59.56 - Gardener’s question time

10 years old, distilled 26th February 2008, 56.2% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 312 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 59.56 - Gardener's question timeThe nose has rhubarb, peaches, and vanilla. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has an earthy note, fresh tree sap, more rhubarb, lavender and some lemon. The finish has lemon, rhubarb and some cinnamon creeping in.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains a slightly herbal note, and loses the rhubarb. The body gains herb gardens and cinnamon, and more lemon - but loses the lavender. The finish gains more cinnamon and some green apple.

An intriguing dram that didn’t quite integrate the flavours as well as I’d like. Not that this is a capital crime - I suspect that if I were writing this tasting note in July, I’d be far more impressed by this dram.

One for summer afternoons.

Technical score: 3/5

Personal preference: I’d have another dram.

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.