5.64 - Happy hour

14 years old, distilled 16th January 2003, 56.3% abv, First-Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 215 bottles, dram price C

SMWS 5.64 - Happy hourThe nose has strawberry, grapefruit, lime, lemon, and then peaches and lemongrass. The mouthfeel is thin, very smooth with no cling. The body has more of the strawberry, red apples, lime, and then cinnamon and cardamom. The finish is strawberries and peaches with lime and hints of cinnamon.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains slight herbal notes - fennel, thyme - but is still very fruity. The body gains honeyed notes and a little herb - the fennel again - with some more lime. The finish gains more lime and cardamom.

A great summer's day dram, albeit a little spicy.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I'd like a bottle.