29.233 - Permeating sweet smoke

20 years old, distilled 26th November 1996, 48.0% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 257 bottles, dram price G

SMWS 29.233 - Permeating sweet smokeThe nose has cigar smoke, maple syrup, and a little honey. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has light, sweet smoke and then honey and ginger - then growing smoke! The finish is long and simple - sweet smoke.

Water brings out thick, rapidly spreading whorling that lingers briefly as mottling. The nose gains more smoke and loses the honey. The body has much more smoke, and loses the honey - the ginger remains but is in the background. There's also a hint of vinegar. The finish is still long, sweet smoke.

An interesting, light sweet dram that lacks the distillery's usual TCP "signature note" - one for shoreline celebrations.

3.5/5