28.42 - Zesty, sherbety, sweet and sour

11 years old, distilled 7th June 2007, 60.5% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 204 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 28.42 - Zesty, sherbety, sweet and sourThe nose has balsa wood, gorse, hard pear and a hint of a freshly opened bag of Fruit Gums. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has gorse, gooseberry, apple tarts and then orange sherbet and slightly sour note. The finish is hard pear, sour sweets and gooseberry.

Water brings out tight, thin, rapidly expanding whorling that doesn’t quite mottle before dissipating. The nose gains more fruit - and lime, lemon and banana - and loses the gorse. The body gains gains lemon, lime and loses the orange sherbet. The finish gains lime.

An intriguing, fruity dram that has an unexpected combination, but charms nonetheless.

One for a hot summer’s afternoon in the shade of the garden.

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.