5.58 - Contrapuntal harmony

16 years old, 11th October 2000, 55.7% abv, First Fill Charred Ex-Red Wine Hogshead, 227 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 5.58 - Contrapuntal harmonyThe nose has a beautiful balance of rosewater, tobacco leaves, banana, green apples and brandy. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has brandy notes, tobacco, walnuts, oak shavings, peanuts, Thai spices and soy sauce. The finish is rosewater and tobacco.

Water brings out thick whorling that rapidly settles into brief mottling. The nose gains cherries and Turkish Delight, and loses the green apples. The body gains more of the brandy and more of the oak shavings, along with some old oak furniture notes. The finish gains old oak furniture.

A lovely and interesting dram - one for the fireside. Or garden. Or with dinner. Or for breakfast...

4.5/5