58.36 - Roll with the punches

12 years old, distilled 13th September 2007, 59.4% abv, First Fill Ex-Sauternes Barrique, 268 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 58.36 - Roll with the punchesThe nose has butterscotch, orange peel and hints of milk chocolate. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has rough leather, butterscotch, salted caramels, orange peel and charred wood. The finish has orange peel, butterscotch, salted caramels and a little cinnamon.

Water brings out compact, lasting whorling that never quite mottles. The nose gains madeira cake and hints of fresh basil, and loses the milk chocolate. The body gains liquorice, madiera cake, ginger and hints of basil - and loses the leather and salted caramels. The finish gains more ginger and some madeira cake.

A belter of a dram that should turn the heads of sherry fans, despite never having seen a sherry cask.

One for summer evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5

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.