9 years old, distilled 12th February 2010, 62.5% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 217 bottles, dram price D

The nose has a curious combination of dry peat smoke and tropical fruits - pineapple, mango, papaya. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pineapple, red apple, mango, pear - and then bonfire smoke. The finish is pineapple and mango with bonfire smoke.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that dissipates before it can mottle. The nose gains hessian and hints of antiseptic, and loses the pineapple somewhat. The body gains hessian, antiseptic and hints of soot and candle wax. The tropical fruits remain, but they’re quieter. The finish gains more smoke, some antiseptic, and the fruits are quieter.

An excellent dram in both composition and delivery.

One for winter evenings.

Technical score: 5/5

Personal preference: I’d like more than one bottle.

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.