122.32 - Punchy Peater

5 years old, distilled 22nd April 2014, 61.8% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 209 bottles, dram price A

The nose has soft peat, green olives, soft leather and hints of lemon. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has plenty of peat, but not sharp. There’s also lemon and lime, then some hints of green apple. The finish has plenty more pear and some lemon.

Water brings out tight, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains a little tarriness, and loses the leather. The body gains that same tarriness and loses the lime. The finish gains the tarriness and the pear is lost.

A superb young peat bomb - balanced yet by no means light.

One for summer evenings as the sun sets.

Technical score: 4.5/5

Personal preference: I’d like more than one bottle.

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.