The definition of a maverick is an unorthodox or independent-minded person. In 1983, Pip Hills founded The Scotch Malt Whisky Society based on an idea that everyone said wouldn-t work. Pip wanted to bottle whisky straight from the cask, unadulterated, because it retained maximum flavour. And he was right: people loved it, and the Society was born. He was a maverick in its truest form.

This expression is a celebration of the iconic sherry cask. For its creation, we selected some bourbon hogsheads of Speyside single malt. We moved the whisky to a selection of oloroso and Pedro Ximenez-seasoned hogsheads, all made from Spanish oak, for varying length of additional maturation; between two and three-and-a-half years. We then blended the casks together to create this dark and rewarding dram.

The aromas of freshly waxed, natural marble floors, mosaics and terrazzo tiles were followed by a fruity scent from apricots, peaches and plums, before a cup of Assam tea and fig, apple and raisin bread pudding joined the party. On the palate, we found American-style blueberry and banana pancakes with lemon juice and maple syrup, as well as cardamom and orange-spiced rhubarb on top of fluffy French toast.

Following dilution we discovered dark chocolate, marshmallows and a sherry mango trifle. To taste, a traditional ‘blood & sand’ cocktail, named after a 1922 film about a Spanish matador, using equal parts of Scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur and orange juice.