137.5 - The devil’s stationary cupboard

8 years old, distilled 3rd March 2011, 63.9% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 231 bottles, dram price D

SMWS 137.5 - The devil’s stationary cupboardThe nose has dry wood bonfire smoke, pencil shavings, hard toffee and a curious hint of calamine lotion. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has more of the dry bonfire smoke, some vanilla and some burnt oak, with a hint of pear. The finish has pencil shavings and dry bonfire smoke, with a hint of pear.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that settles lazily into brief mottling. The nose gains more smoke and loses the hard toffee and medicinal notes. The body gains more toffee and the smoke is heavier - harder, older wood on the bonfire - and hints of tar. The finish gains more of that heavier smoke and some tar.

Lighter and less dirty than the previous instances from this distillery, this is delicious.

One for winter evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5

Personal preference: I’d like a bottle.

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.