88.19 - A sweet sprite

9 years old, distilled 4th February 2009, 54.3% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 332 bottles, dram price B

SMWS 88.19 - A sweet spriteThe nose gains Elderflower and grassy meadows, with a little hint of vanilla and some lemon sherbet. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has lemon sherbet, vanilla and a hint of pineapple. The finish has vanilla and lemon sherbet.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains pear, red apples and some cinnamon, but loses nothing. The body gains pear and more vanilla. The finish gains pear and some cinnamon.

This dram isn’t complicated. It’s remarkably drinkable and the flavours it has are well integrated.

One for summer afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5

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.