Scotch Malt Whisky Society salute astronaut Tim Peake

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To celebrate the return to Earth of British astronaut Tim Peake, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is launching a special bottling, ‘A toast to Tim Peake’s return’.

The 29-year-old single cask single malt whisky is described as “the most alluring thing this side of the stratosphere” by the Society’s Tasting Panel, who select all the international whisky club’s bottlings, making it the perfect ‘Welcome Home’ dram.

Like all Society bottlings, the distillery name is kept secret to focus attention on its flavour and it is a limited edition – with only 96 bottles available.

The whisky, which is from the Society’s Old & Dignified’ flavour profile, is also described by the Panel as “elegant and sophisticated” on the nose, with a “silky mango mouth-feel” on the palate.

It will be available to purchase via the Society’s website from the 18th June to both members and non-members.

Helen Stewart, Senior Brand Manager for the Society, said: “As the first British European Space Agency astronaut, we wanted to commemorate the return of Tim Peake by bottling a very special whisky. This is the whisky that we think would make the perfect ‘Welcome Home’ dram.”

SMWS members £176.70 / Non members £353.40

www.smws.com

Tasting Notes:

Finishing in a second-fill Sauternes hogshead has created a dram that’s out of this world. The nose – elegant and sophisticated – hints at things you would miss while in space – flower markets, old-fashioned ice-cream parlours and perfumed ladies in vintage cars. The palate’s silky mango mouth-feel, with mandarin, raspberry tart and lemon cream is pure nectar – perfumed honey sweetness laced with angels’ tears – enough to inspire romantic, other-worldly thoughts. With water, the nose defies description the way some people defy gravity – as tempting as a perfumed apple in the Garden of Eden. The palate’s exquisite balance might be the most alluring thing this side of the stratosphere.