26.135 - Delicate, delightful, delicious

8 years old, distilled 17th May 2011, 59.7% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 216 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 26.135 - Delicate, delightful, deliciousThe nose has pear, honey, apricot and lemon with hints of floral bouquets. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pear, honey, lemon and lime with a little vanilla. The finish is lemon, lime, pears and vanilla.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains more of the floral notes - roses, honeysuckle - but loses nothing. The body gains the same floral notes, and some coconut - also nothing lost. The finish gains more lemon and some roses, alongside a hint of cinnamon.

A simple yet delightful dram - the title is accurate.

One for summer afternoons.

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.