SMWS Kelp is on the Way, 10yo in Celebration of 28 Queen Street

Have you ever encountered those striking green bottles from the exclusive "Scottish Malt Whisky Society" releases? I've seen countless without ever trying one, but my turn has arrived. I finally had the opportunity to sample a very scarce Caol Ila named "kelp is on the way" (what a charming name), one of only 287 bottles produced, drawn from cask 53.429, bottled at 58.9% ABV, created in honor of the 28 Queen Street, exclusive cask 2023. A new acquaintance, whom I consider the premier whisky ambassador at Balmoral Hotel, shared it with me. On the nose, it begins with the scent of new socks, pineapple, grapefruit, and ashes. After an initial taste, it unleashed a rainforest on my pituitary gland, featuring aromatic peat and white chocolate. The palate presented sweet fudge notes, toffee, pineapple, followed by an eruption of gunpowder, fireworks, and plastic. Wonderful vanilla appeared on the second sip, reminiscent of "Galak" white chocolate. The finish offered the most excellent conclusion to such an incredibly potent whisky: ashes, cigarettes, bonfire. A long, delicious, peaty, powerful finish. It reminds me of a new cotton shirt, if that's even a valid tasting note. In summary, after this encounter, I purchased three different SMWS expressions at auction. I'm baffled why anyone would sell these bottles; I intend to seek them out and acquire as many as possible. An amazing single malt, a gorgeous experience, my rating for this gem is 96 out of 100. And since it was complimentary, it tasted even better!! Cheers!