12 years old, distilled 8th October 2004, 58.8% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 222 bottles, dram price C

The nose has baked apple, shortbread and a hint of a freshly opened packet of fruit gums. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has fruit gums, jelly babies, baked apples and then cinnamon and a hint of chilli. The finish is baked apples and cinnamon.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that dissipates without mottling. The nose gains crystallised ginger, and loses the sweetie notes. The body gains crystallised ginger, which replaces the chilli. There's more fruit - pears, green apples, red apples and hints of lemon. The finish is cinnamon, baked apples, crystallised ginger and a hint of lemon.

Too spicy without water for me, saved by adding some water. A fascinating dram with plenty of fruit. One for summer mornings?

3/5 (2/5 without water!)

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!