18 years old, distilled 11th November 1998, 60.9% abv, Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 264 bottles, dram price F

The nose has recently applied creosote (still tacky!), caramel and roast ham. The mouthfeel is decent with a little cling. The body has earthy tones, creosote, and hints of liquorice and pork crackling - and peat smoke, of course. The finish is peat smoke and creosote, with hints of caramel.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains more balance - where the creosote dominated, it's now diminished and soft peat smoke has joined it. The roast ham is gone, but the caramel remains. The body gains caramel and loses the creosote and pork crackling. The finish loses the creosote and gains caramel.

A big, brash dram that I preferred after it was tempered by water - one for sunset on mild summer's days.

3.5/5

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!