8 years old, distilled 24th December 2010, 57.8% abv, First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 231 bottles, dram price B

The nose has pear, light vanilla and kiwi fruit. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has kiwi fruit, pear, light vanilla notes and a little waxiness. The finish has kiwi fruit and vanilla.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains some oak and more vanilla, and loses the kiwi fruit in favour of pear. The body gains oak furniture, more vanilla, pineapple and some lychee. The finish gains pineapple, lychee and fresh oak.

Fresh, light and slightly waxy - and very sweet.

One for summer mornings - breakfast!

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.