68.16 - Pleasingly precocious

9 years old, distilled 19th October 2009, 59.4% abv, Re-charred Hogshead, 314 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 68.16 - Pleasingly precociousThe nose has orange zest, sultanas and honeycomb. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has orange and lemon flavoured sweeties, sultanas, caramel and hints of rum. The finsh has rum and raisin ice-cream and caramel, with a hint of black pepper.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into lingering mottling. The nose gains more citrus - orange and lemon, with caramel and toffee joining the honeycomb. The body gains lemon and some nutmeg and cinnamon, with more of the caramel present. The finish gains cinnamon, nutmeg and citrus, and loses the black pepper.

A spring morning dram.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I'd have another dram.