SMWS R8.9 Beef Twerky 2004

Review by Beir Bua

This blew me away with its layered complexity, depth of flavour and flare. At cask strength it packed a punch but when cut to the right level it was fantastic. Cask number R8.9 in 2nd fill ex bourbon barrels, and only 244 bottles made. SMWS tasting notes, almost as entertaining as the rum: "An immediate nose of caramelised brown sugar on freshly baked soda bread kicked things off. Lots of mineral oil, furniture polish, rosewater, bicycle inner tube, sweet children's cough medicines and natural tar extract. Reduction brought out summery red fruits in Pimm's, cocktail bitters, coconut cream and things like roast chocolate malt, singed toffee and soy sauce. The palate was initially spicy with plum wine, five-spice and hot cooking oils. Mustard powder, lanolin, bandages soaked in disinfectant and ground black pepper. With water, we got a silky smooth meatiness, BBQ char remnants, liquid seasonings, umami paste, wasabi peas, hot ramen broth and dry roast peanuts with cumin salt."