When I started planning the topics for Rod to Dram, I decided, very early on, to split the blog into sections. The first one, dedicated to exploring “whisky essentials” is just about to finish. I knew from the start that I wanted to end this first phase with a chapter dedicated to Blended Malts. Blended Malts are a minor category, probably the least popular scotch category (after single grain). I find this perplexing as this is a Scotch Whisky category where great value can be found. On the other hand, it means it is an under-the-radar category where savvy whisky fans can get great value for money. After a little blending experiment of my own, it is time to look at Blended Malt Scotch Whiskies. Starting with a review of the Thompson Bro.s SRV5.
TL:DR:
Score: 7*, Very good stuff.
An infinity blend?
It is short of incredible to be talking again about the Thompson Bro.s, considering the size of Dornoch Distillery and the fact that the business is less than 10 years old. But rather than incredible it is a sign of the quality of output they have been able to offer. I briefly told their story in my review of their TB/BSW blended Scotch whisky. Considering the tiny output, it is pretty improbable that I will be able to try some Dornoch-made Single Malt any time soon. So I am glad their blends and Independent Bottled whisky are relatively easy to find.
The SRV5 name stands for Station Road Vat 5. The blending process is somewhat unusual. A portion of each production batch is left back to start the next batch and keep some consistency in flavour while allowing for some evolution. The process is described in a detailed fashion on the Thompson Bro.s website. To an amateur drinker like me, this sounds like a huge-scale infinity bottle. Or in this case an infinity cask.
We do not know what is in the blend. The Thompson. Bro.s website mentions a mix of North Highland, Islay and Speyside Single Malts. The rumour most drinkers agree on Is that a significant proportion of the blend may be Clyneliesh. Be as it may, if the Thompson Bro.s SRV5 I am about to review comes even close to the quality of their TB/BSW, I am in for a treat.
Thompson Bro.s SRV5 – aged over 8 years
Specs
Price paid: 45.37€
Batch: 13
ABV: 48.5%
Natural colour: Yes
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Blend components: Not provided
Tasting Notes
Colour: Straw. The pale hue, makes me wonder how much of the spirit is from refill ex-bourbon casks, which can be a plus.
Nose: Fruity and spicy with a lovely waxy note and just a hint of peat. The first notes are of ripe pears, honeydew melon, honey, and beeswax. Complex citrus and spice notes balance the fruity sweet base notes. Unripe lemon peel, grapefruit, then some spice, in the form of green peppercorn, ginger and a touch of star anise. There is even a light vegetal note I cannot define and just a touch of maritime peat to add a little edge to the blend.
Taste & Finish: What immediately jumps to my attention is how oily the mouthfeel for the SRV5 is. The ripe fruity notes of pear and melon are still there. The citrus notes are richer, again lemon, grapefruit, and even lime. The waxiness is very noticeable and there are more herbal notes, like fresh cooking herbs. The peat is there but very mild and well-integrated, also adding a touch of contrasting bitterness to round the palate off.
The finish is long and rich, waxy and slightly mouth-drying, with lime and grapefruit peel, cooking herbs, malted barley and a touch of pear
Score*: 7, Very good stuff.
If you needed proof of my opening statement that Blended Malt is where smart whisky drinkers can find value, you have it. The SRV5 in this review is a complex, rich malt with plenty to go for it. Judging from the waxiness I get on both nose and palate, I suspect the rumours stating there is a good chink of Clyneliesh in the blend might be true. Will the Thompson Bro.s continue to produce this blend or, as is the case with TB/BSW, is it destined to disappear at some point?
* Score are based on the scoring scale used by Dramface, slightly modified to allow half-points
Would I buy it again?
This is becoming a bit of a theoretical question. My whisky storage space is getting pretty crowded and I am not sure I am ready evolve to “floor whisky”. Having said that, I will seriously think of buying another bottle of SRV5 once this one gets close to the kill zone.
Would I offer this to a new whisky drinker?
For some new drinkers the 48.5% abv might be a bit much to handle, but if someone is already drinking 46% whiskies regularly this is a great bottle to discover a gentle take on a complex whisky at a price:quality ratio rare in today’s whisky scene.
I always find it interesting, after writing my tasting notes, to look at other opinions.
Here are a few other reviews of the Thompson Bro.s SRV5 I enjoyed:
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