48.59 - "Cidre de Glace"

11 years old, distilled 7th August 2003, 62.7% abv, first fill ex-bourbon barrel, 210 bottles

DSC_0218The nose starts an immediate reminiscence of boiled travel sweets in a tin - fruits and a hint of metal. There's also some fresh mint that over time becomes a more herbal note - sage?

The mouthfeel is thin and sharp but with a little cling. The body has more fruit - with green apples as the main note over lemon & lime juice and pineapple. The finish is short, sharp and filled with citrus - more of that lemon & lime from the body.

Water brings out tight thin whorling that slowly lingers as mottling at the bottom of the glass. The nose now has pineapple chews and a hint of blackjacks. The body is a little sweeter too - more pineapple and lemon than before. The finish is unchanged.

A brilliant easy drinking summer's dram.

4/5