35.117 - "Cock-a-hoop with happiness"

17 years old, distilled 17th December 1996, 54.6% abv, first-fill designer barrel, 185 bottles

A lovely nose of lavender, roses, twigs and a little vanilla. The mouth-feel is light and smooth. The body has sponge cake, demerara sugar, apricot, moving towards liquorice at the back. The finish is long and sweet - vanilla and liquorice.

Water brings tight thin whorling that vanishes quickly. The nose is now piping hot sponge cake fresh from the oven, eucalyptus and lavender. The body has more floral notes (lavender and roses) alongside his of leather. The finish also gains the florality of the nose, adding to the unwatered finish rather than replacing it.

A great dram for a pick-me-up!

4/5