9 years old, distilled 21st September 2010, 61.8% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 204 bottles, dram price A

The nose has linseed oil, willow (cricket bats!), fudge and hints of damson. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has linseed oil, fudge, plums, damson and then building cinnamon. The finish has linseed oil and cinnamon with a hint of plums.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains creamy vanilla and hints of red apples, and loses the damson. The body gains more plum and cinnamon and some custard, and loses a little fudge. The finish gains more cinnamon and custard.

A pleasant dram that holds everything in balance quite nicely.

One for summer mornings.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I’d have another dram.

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.