36.167 - Nuts in velvet

21 years old, distilled 15th August 1997, 58.3% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 148 bottles, dram price E

SMWS 36.167 - Nuts in velvetThe nose has fudge, baked apples, plums and hints of damson. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has damson, plums, baked apples and baked pineapple, fudge, vanilla, then a little cinnamon. The finish has vanilla, baked apples and pineapples, and cinnamon.

Water brings out thick, compact whorling that rapidly dissipates into brief mottling. The nose gains more of the plums and some baked pineapple, loses a little of the fudge. The body gains more of the fruits, and hints of madeira - the fudge and vanilla are diminished. The finish gains more plum and damson, and a slight increase in cinnamon.

Simply superb.

Technical score: 5/5

Personal preference: I’d like more than one 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.