72.70 - Aromatherapy with margaritas

10 years old, distilled 15th May 2008, 53.5% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 255 bottles, dram price A

SMWS 72.70 - Aromatherapy with margaritasThe nose has vanilla, lemon sorbet and hints of camphor wood. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has lemon, vanilla sponge cake and cinnamon. The finish has vanilla, cinnamon and a hint of pepper.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that dissipates before mottling. The nose gains Battenberg cake, hints of lime and is much softer. The body gains lime and loses the cinnamon. The lemon is bolder, which continues into the finish - where there is still a little cinnamon but it’s greatly diminished.

Ten years in a first fill cask? They should ask the cooper for a refund. This is very light, with not much going on. That having been said, it’s not bad - providing you’re looking for an easy-drinker.

One for starting a summer afternoon off.

Technical score: 2.5/5

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.