4 years old, distilled 31st May 2017, 58.0% abv, Charred New Oak Barrel, 202 bottles, dram price B

The nose has toffee, charred oak, mint leaves, vanilla and hints of lychee. The mouthfeel is thick with a little cling. The body has toffee, charred oak, cinnamon, star anise and hints of greenhouses with fresh tomatoes growing in them. The finish has charred oak, cinnamon and star anise.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains rye bread and hints of red apple. The body gains red apple and nutmeg. The finish gains more cinnamon and star anise.

Too much spice for me, which is a shame as I feel I’m missing some interesting fruit flavours that might lurk beneath.

One for autumn afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5
Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

This spirit was provided by the SMWS in a preview session - thanks to them for that. Full editorial control has been retained in the tasting process.