7.211 - Calm and tranquil

13 years old, distilled 7th July 2004, 60.6% abv, First-Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 192 bottles, dram price C

SMWS 7.211 - Calm and tranquilThe nose has violets, pine wood and balsa wood. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pine wood, ginger, lychee and hints of liquorice. The finish has ginger, liquorice, and a herbal hint.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles into lingering mottling. The nose gains lychee, papaya, pear and strawberries. It loses the pine wood and balsa wood somewhat. The body gains a little more ginger, some papaya and pear, and butterscotch. It loses the pine wood and liquorice. The finish gains a little more ginger and some papaya, and loses the liquorice.

An intriguing dram that was a little closed and woody without water, but really opened up after.

One for a hipflask on spring walks.

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!