7.218 - Voila une grande dame

25 years old, distilled 4th May 1993, 52.1% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 245 bottles, dram price G

SMWS 7.218 - Voila une grande dameThe nose has pot pourri, especially geraniums and hints of lavender, alongside strawberries and a little cinnamon. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has soft toffee, lavender, strawberries, and dried apricots. The finish has dried apricots, rosewater, and toffee.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that expands quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains rosewater and a hint of tarragon, but loses the lavender. The body gains rosewater but loses the strawberries and lavender. The finish gains a touch of cinnamon.

An intriguing dram, soft and gentle, and it holds the flavours it has together.

One for summer afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5

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.