76.140 - Witchie takes a holiday

14 years old, distilled 17th May 2004, 59.1% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 155 bottles, dram price C

SMWS 76.140 - Witchie takes a holidayThe nose has honey, fruits of the forest, tobacco leaves and cinnamon sticks. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has lemon and lime, blackcurrant, ginger biscuits and cinnamon. The finish has lemon, cinnamon and a hint of blackcurrant.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanidng whorling that mottles briefly. The nose gains more honey and leather tobacco pouches, and loses the cinnamon but none of the fruit. The body gains burnt caramel, more cinnamon and some green pepper, as well as some chilli. The finish gains chilli and green pepper.

A superb dram, but water took it to spice shores that weren't what I wanted. A pity, as it has a great selection of flavours that will really impress many other people.

One for autumnal afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.