13.78 - Stimulating sedation

12 years old, distilled 21st September 2006, 61.0% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 199 bottles, dram price B

13.78 - Stimulating sedationThe nose has fresh new oak, strawberry chews, shortbread and hints of cheap oatcakes. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has strawberry chews, fresh oak, vanilla and then a hint of fresh grass. The finish is vanilla and a hint of grass.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that expands rapidly into brief mottling. The nose gains fresh cut grass and loses the shortbread and oatcakes. The body gains a lot more oak and some cinnamon, and loses the strawberry chews and grass. The finish has vanilla, new oak furniture and cinnamon.

A delight without water, but a bit too spicy and woody for me after dilution.

One for autumn or spring afternoons.

Technical score: 3.5/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

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.