64.109 - Bourbon tang and chilli heat

8 years old, distilled 24th March 2010, 58.1% abv, Re-charred Hogshead, 270 bottles, dram price A

SMWS 64.109 - Bourbon tang and chilli heatThe nose has pear, kiwi fruit, rough leather and a hint of oak. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has leather, pear, sherbet, oak and then cinnamon and chilli oil. The finish has chilli oil and cinnamon.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more oak and loses the kiwi fruit. The body gains more sherbet and some cinnamon, and loses the pear. The finish gains a little more cinnamon.

An interesting dram with plenty of flavours, but they never quite gelled for me. Still worth a try though, as I’m sure it’ll be a hit with many other people.

One for spring afternoons.

Technical score: 3/5

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.