17 years old, distilled 2nd November 2001, 56.1% abv, First Fill Ex-IPA Barrel, 202 bottles, dram price D

The nose has sage, lemon and hints of hops. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has light crisp lemon notes, a little lime and then building hops. The finish has lemon and hops.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains strawberry chews and hints of lime. The body gains strawberry, more lime and some green apple. The hops are a little tamed. The finish gains a little lime.

Not as dominated by the IPA cask as I’d expected, actually quite nicely balanced.

One for autumn afternoons.

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.