53.312 - Variety of emotions

10 years old, distilled 20th February 2009, 58.3% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 289 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 53.312 - Variety of emotionsThe nose has bonfire smoke, brine and hints of tar. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has bonfire smoke, tar, brine, toffee and hints of vanilla. The finish has bonfire smoke and rising cinnamon spices.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that dissipates quickly into very brief mottling. The nose gains star anise and some more tar. The body gains some vanilla and some wood oak notes - cinnamon and star anise. The finish gains star anise and tar.

A curious dram. Never quite too hot for me. But also never quite poised enough - that having been said, it was always balanced. Just never poised.

One for winter afternoons.

Technical score: 3.5/5

Personal preference: I’d have another dram.

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.