11 years old, distilled 21st September 2006, 60.0% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 180 bottles, dram price B

The nose is quite closed - oak, vanilla and hints of pears, but not much really. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has vanilla, pear, freshly cut oak and hints of caramel shortcake. The finish is freshly cut oak and pears.

Water brings out thin whorling that expands very rapidly, then dissipates before mottling. The nose opens up - pears, orange chew sweets, vanilla ice cream and hints of bourbon biscuits. The body gains peanuts and a massive hit of cinnamon that covers much of the other flavours. The finish also gains that large cinnamon hit, and orange chew sweets.

A big change after water - and I preferred it without. That makes it one for a summer hipflask whilst rambling...

3/5 (Half a point lost in the cinnamon, but could easily be found there by those willing to explore.)

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!