Tasting Notes by Ruben Luyten (WhiskyNotes.be) 86/100

SRV5 (which stands for Station Road Vat #5) is an 8 year old blended malt created by the Thompson Bros. 

The blend contains some carefully selected North Highland, Islay and Speyside single malts, which come together in a 1200-litre European oak vessel. This solera vat is never fully emptied, so each batch includes some of the whisky from the previous release. The aim is to deliver a versatile daily dram, easily mixed or enjoyed on its own.

Nose: a fruity core, showing some pears and melons before moving to bright grapefruits and lemon peels. There’s a certain mineral side to it, as well as a hint of coastal peat smoke. Later green peppercorns appear with a grassy note.

Mouth: still a grown-up Highlands profile at its base, with a healty strength. Some easy lemons, apples and shortbread on the one hand, but also a sharper mineral side. Grapefruit peels, hints of briney smoke and mineral oils. Peppermint and a faint hint of bitter tonic.

Finish: medium length, becoming zesty and citrusy, with a grassy touch and gentle smoky notes.

SRV5 is a really characterful whisky that manages to captivate the more discerning whisky lover as well. There’s a nice sharp edge that reminds us of malts from Clynelish or Springbank at times. A clever composition that works well on its own but definitely makes a nice highball as well. And it’s really affordable too.

Tasting Notes by Thompson Bros.

Nose: Galia melon, lemongrass, apricot, cucumber, waxed lemons, green peppercorns & capers in brine, green apples, lime cordial, grapefruit bitters, green peppers, coastal peat & beach bonfires

Palate: Greengage, cantaloupe melon, banana smoothie, lemon oil, grapefruit juice, capers, lemongrass, thyme, 1st press olive oil, candlewax and gentle smoke 

Finish: Lemon balm, thyme, camphor, earthy peat & gentle smoke. Long with a coating of waxiness