48.102 - Spiced nuts in a tea chest

11 years old, distilled 31st July 2006, 57.9% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 260 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 48.102 - Spiced nuts in a tea chestThe nose has fresh new wood, sap, pineapple, pears and a hint of mint leaf. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pineapple, pears, toffee, and hints of pencil shavings and chilli chocolates. The finish has pineapple, pencil shavings and chilli peppers.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into lingering mottling. The nose gains more mint leaf and pear, and loses the pineapple and wood sap. The body gains lime, new oak furniture, and loses the chilli peppers. The finish gains a little lime and loses the chilli peppers.

I dreaded adding water after the chilli peppers, but it actually removed them. It's a decent dram, delivering a nice set of flavours.

One for winter days when coming in from the cold, and looking back out on the stark bright sunlight outside.

Technical score: 3.5/5

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!