4.249 - The mermaid's marmalade

13 years old, distilled 31st May 2004, 64.6% abv, Refill Ex-Oloroso Butt, 592 bottles, dram price C

SMWS 4.249 - The mermaid's marmaladeThe nose has oranges, salted toffee and sultanas. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has marmalade, sultanas, raisins and ginger cake. The finish has sultanas, marmalade and ginger.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains ginger and Cognac, and loses the oranges. The body gains cinder toffee and more raisins, and loses the Cognac and sultanas. The finish gains cinder toffee, ash and ginger but loses nothing.

A superb dram which balances sherried fruits and a light peating beautifully.

One for summer evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5

Personal preference: I'd like a bottle.