46.71 - Ginger and jelly sweets

25 years old, distilled 16th November 1992, 52.9% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 260 bottles, dram price F

SMWS 46.71 - Ginger and jelly sweetsThe nose has oranges, apricot, hints of lavender and then some cut grass and crystallised ginger. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has more of the cut grass and some orange, then elderflower and crystallised ginger. The finish has stem ginger and freshly cut grass. The ginger builds up as the palate dries, becoming almost too much for me.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more lavender, cut grass and apricot but loses the oranges. The body gains pineapple and lemon, and loses the oranges. The finish retains the ginger, but gains lemon and loses the freshly cut grass. It’s also not quite as hot.

A superb nose, and a decent body. The only flaw is the heat in the finish - but it’s tolerable. I cannot understate how wonderful the nose was initially, and it’s worth trying this dram just for that.
One for summer evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5

Personal preference: I’d like a bottle.