Code
Distillery
Loch Lomond
Name
Calligraphy in Meguro
Producer
SMWS
Region
Highland
Age
9 years
ABV
59%
Bottler Type
Independent
Category
Scotch
Flavor Profile
Peated
The whisky presents assertive aromatics of coal dust, crispy seaweed, new rubber, and pink peppercorns, with a savory character reminiscent of shiitake ramen broth. Water introduces notes of artisan ink and wax paper alongside minerality.
The palate delivers umami-rich flavors akin to tempura freshwater eel and grilled halloumi, followed by bubblegum soda sweetness, squid ink earthiness, cinnamon cupcake frosting, and persistent coal dust.
Salt liquorice and cinnamon linger on the finish, with coal dust providing a dry, mineral conclusion that divides drinkers between those who embrace its robust character and those who find it overly assertive.
Robust indeed, this proved a bit too forthright for some Panellists, while others couldn't get enough of it. From a deep bowl of shiitake ramen, our noses feasted on coal dust, crispy seaweed dipped in mezcal, new tyres and pink peppercorns. The palate transported the Panel to a lunch with the team from SMWS Japan, where we enjoyed tempura freshwater eel from a bar in Meguro-ku, Tokyo. Grilled halloumi followed, as did a glass of mojito and salt liquorice from Norway. Water took our noses to an artisan calligraphy ink shop, with everything wrapped in wax paper, where bowls of steamed rice sat topped with chunks of glistening coal. The palate was now bubblegum soda, squid ink tagliatelle, cinnamon cupcake frosting and coal dust.