11 years old, distilled 8th November 2006, 59.4% abv, First-Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 185 bottles, dram price A

The nose has pineapple, green apple, fresh oak (newly broken branches with sap) and a hint of peach. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has pineapple, peaches, oak and then a chilli note. The finish has pineapple and chilli with a hint of peach.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that spreads into lingering mottling. The nose gains coconut and loses the green apple, oak sap and peach. The body gains cinnamon, nutmeg and peanut. The finish gains more chilli.

A decent dram that's not too spicy in effect, but has more spice flavours than I'd like. A joyous nose though - if I hadn't added water, I'd be very happy.

One for spring picnics.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I'd have another dram.