I was in New York City this week and needed a scotch for the hotel. I like having a nightcap in the quiet and comfort of my room, this time overlooking the Hudson. We went to a spirits purveyor in the Chelsea Market and I decided I wanted to try something new. I saw an unusual squat bottle on the shelf. Wemyss Malts (said “Weems) is a blend of barley malts selected for a particular flavor profile.

The Wemyss Malts spirit I chose was their Smooth Gentleman, whose 16 ingredients include Speyside malts, mainly Aultmore. At 8 years old, this is a less-aged blend that nonetheless lives up to its name as smooth and gentlemanly.

Nose–Very light nose. I detect fruits and vanilla.

Palate–Nutty, chocolaty, mildly peated. Warm mellow feel in the mouth.

Finish–Short and light with a bit of oak.

For a forty-four dollar bottle containing 750 mL’s of 80 proof blended scotch malts, I was genuinely happy with the Wemyss Malts Smooth Gentleman. Its refined notes were very relaxing at the end of the day, which is what I was looking for in a nightcap. Sadly, there were about two fingers left in the bottle when we went to check out. I hope the maid enjoyed it!

by Wilson