42.37 - Steamie Turkish bath

10 years old, distilled 25th June 2008, 62.0% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 242 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 42.37 - Steamie Turkish bathThe nose has pineapple, rosewater, and hints of orange juice. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has rosewater, pineapple, papaya and then a sudden hit of soft ash. The finish is ash and pineapple.

Water brings out tight, thin whorling that expands rapidly and doesn't settle. The nose gains refreshers sweets and loses the rosewater. The body gains smoky toffee and loses the rosewater and papaya, with the ash being tamed. The finish softens the ash, but is otherwise unchanged.

A corker with an unexpected ash note, this will surprise a lot of people who think they know what to expect!

A very good autumn afternoon dram.

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!