3 years old, distilled 14th January 2015, 60.4% abv, First Fill Ex-Oloroso Hogshead, 298 bottles, dram price C

The nose has cognac, pears, blackberries and hints of polished oak. The mouthfeel is decent, with a little cling. The body has raisins, sultanas, cognac, pear and polished oak. The finish has cognac, sultanas and polished oak.

Water brings out tight, thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more cognac and some oloroso sherry, and loses the blackberries. The body gains oloroso sherry and the pear becomes spiced (cinnamon?) and some of the oak. The finish gains a slight cinnamon spice.

Impressive for its age, and confusing for anyone who drinks both cognac and whisky, this dram is an experience that nobody expects from a 3 year old whisky!

One for winter evenings.

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!