13.79 - Furtive kisses in a chip van

13 years old, distilled 12th May 2005, 60.2% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 198 bottles, dram price C

SMWS 13.79 - Furtive kisses in a chip vanThe nose has sea breezes, sandalwood and honey. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has sandalwood, toffee, sea salt, lemon and a hint of lime. The finish has sandalwood, sea salt and hints of lemon.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains lemon and more honey. The body gains more toffee and lemon, and some hints of lime. The finish gains hints of lime.

It’s not quite coastal enough for the category, but it’s a good dram. Definitely not typical of this distillery though!

One for autumn mornings.

Technical score: 3.5/5

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.