71.57 - Eminently quaffable

12 years old, distilled 22nd March 2006, 59.1% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 182 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 71.57 - Eminently quaffableThe nose has pear and red apples, alongside a hint of old oak furniture. The mouthfeel is thin with a little cling, and a little sharp. The body continues the pears and red apples and adds green apples and a hint of mango. There's also toffee and fresh oak. The finish is pears, toffee and hints of fresh oak and mango.

Water brings out thin, brief whorling that never gets a chance to mottle. The nose gains more pear and some raspberry. The body gains a little raspberry too - but just a hint. The pear is more up front, and the oak diminished. The finish gains more pears and apples, and loses the fresh oak.

A decent springtime dram.

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!