36.161 - Honey and herbs on ham

12 years old, distilled 22nd August 2006, 58.9% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 274 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 36.161 - Honey and herbs on hamThe nose has butterscotch, honey, then rosemary and tarragon. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has more honey and butterscotch, then digestive biscuits and ginger biscuits. The finish is ginger and butterscotch. The ginger builds with repeated sips.

Water brings out tight, thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into decent mottling. The nose gains more honey and some toffee, roast lamb, and hints of ginger biscuits. The body gains some caramel and some ginger, and a little tarragon. The finish gains caramel and roast lamb.

A superb rich dram, which balances its various flavours very well. I really like the herbal notes without water - in retrospect, I think I’d have this neat in future.

One for spring afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I’d have another dram.