42.46 - Seahorse to air missile

10 years old, distilled 25th June 2008, 61.9% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 207 bottles, dram price A

SMWS 42.46 - Seahorse to air missileThe nose has lemon, pineapple, lime, rhubarb and a hint of menthol, all perfectly balanced. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has lemon, pineapple, menthol and brine. The finish has lemon and brine.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that doesn’t linger or mottle. The nose gains brine and hints of salted caramel, and loses the lime and the rhubarb. The body gains a honeyed note, dark chocolate with salted caramels, and loses a little of the pineapple. The finish gains some salted caramels and more brine.

A very nicely balanced dram especially the nose. Everything is working towards the same delightful goal!

One for summer evenings at a beach chalet with friends.

Technical score: 4.5/5

Personal preference: I’d like a bottle.