44.85 - A kiwi tart in the coffee shop

14 years old, distilled 6th November 2002, 58.2% abv, Second Fill Ex-Sherry Butt, 234 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 44.85 - A kiwi tart in the coffee shopThe nose has croissants and caramel, with hints of fruits of the forest. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has chillies, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Naturally, I find these dominating - but there are also hints of vanilla, tea chests and plums below the spicy burn. The finish is vanilla and tea chests with cinnamon and ginger.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that dissipates quickly. The nose gains leather tobacco pouches. The body loses the dominance of the spice, and gains tobacco leaves and vanilla, although the ginger and cinnamon are still quite present. The finish is ginger and tea chests.

A dram that's a little too spicy for me until I add water, which redeems it somewhat. Bring on the ice-cream!

2.5/5