The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 1981 20 Years Single Malt Whisky

Whiskyspace Notes 1250

May 27, 2026, 09:01:51

Oh this is unusual... like marmalade on toast but then suddenly you're standing in a garden after rain. It's very green, almost herbal - reminds me of crushed nettles and fresh mowed lawn. There's that petrol note which sounds odd but works strangely well, and underneath it all something clay-like and mineral. The finish goes on forever and keeps that citrus zing right through... lime peel and underripe gooseberry. It's quite tight and precise, almost nervous feeling, but so pure and fresh. Not your typical sweet whisky at all - more like an old Benedictine crossed with exotic fruit teas. Wouldn't be surprised if wine lovers go for this one... it's punchy but beautifully made. Just got a hint of ginger and lime peel lingering... and now I'm imagining a petrol station forecourt somehow smelling nice?! 🤔 Very specific indeed.

Julia King

May 27, 2026, 07:53:42

Just had a sip – it's punchy right off the bat, with vivid notes of crushed nettles that somehow work. Bright straw colour and packing serious power. It's reminding me of Viognier or an aged Riesling – very pure and fresh. There's a waxed canvass feel mixed with citrus fruits, especially finger limes. Super citrus and grass driven, with real precision. Nosing it, I get Geraniums and jasmine flower, a bit petrolic, with mineral qualities and a touch of tarragon. Truly specific and unusual profile – tough but brilliant distillate. The palate brings lime curd and quivering green acidity, like Chenin Blanc. Buttered white toast and clean cereal come through, but there's a nervous energy. Mineral oil notes make it rather tight, finishing with exotic fruit teas and wormwood. Cheers! 🥃

Mike Smith

May 25, 2026, 13:43:55

Bright and tropical straight away — lemon, mango, pineapple and loads of passion fruit 🥭🍍 There’s a wee blackcurrant tang and pink grapefruit sharpness, then a soft smoky wisp underneath. Feels juicy, sweet, a bit sherbet-y, with a musky fruit-sweets vibe. Very summery, honestly.

Dennis Richards

May 22, 2026, 07:16:54

Quite a cosy dram 🥃 I get soft vanilla, a bit of dried fruit, gentle spice and a warm oaky finish. Feels mellow, slightly sweet, and nicely warming without being too heavy. Proper easy sipper, really.

Finley Davies

May 21, 2026, 18:40:59

Warm and a bit spicy, with honey, dried fruit and a soft oaky feel. Goes down nicely, wee bit of smoke at the end 🥃 Quite cosy, like something I’d sip on a chilly evening.