66.134 - Tar very much

12 years old, distilled 6th March 2006, 59.3% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 307 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 66.134 - Tar very muchThe nose has ash, honey, and roasted chestnuts. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has ash, honey and hints of liquorice, with dry bonfire smoke in the background. The finish has dry bonfire smoke and ash.

Water brings out compact, thin whorling that settles briefly but doesn’t mottle. The nose gains hints of lemon and lime, and the ash is lessened. The body gains lemon and the ash is also somewhat diminished. The finish has the same trend.

Don’t mistake simplicity for low quality - this is a good whisky waiting for the right moment.

One for autumn evenings.

Technical score: 3.5/5

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.