29.232 - Seaside sweet shop on fire

18 years old, distilled 11th November 1998, 59.1% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 240 bottles, dram price F

SMWS 29.232 - Seaside sweet shop on fireThe nose has smoked bacon, maple syrup, blackcurrant and then hints of lavender and TCP. The mouthfeel is thick with a little cling. The body has clean wood smoke, honey, liquorice, and ginger towards the finish. The finish has smoke, liquorice, ginger and black pepper.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into lingering mottling. The nose gains more floral notes - violets? - and loses the blackcurrant. The body gains more smoke and salted caramels, but loses the ginger. The finish still has the ginger and black pepper, but they are reduced. There's now also the same floral note from the nose.

A fine dram for cold evenings with warm friends.

4/5