68.17 - Rusty oranges

7 years old, distilled 11th June 2010, 58.0% abv, Recharred Hogshead, 298 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 68.17 - Rusty orangesThe nose has oranges, charred wood and hints of cocktail bitters. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has more of the oranges, and then brings in other citrus notes that remind me of Tizer. Towards the finish there's toffee and then a hint of oak furniture. The finish itself is citrus (mainly oranges, some lemon) and charred wood.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that does not linger long enough to mottle. The nose gains new oak furniture and loses the cocktail bitters. With time, a little rosewater appears. The body gains more oak notes and toffee, and loses some of the oranges. The finish gains balance - less charred wood, more toffee and a better balance between the oranges and lemon.

A very good dram for autumnal mornings.

Technical score: 4/5

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!