No age statement, 58.3% abv, First Fill Barrique STR, 181 bottles, dram price H

The nose has herb gardens (thyme, tarragon), blackberries, oak, dried tobacco, caramel and toffee. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has blackberries, fresh oak, dried tobacco and toffee. The finish has blackberries, tobacco and oak.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that dissipates before mottling. The nose gains more caramel and tobacco, but loses the blackberries and herb gardens. The body gains more toffee and blackberries. The finish gains more oak.

The shaved, toasted and recharred cask has really worked nicely with this spirit - although it’s an intense experience.

One for summer 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.