10 years old, distilled 26th March 2008, 61.7% abv, First-Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel, 204 bottles, dram price A

The nose has a smorgasbord - vanilla, banana, apples, mango, herbal notes, and hints of pot pourri. The mouthfeel is thin, with no cling. The body has heavier notes - leather and oak, with more of the herbal hints from the nose. The finish goes back towards the fruit of the nose - mango and apples underpinned by fresh oak and vanilla.

Water brings out thin, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more fruit - apricot and peach - and loses the floral hints and much of the vanilla. The body gains apricot, and loses the leather. The finish gains more vanilla and spicy hints - cinnamon and paprika.

A smorgasbord. Almost ruined by the slight spice, the decent integration is what saves this dram.

One for spring mornings.

Technical score: 3.5/5

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!