SMWS celebrates Feis Ile with 12yo Scotch

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has launched a 12-year-old single cask bottling in celebration of the Islay Festival of Music and Malt, Feis Ile.

SMWS has released a new Sherry-cask matured single cask single malt whisky

The expression, called Cantina Mexicana (Cask No. 127.44) has been matured in an ex-Sherry butt at an unnamed Islay distillery.

Just 588 bottles of the whisky, described as having notes of “toffees, liquorice, balsamic pears and Amontillado Sherry”, have been made available.

It will be exclusively revealed to Islay festival goers at the Society’s Feis Isle Garden Party Fiesta at Islay House on Friday 20 May.

The whisky will then be made available to all whisky fans on Thursday 26 May through the SMWS website, which now sells whisky to non-members, having previously been for members only.

“The Islay Festival attracts the world’s most passionate whisky fans and each year we release an exceptional whisky just for the event,” said Helen Stewart, senior brand manager for SMWS.

“This year is no exception with ‘Cantina Mexicana’, which was matured on Islay, packed full of flavours that perfectly showcase the delights of single cask whisky.”

Cantina Mexicana, bottled at 65.9% abv, is priced £120 for members and £240 for non-members.

In December 2015, SMWS bottled its first single cask Cognac – C1 Nectar céleste.