125.75 - In search of serenity

13 years old, distilled 30th June 2004, 57.3% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 177 bottles, dram price F

SMWS 125.75 - In search of serenityThe nose has honey, mango, peach, orange fruit gums and a little vanilla. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has vanilla, soft hints of peach and mango, and touch of cinnamon. The finish has vanilla, peach and cinnamon.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains cinnamon and loses the orange fruit gums. The body gains cinnamon, and the mango and peach become more prominent. The finish gains more cinnamon and loses the vanilla.

A superb dram, possibly a little too much cinnamon for me after water - but I could have fun trying to find the right amount of water!

One for spring evenings.

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!