8 years old, distilled 19th September 2011, 59.1% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 22 bottles, dram price B

The nose has lemon, chalk, thyme, and hints of “meadow fresh” fabric conditioner. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has white pepper, lemon, chalk and hints of candied oranges. The finish has white pepper, lemon and a hint of oak shavings.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains candied oranges and hints of tobacco pouches, and loses the fabric conditioner. The body gains a little cinnamon and more pepper, candied oranges and some soft toffee. The finish gains cinnamon and more pepper.

The white pepper is such a discordant note for me - but others will love it. It was never too hot, but it’s just not what I’m looking for.

One for spring afternoons.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: Just the one dram, thanks.

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.