123.24 - Primroses and candyfloss

9 years old, distilled 29th August 2008, 61.9% abv, First-Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 218 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 123.24 - Primroses and candyflossThe nose has toffee, floral bouquets and a hint of greengage. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has a noticeable rush of alcohol, and then lime, greengage, butterscotch and candyfloss. The finish has butterscotch and lime. That alcohol rush is remarkable...

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles into brief mottling. This is a thirsty whisky that gobbles up water! The nose has more floral notes, and a hint of menthol. The greengage is gone. The body gains menthol and loses some of the candyfloss - it's also still quite aggressively spirituous. The finish gains a hint of pencil shavings.

This is a wolf in sheep's clothing - pretending to be delicate whilst assaulting the palate. A bruiser in a ballgown, this is one to be tamed by a hipflask or shared at a tasting. Frankly, I'm impressed it's kept so many flavours in some kind of balance at this ABV.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.