Review #037 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 60.8% Comments: aged 13 years, matured for nine in ex-bourbon, then transferred to a custom first-fill barrique (70/30 split American/European oak with toasted heads) Tasted after: Single Malt Scotch 1996 Fruit Utopia Batch 17 (SMWS) Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Was Unable to look for legs due to an apparent water-repellent coating on the glass I was tasting with. Nose: 18/20 Butterscotch pudding, ginger bread, vanilla, over-ripened bananas, and juicy plumbs. Palate: 30/40 Bourbon, cinnamon, mulling spices, dark chocolate, and a hint of maple. It doesn’t want to be swished around much in your mouth, it develops a bitter flavor after a couple seconds. Finish: 32/30 Long finish. Chili pepper heat to start, but gradually grows sweeter. As the heat fades I get some molasses and more dark chocolate that evolves into brown sugar by the end. With Water: A drop of water doesn’t change the palate much, but adds a sweet and salty meat profile to the finish reminiscent of summer sausage. Total: 79/100 Final thoughts: The nose is definitely the best part of this dram. Nothing about it is bad, but I wish the palate and finish were as good, the bitterness on the palate really threw me. Thanks to my brother @Mark-Watson2 for the sample. Price: gifted sample Would recommend: no Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.