16 years old, distilled 22nd August 2006, 59.7% abv, First Fill Ex-Oloroso Hogshead, 289 bottles, dram price E

The nose has marmalade, brioche buns, and a hint of sultanas. The mouthfeel is thin and coating. The body has marmalade, raisins, sultanas, brioche buns, and a hint of vinegar. The finish has raisins, sultanas and vinegar.

Water brings out thick whorling that dissipates almost immediately. The nose gains raisins. The body gains hickory smoke and barbecue sauce. The finish gains barbecue sauce.

Tell me you’re a sherried whisky without using any sherry notes... This is a sherry beast, but not in the usual form. And all the better for it.

One for autumn evenings.

Technical score: 4.5/5
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.