54.33 - "Holidays and honeymoons"

12 years old, distilled 2nd October 2002, 60.1% abv, refill ex-bourbon barrel, 163 bottles

SMWS 54.33The nose is quite closed - hints of "lemon fresh" detergents, pineapple and vanilla. The mouthfeel is big and full, with a little cling. The body has plenty of flavours - lemon, pineapple, blackcurrant, coconut, vanilla, cinnamon. The finish continues the vanilla, with a little more cinnamon and a hint of marzipan.

Water brings out rapidly expanding whorling that settles into pleasing mottling. The nose now has more pineapple and some hints of mango, less of the vanilla. The body has less coconut and pineapple, more vanilla and blackcurrant. The finish is unchanged.

A superb dram for an evening of fine fireside company.

4/5