9 years old, distilled 12th March 2007, 61.2% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 114 bottles, dram price C

The nose has fresh cut grass, red apples, pears and a hint of vanilla. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has red apple, pineapple and then cinnamon and chilli powder. The finish is cinnamon and chilli powder.

Water brings out thick, rapidly spreading whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains mango and green apple. The body gains toffee, and loses the chilli - the cinnamon is still present. The finish is building cinnamon, mango and red apples.

I wish this wasn't so spicy. The balance and the other flavours are superb. As it stands, I really can't quite manage this one. One for spring days.

2/5 (Would be 3.5 if not so spicy!)

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!