10 years old, distilled 6th October 2006, 60.1% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 162 bottles, dram price C

The nose is a little closed - it gradually builds into sea breezes and pineapple, but is still quite faint. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has faint pineapple juice, slight lemon, caramel and sea air - and slatherings of umami, which make it oddly satisfying. The finish is a short burst of sea air then a lingering hint of pineapple.

Water brings out thin, rapidly spreading whorling that settles quickly into lingering mottling. The nose gains hints of lemon. The body gains more lemon and some hints of oak wood shavings, but that umami remains. The finish gains a little lemon.

The tasting notes may seem simple, but it's well balanced and effectively delivered. The umami in particular makes it one to be experienced.

One for summer beach parties, as the sun starts to go down.

4/5

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!