76.138 - Sweet memories of autumn

12 years old, distilled 5th October 2005, 60.9% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 271 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 76.138 - Sweet memories of autumnThe nose has butterscotch and toffee, with herbal hints. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has butterscotch, brown sugar, peppers and turmeric. The finish has more of the peppers and turmeric, with some toffee.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles briefly into mottling. The nose gains damson and loses the herbal hints. The body gains damson, banana and more butterscotch. The finish gains some damson.

The water didn't quite rescue it enough for me - still a but too spicy. But this would be a fine dram for hill walking in autumn, or by a fireside after that walk.

Technical score: 3.5/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.