53.303 - Biting a Fireman’s Glove

7 years old, distilled 27th April 2011, 58.6% abv, New Oak Heavy Charred Hogshead, 308 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 53.303 - Biting a fireman’s gloveThe nose has black bun, dry bonfire smoke, hard toffee and a hint of vanilla. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has dry bonfire smoke, vanilla, tobacco pouches, and toffee. The finish has dry bonfire smoke and hard toffee.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains vanilla and caramel, and loses the black bun. The body gains soft toffee, hints of lemon, but loses a little of the smoke. The finish gains soft toffee and hints of lemon.

A decent peated dram which balances smoke and sweetness well.

One for winter 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.