55.51 - A pony-tailed pedant’s potion

12 years old, distilled 4th August 2006, 58.3% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 224 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 55.51 - A pony-tailed pedant's potionThe nose has barley sugar water, oats and marzipan. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pear, green apple, barley sugar water and hints of menthol. The finish has pear and menthol.

Water brings out thin whorling that rapidly expands and settles into brief mottling. The nose gains menthol and more oats, but loses the marzipan. The body gains more menthol and loses the green apple. The finish gains some cinnamon and star anise, and more menthol.

A curious experience before water, with plenty of malty notes balanced well by pear and apple. After water I found the finish to be too spicey.

One for autumn afternoons.

Technical score: 3/5

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.