76.142 - A journey to bliss

15 years old, distilled 1st October 2002, 56.3% abv, First Fill Ex-Moscatel Hogshead, 272 bottles, dram price C

SMWS 76.142 - A journey to blissThe nose has orange blossom, quince jam, red apples, coffee grounds and a distant hint of cinnamon. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has quince jam, coffee grounds, red apples, biscotti and coffee grounds. The finish has coffee grounds, biscotti, red apples and cinnamon.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into lingering mottling. The nose gains more coffee grounds. The body gains more coffee grounds and some cinnamon. The finish gains more cinnamon.

A very pleasing dram that delivers plenty of flavours with decent balance. Perhaps a touch too spicy for me, but only just.

One for winter 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.