SRV5 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 8 yo – Thompson Bros.

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 48.5% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

A solera-like process links each batch of SRV5 to the previous one. Some of the blended whisky is retained and replenished with further single malts. The aim is to maintain a recognisable character while allowing it to evolve with subsequent batches. The name stands for Station Road Vat 5, the European oak vessel used for blending.

The blend brings together single malts from the northern Highlands, Speyside and Islay. The whiskies used are over eight years old. Fruity freshness, a slightly waxy texture and restrained smoke define its style, with floral notes adding to the profile.

Thompson Bros. chose a bottling strength of 48.5% for SRV5. The whisky is bottled without chill filtration or colouring in 0.7-litre bottles. It may become cloudy at low temperatures or when water is added. The label features an illustration by KK Hiroshima.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, Galia melon, apricot and green apple sit alongside cucumber and lemongrass. Waxed lemons, lime syrup and grapefruit bitters add to the fruit, while green peppercorns, green bell peppers and capers in brine provide savoury accents. Coastal peat and the smoke of a beach bonfire also emerge.
• Palate: On the palate, greengages and cantaloupe melon combine with an impression of banana smoothie. Lemon oil and grapefruit juice meet capers, lemongrass and thyme. First-press olive oil and candle wax shape the texture, while gentle smoke accompanies the fruity and herbal notes.
• Finish: The long finish leaves a waxy mouthfeel. Lemon balm, thyme and camphor linger alongside earthy peat and gentle smoke.

Distillery/Bottler:

Thompson Bros. is run by brothers Simon and Phil Thompson from Dornoch. Their interest in older whiskies began at the whisky bar of the Dornoch Castle Hotel, whose selection and reputation they developed over the years. Supported by a crowdfunding campaign, they began producing whisky at Dornoch Distillery in 2017. The small distillery occupies a former fire station dating from the 1880s.

While their own whisky was maturing, the brothers began independently bottling selected spirits from other distilleries. This developed into a range that includes international whiskies and rum alongside Scottish single malts. They also created SRV5 and TB/BSW as two ongoing blends. For SRV5, they bring together single malts from different Scottish regions rather than associating it with a single distillery.

Facts: