7.213 - Moistify your leather

13 years old, distilled 7th September 2004, 59.9% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 161 bottles, dram price C

SMWS 7.213 - Moistify your leatherThe nose has wood glue, then peaches, apricots and nectarines. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has marzipan, sultanas, then a hit of spice - cinnamon, cloves, ginger, even white pepper. Not actually hot, fortunately. The finish is drying, with cinnamon and ginger turning towards cloves.

Water brings out tight, thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains marzipan and some lavender, but loses the wood glue. The body gains lavender, fudge and some perfumed leather - but still retains the cinnamon, ginger, cloves and even gains some white pepper. The finish gains marzipan and lavender, but retains the cinnamon and ginger.

I’m never going to like those spicy notes, but can tell that this is going to be loved by many - it’s got a great set of flavours and balances them nicely, whilst rewarding exploration.

One for summer mornings.

Technical score: 4.5/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

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.