5.217 - Wonder Wheel Ride

18 years old, distilled 16th January 2003, 54.9% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 189 bottles, dram price E

SMWS 5.78 - Wonder Wheel rideThe nose has floral notes, honey, golden syrup, apricot and exotic wood. The body has honey, golden syrup, apricot, camphor wood and sandalwood. The finish has floral notes, honey and apricot.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling which spreads out rapidly into brief mottling. The nose gains grape juice and loses the exotic wood. The body gains more camphor wood and some cinnamon. The finish gains cinnamon.

A very pleasant surprise - a little too spicy after water, but the floral notes and sweetness call to me despite that.

One for summer afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I’d like a bottle.

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.