Review #297/298; Scotch #105/106: SMWS Big Swirl 10yr vs SMWS Exotic Cargo 10yr

SMWS Big Swirl and Exotic Cargo Side by Side

This is a side by side comparison of two bottles from SMWS, both blended malts aged for a period of time in different finishing casks. Neithier of these were bottled at Cask Strength, as the SMWS stated they felt the 50% was the best proof for these drams. Let’s sit down and see how they compare.

Blank Glass: Big Swirl

This blended malt was aged in a combination of 1st fill Spanish Sherry Oak Casks, as well as bourbon wood before marrying for over 2 years in 1st Fill American Oak Sherry Casks.

ABV: 50%

Nose: Raisins, slight vanilla, pepper, honey, slight orange zest, toffee.

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Raisins, slight orange zest, toffee, allspice, vanilla.

Finish: Medium length, toffee, oak spice, leather, orange zest.

Rating: 6/10

Central Ohio Bourbon Glass: Exotic Cargo Batch 1

This is a blended malt which was aged in its entirety in 1st fill Spanish Sherry Oak Casks.

ABV: 50%

Nose: Strong Plums and figs, tart blueberries, lemon zest,

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, strong plums, figs, tart berries, slight honey, black tea.

Finish: Long, dry. Figs and Raisins, black pepper, lemon zest, tart blueberries

Rating: 7/10

The flavors in both are good and well balanced. However, the multiple casks used for the Big Swirl make it a little more jumbled in comparison to the Exotic Cargo. I wish I had been into spirits earlier as I would love to have a bottle of the Exotic Cargo on hand, it’s a sherry bomb with good flavors from the blended malt.

The Big Swirl is also good, just slight different. The American Bourbon and sherry casks give it a wood spice and vanilla associated with some bourbon flavors, and it bring a little more variety flavorwise. Overall, the Exotic Cargo is my winner of the two.

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect