14 years old, distilled 5th November 2003, 56.1% abv, New Oak Hogshead, 258 bottles, dram price C

The nose has blood oranges, demerara sugar and old mahogany furniture. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has blood oranges, maple syrup, gingerbread, caramel, and a hint of tobacco leaves. The finish has gingerbread and tobacco leaves.

Water brings out thin, compact whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains orange fondant, honey and gingerbread, and loses the mahogany furniture. The body gains caramelised onion, honey and more ginger and loses the blood oranges. The finish gains more gingerbread.

A wonderful whisky that sits on the edge of being over-oaked. I almost thought it was sherry-casked at first, but the spiciness from the new oak became obvious at the finish, and it holds it together nicely.

One for spring evenings.

Technical score: 4/5

Personal preference: I’d have another dram.