10.181 - Feast of St. Columba

11 years old, distilled 3rd October 2007, 59.1% abv, First Fill Ex-Moscatel Hogshead, 213 bottles, dram price C

SMWS 10.181 - Feast of St. ColumbaThe nose has old oak furniture, seafood buffets and a hint of toffee. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has seafood, toffee, vanilla and brine. The finish has sea breezes, old oak furniture and a little cinnamon.

Water brings out thick whorling that spreads quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains sea breezes and more seafood, with the old oak diminishing. The body gains more toffee and more seafood, and the oak becomes fresher. The finish gains some toffee and loses some cinnamon.

A very nice, light dram that’s more coastal than oily, and will please fans of the style.

One for spring afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I’d have another dram.

This whisky was provided by the SMWS in a preview session - thanks to them for that. Full editorial control has been retained in the tasting process.