10.96 - A beachcomber's bounty

9 years old, distilled 1st December 2006, 61.5% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 228 bottles

SMWS 10.96 - A beachcomber's bountyThe nose has big smoke notes - burning bracken, cigars - and a little honeyed sweetness. The mouthfeel is decent, with some cling. The body has slightly acrid smoke, hints of germoline and ash. There's also a little brine, and sweet vanilla. The finish is ash, smoke and vanilla.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that lingers as long lines before dissipating. The nose now gains a hint of ginger snaps. The body has less of the smoke and more of that ginger and vanilla. The finish returns with ash, vanilla and softened smoke.

A decent and big dram - one for cold winter's days warming...

3.5/5