50.79 - Tickly, zesty and exotic

25 years old, distilled 28th May 1990, 49.4% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 114 bottles

SMWS 50.79 - Tickly, zesty and exoticThe nose has pineapple, lychee, mango and then well browned toast and hints of jasmine and ginger. The mouthfeel is decent - smooth with some cling. The body continues with the fruit notes from the nose - more of the mango and it also gains some melon. There's also a hint of lemon towards the finish. The finish itself is sweet with pineapple and lemon, and lingers for quite a while.

Water brings out thick, short-lived whorling that rapidly expands into short-lived mottling. The nose now has more of the lemon from the unwatered body, and has lost the jasmine and ginger notes. The body has become supremely smooth - with more exotic fruits and hints of rhubarb flavoured sweeties. The finish is a little shorter, but not changed in flavours and perhaps a little more intense.

A stunning dram for warm evenings in the garden.

4.5/5