Malts of Scotland (IB) 25y, distilled 1984, bottled 2009, 54.7% ABV
cask #286, one of 213 bottles
Glass: Spiegelau
Colour: Well polished old oak
Nose: Luxurious, very well polished or cured old leather, turning musty and slightly spirity after some minutes. Hints of weathered wood and marzipan.
Palate: Very smooth with oak, leather, dark fruits (raisins, plums, currants) spreading gently across the palate before concentrating on the front centre of the tongue, whilst making the sides of the mouth water.
With 4 drops of water in 2cl: The leather and oak are highlighted in the nose and the palate is smoother and richer, with a concentration of the nutty marzipan flavours.
A further 3 drops (in about 1cl) smoothen this even more, but the flavours are now weakened.
Finish: Very long and smooth, getting even longer with the drops of water, but with a slightly more toasted effet.
Overall Impression: An excellent whisky, very rich and at its best with the first 4 drops of water.
