed immediately by a spoon of date conserve. Steaming peppermint tea arrives, served with crumbly ginger snaps. This eases on to a glass of decadent cherry wine and a slice of spongy pain dpices.

FINISH Sooty smoke is at its most intense on the finish, mingling with smoked trout blinis. Sea-salted caramel and earthy brown soda bread linger to the end.