46.30 - "Flowers and chocolates for Churchill"

14 years old, distilled 27th September 2000, 58.6% abv, refill ex-bourbon hogshead, 267 bottles

Caramel, hard pear and red apple on the nose. The mouth-feel is quite thick. The body has pancake batter, rhododendrons, pears, indian tea and a hint of turkish delight. The finish is robust - pears, toffee and tea.

Water brings thin, expanding whorling that settles into lovely lingering lines at the bottom of the glass. The nose has less caramel and more pear, along with some green apple. The body brings a little more florality, alongside the tea and pears. The turkish delight has gone. The finish is sweeter - vanilla, pear, tea but less toffee.

A superb dram for a tasting amongst friends. Or winning enemies around to your point of view.

4/5