35.233 - Banana daiquiri

23 years old, distilled 27th October 1995, 53.0% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 191 bottles, dram price F

SMWS 35.233 - Banana daiquiriThe nose has strawberry, banana, marzipan and hints of spiced rum. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has strawberry, banana, glace cherries, sultanas and plenty of vanilla, before moving towards cinnamon and horseradish towards the finish. The finish is banana, cinnamon and horseradish. (The horseradish builds on repeated sipping, which I find... challenging.)

Water brings out thick whorling that rapidly expands and quickly settles into thin mottling. The nose gains peppermint and loses the strawberry. The body gains peppermint and vanilla, and loses the strawberries and glace cherries. The finish gains more vanilla and some horseradish.

I like everything about this dram but the horseradish, which is a little overpowering. But for those with a tolerance of hot foods, this will be a delightful dram - packed with nicely balanced flavour.

One for summer evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

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.