44.97 - Sweet, succulent shape-shifter

11 years old, distilled 23rd October 2006, 63.6% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 262 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 44.97 - Sweet, succulent shape shifterThe nose has hay, banana and caramel with hints of raspberry. A little closed. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has caramel, banana, pineapple and lots of ginger. The finish has banana, ginger and cinnamon.

Too much spice for my palette!

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that expands almost immediately into very brief mottling. The nose gains more caramel and toffee, and loses the hay. The body gains syrup sponge, and loses the pineapple. The spice remains but is slightly tempered.

A little too spicy for me, but only just over the line. A very nice set of flavours, well delivered.

One for autumnal evenings.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

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!