9.143 - Graceful gravitas

21 years old, distilled 23rd April 1996, 60.6% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 258 bottles, dram price E

SMWS 9.143 - Graceful gravitasThe nose has passion fruit, honey and hints of old tea chests. The mouthfeel is thin with a little cling. The body has more of the passion fruit and then brings in darker notes - caramel, tobacco, and hints of oranges. The finish is oranges and tea chests.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains orange chew sweets and raspberries, and loses the honey notes. The body gains raspberries and hints of passion fruit. The finish gains passion fruit.

A superb summer afternoon dram.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I'd like more than one bottle.