22 years old, distilled 15th August 1997, 60.2% abv, Second Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 192 bottles, dram price E

The nose has mango, apple, pear, peach and hints of walnut furniture. The mouthfeel is decent with a little cling. The body has mango, peach, pineapple, apricot, then popcorn and hints of violets. The finish has mango, peach, pineapple juice and a little violet.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into brief mottling. The nose gains dustiness - walnut or almond shavings? - and loses some of the fruitiness. The body gains nutmeg and praline, with a little heat but not much. The finish gains nutmeg, allspice and a little heat.

A rather elegant dram, which I felt went a little too spicy with water.

One for autumn evenings.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I’d like a bottle.

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.