Tasting Notes
Golden rays from heaven radiated through the pâtisserie window and illuminated waxed lemons, ripe apples and a punnet of juicy strawberries that rested on soft chamois leather oven gloves. As the sun lowered in the sky, bright beams glanced over blackcurrant jam on warm scones, sugary rock and creamy vanilla. The sun set further with a drop of water, the now orange light glowing on blocks of dark chocolate with spicy cloves, caramelised walnuts and toasted chestnuts. The final burst gleamed its radiance on pears poached in pineau des charentes, dusted with a little cinnamon and served with vanilla cream. After spending 28 years in an oloroso butt this was transferred to a Spanish oak Pedro Ximénez butt for the remainder of its maturation.
Not every whisky evokes childhood memories, but this one does in spades. That vintage bakery in the Rocks of Sydney that sells a combination of matchstick slice and walnut scrolls where you know it’s a special occasion to go, but you can’t resist recalling it over and over as a great weekend. Incredible old 76 and a special moment to savour.
– Matt Bailey, SMWS Australia
About The Vaults Collection
The Vaults Collection is a selection of the finest and rarest single cask, single malt whisky, set aside from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s most remarkable stocks over the years. They have been released from the depths of our treasure trove of casks, after decades of slow maturation and careful nurturing. The Vaults Collection represents the whisky lover’s dream: A chance to journey back into whisky history, including the opportunity to experience styles or distilleries that no longer exist. The Collection takes its name from the Society’s historical home at The Vaults in Leith, Scotland’s oldest commercial building in continuous use whose connection with the drinks world dates back to the 12th century. Each bottle has a specially designed label and is offered in a beautiful wooden box.