9.180 - Fruitius Maximus

16 years old, distilled 11th September 2003, 54.8% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 218 bottles, dram price D

SMWS 9.180 - Fruitius MaximusThe nose has quince, red apples and hints of honey. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has quince, red apples, kiwi fruit, melon, honey and toffee. The finish has quince, toffee and honey.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that doesn’t settle. The nose gains more honey, but loses nothing. The body gains more honey, marzipan and more toffee. The finish gains more toffee and honey.

Quite the revelation, certainly not what I expected from this whisky. Always well balanced and pleasant, this is a little treasure.

One for autumn 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.